Punjab Authorities Lift Blackout Orders Following India-Pakistan Ceasefire Agreement
Ceasefire Leads to Withdrawal of Blackout Orders
Chandigarh: In a significant development, Punjab officials have rescinded the blackout orders that were set to take effect Saturday evening, following an agreement for an immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
District administrations in Sangrur, Rupnagar, and Fazilka have officially lifted the blackout restrictions, while similar actions were taken in Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Patiala.
Previously, several districts had planned to implement a blackout due to escalating tensions between the two nations.
An official confirmed that the blackout order in Sangrur, which was scheduled from 8 PM to 6 AM, has been revoked.
Patiala's Deputy Commissioner, Preeti Yadav, expressed gratitude, stating, “All restrictive orders are hereby withdrawn. Thank you for your support.”
Jalandhar's Deputy Commissioner, Himanshu Aggarwal, echoed this sentiment, announcing, “All restrictive orders are immediately withdrawn within the district. Things may resume as normal. Thanks for all your support.”
Hoshiarpur's DC, Aashika Jain, also confirmed, “All restriction orders stand suspended. Normalcy restored. Thanks for all your cooperation, support, and efforts in challenging times.”
Earlier that day, officials in Jalandhar, Pathankot, and Kapurthala had recommended the closure of markets and commercial venues, advising residents to avoid large gatherings.
On Friday, the Mohali district administration had mandated the closure of cinema halls and shopping malls from sunset until sunrise until further notice.
The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) from both India and Pakistan have agreed to halt all military actions across land, air, and sea starting from 5 PM Saturday, as announced by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Delhi.
This announcement followed US President Donald Trump's statement that India and Pakistan had consented to a 'full and immediate' ceasefire after US-mediated discussions.
The ceasefire was established just hours after both nations' militaries engaged in attacks on each other's facilities, heightening the already tense situation.