Smart lockdown under consideration in Sindh amid prolonged Mideast crisis: Local govt minister

Nasir Hussain Shah advises citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to help reduce fuel consumption

Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah on Tuesday said the provincial government was considering enforcing a smart lockdown if the ongoing regional situation prolonged and began to impact the energy sector.

The Sindh government, earlier this month, had announced several austerity measures, including closing schools across the province from March 16 to 31, introducing work-from-home for government employees on Fridays, and suspending all government-funded refreshments in public offices for the next two months.

“We need to save fuel, so the smart lockdown option is on the table. Government meetings are being convened daily to review decisions on curtailing expenses,” Shah said while speaking to the media in Sukkur.

Shah further said that the Sindh government had reduced its fuel consumption by 60%, and a large number of government vehicles had been parked. He said Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon were holding daily meetings to review the situation and take decisions accordingly.

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Shah said the circumstances were “extraordinary” and warned that a prolonged conflict could have serious consequences for all countries. “You are aware that when petrol prices increase, everyone is affected,” he said, urging the media to highlight the importance of conserving fuel.

He advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to help reduce fuel consumption. “The media should also emphasise that people should not leave their homes unnecessarily, as we need to conserve fuel,” he added.

He further stated that India was facing a severe gas crisis. “Major hotels there have been shut down. If this conflict prolongs and similar issues arise, we may also face such difficulties,” he said.

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Responding to a question about the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Shah said the party’s statements were not taken seriously. "Sometimes they talk about a separate province, and sometimes about handing Karachi over to the federation,” he said.

He further said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was actively working in Karachi, with Mayor Murtaza Wahab leading development efforts. “The PPP is working in Karachi, and Bilawal Bhutto has given special instructions to improve the city. Projects worth billions of rupees are underway,” he said.

Shah added that MQM-P appeared “upset over certain issues,” including matters related to the governor.