Blackout orders, restrictions withdrawn in Punjab after Indo-Pak ceasefire

The breakthrough came just hours after both militaries exchanged strikes, dramatically escalating the standoff.

Authorities in Punjab withdrew orders enforcing blackout restrictions on Saturday evening after India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire.

District administrations in Sangrur, Rupnagar, and Fazilka revoked their blackout orders, while officials in Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Patiala also cancelled similar restrictions. Earlier in the day, several districts had issued blackout directives in response to rising tensions between the two countries.

The blackout in Sangrur, which was scheduled from 8 PM to 6 AM, was officially cancelled. “All restrictive orders are hereby withdrawn. Thank you for your support,” said Patiala Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav.

A similar statement was issued by Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal, who said: “All restrictive orders are immediately withdrawn within the district. Things may resume as normal. Thanks for all your support.”

Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain also confirmed the lifting of restrictions: “All restriction orders stand suspended. Normalcy restored. Thanks for all your cooperation, support, and efforts in challenging times.”

Earlier, authorities in Jalandhar, Pathankot, and Kapurthala had advised closure of markets and commercial establishments and urged citizens to avoid large gatherings. On Friday, the Mohali district administration had ordered the closure of cinema halls and shopping malls from sunset to sunrise until further notice.

The move to lift restrictions followed the announcement by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan had agreed to stop all firing and military actions on land, air, and sea with effect from 5 PM on Saturday.

The brief but significant announcement by Misri came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump said that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire following U.S.-mediated talks. The breakthrough came just hours after both militaries exchanged strikes, dramatically escalating the standoff.