Amid the global oil crisis, the Pakistani government is reporting planning to opt for a "smart lockdown" to deal with the situation. According to a report in Dawn,
the Pakistan government is seriously considering this option "as part of unprecedented austerity measures," the report said. The government has already prepared a plan to implement a smart lockdown, however, the consent of provincial governments is yet to be secured. This comes amid several claims on social media that Pakistan may soon go into a full lockdown on weekends. Notably, the Ministry of Information on Sunday had refuted these claims as fake. Iran Israel War Live Updates According to the Pakistani news outlet, citing sources, President Asif Ali Zardari chaired an important meeting on Monday at 4 pm. The proposal was reportedly discussed with provincial leaders and other key officials. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Asim Munir, and all chief ministers were also expected to be part of that meeting. Officials said the plan is still under discussion and will be reviewed in detail during this meeting. A draft of the proposal has also been circulating on social media, but authorities have clarified that it is not final yet. If approved, this will be Pakistan’s second “smart lockdown,” similar to the one imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020–21. As per the draft plan:
- A lockdown may be imposed every Saturday and Sunday starting April 4 or 5
- All businesses, markets, industries, and services will remain closed on these days
- Public gatherings like weddings will not be allowed
However, essential services such as:
- Hospitals
- Pharmacies
- Airports
- Seaports
- Railway stations
will continue to operate.
Highways and motorways may be closed for most vehicles, but public transport buses will be allowed.
The plan also asks state officials to speed up the registration of two- and three-wheelers so that targeted subsidies can be provided.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to meet President Zardari to discuss the proposal further before a final decision is taken.
