Lahore, April 24 -- Pakistan's retail industry has reportedly taken a massive financial hit, losing around Rs 200 billion in economic activity within a fortnight of enforcing early market closures. Industry leaders warn that the measure is disproportionately damaging formal businesses while offering limited relief on energy savings, as reported by The Express Tribune.

According to The Express Tribune, the Chainstore Association of Pakistan (CAP) has called on both federal and provincial governments to reconsider the nationwide directive mandating markets to close by 8 pm. In its appeal, CAP argued that the decision is particularly harmful to organised, tax-paying retailers such as malls and chain outlets that bear fixed operational costs...