Hafeez Centre is Lahore's best-known market for mobile phones, laptops and computer accessories, on Main Boulevard in Gulberg III. It is a multi-storey building of small shops, with new and used devices, accessories and repair counters. Most shops are open from late morning to evening, Monday to Saturday, and many close on Sunday.
Prices are negotiable, and so are quality claims. This guide covers timings, what to buy, how to check a phone before you pay, and how to bargain without getting caught out.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Address | Main Boulevard, Gulberg III, Block E1, Lahore |
| Typical hours | Roughly 10 or 11 am to 8 or 9 pm, sources differ |
| Weekly off day | Sunday for most shops |
| Best time | Weekday afternoons |
| Payment | Mostly cash |
| Bargaining | Expected |
Timings and the weekly off day
Sources disagree by an hour or two on opening and closing: some give 10 am to 8 pm, others 11 am to 9 pm. Most agree that the main computer and laptop shops are closed on Sunday, although some small accessory stalls may open. Individual shops set their own hours, so if you are buying something specific, call the shop first. Do not plan a Sunday trip.
Weekday afternoons are the calmest. Traffic on Main Boulevard builds up in the evening.
What is sold
The centre sells new and used mobile phones, laptops, desktops, tablets, accessories, gaming equipment and spare parts, and it has repair services. Travel sites report several hundred shops. Mobile shops are mostly on the ground floor, laptop dealers on the third floor, and computer repair and parts in the lower ground area.
Floor arrangements shift, so ask at the entrance rather than trusting a list.
How to check a phone before you buy
Phone theft is a live issue in Lahore. In a directive reported on 22 September 2026, the city police chief ordered a crackdown on phone snatching and on people who alter IMEI numbers to disguise stolen handsets. That is a reason for caution when buying used devices.
- Dial *#06# on the phone to see its 15-digit IMEI, and match it against the box and the invoice.
- Check it with the PTA. You can send the IMEI as an SMS to 8484, or use the PTA's device verification site at dvs.pta.gov.pk. The reply says whether the device is registered.
- Confirm the phone is registered, not just switched on. An unregistered phone can be blocked from mobile networks.
- Test the phone in the shop: camera, speakers, microphone, charging, fingerprint sensor and touchscreen.
- Get a receipt with the shop name, model and IMEI, and ask about warranty in writing.
Reviewers warn that a used item can be sold in new-looking packaging, so treat sealed boxes and "new" claims with care. Buy a used handset only if you are willing to walk away.
Bargaining
Expect to negotiate on almost everything. Compare prices at three shops before you decide, and start below the asking price. Sources suggest opening around 10 per cent lower on electronics, and paying cash may get a small discount. Do not treat those as rules, since margins on new phones can be thin.
Do not show interest in one shop before you have looked at others. Be ready to walk out, and be wary of any price that is far below the rest, because that usually means a used, refurbished or unregistered device.
Cash and safety
Most shops take cash. A tripadvisor reviewer advises against carrying a lot of it, so withdraw a sensible amount, split it, and keep it inside your clothing. Keep a phone you have just bought out of sight when you leave, given the snatching reports. Use a booked ride for the return.
How to get there
The centre is near Liberty Market and MM Alam Road in Gulberg. Search for "Hafeez Centre Gulberg Lahore" in a ride-hailing app, and ask to be dropped at the entrance. Paid parking is available nearby but fills at busy hours. Our page on how to get around Lahore compares the options.
Is it worth visiting as a tourist?
Only if you need electronics. Hafeez Centre is a working market, not a sight. Visitors who want a market experience will get more from Anarkali Bazaar or our list of the best shopping places in Lahore. For other things to do, see the experiences page.
Frequently asked questions
What are Hafeez Centre's timings?
Roughly 10 or 11 am to 8 or 9 pm, Monday to Saturday. Sources differ, so confirm with the shop you are visiting.
Is Hafeez Centre closed on Sunday?
Most shops are closed on Sunday, although a few accessory stalls may open.
Can I bargain at Hafeez Centre?
Yes. Bargaining is normal, so compare prices at several shops first.
How do I check whether a phone is PTA approved?
Dial *#06# for the IMEI, then SMS it to 8484 or use the PTA verification site.
Is Hafeez Centre good for laptops?
It has many laptop dealers, mostly on the third floor, selling new and used models. Test each one and get a receipt.
