With no takers, smart lockdown proposal scrapped

Fuel supply stays steady, reserves adequate Coordinated strategy to tackle economic pressures President, PM to p

ISLAMABAD:

A high-level consultative session at the Aiwan-e-Sadr decided on Monday not to impose a nationwide smart lockdown, following global fuel supply disruptions caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Monday saw a series of high-level meetings outlining the federal government's comprehensive strategies to protect citizens from rising economic pressures, ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, and address regional security concerns amid growing global uncertainty.

One such meeting was chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari and attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, key federal ministers, all four provincial chief ministers, and the leadership of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and others.

The meeting focused on the national economy, energy security, and the shifting regional situation, with participants reviewing current challenges and formulating coordinated responses. Sources indicated that proposal for a nationwide smart lockdown was also discussed.

The sources further said that provincial administrations objected to the proposal, after which the federal government decided not to implement such restrictions. They added that the president directed authorities to accelerate measures to provide relief to the public.

According to a handout from the President's office, the meeting was briefed on rising energy prices, pressure on oil and gas supplies, and ongoing regional developments. Zardari emphasised that no economically vulnerable segment would be left unsupported during difficult times.

The provinces reported active measures to control inflation, secure essential commodities, and minimise hardships for citizens. Participants agreed that a nationally coordinated strategy would ensure greater effectiveness and institutional alignment across government departments.

Earlier, the president held a separate meeting with the prime minister, attended by the National Security Adviser (NSA) and key ministers. They stressed the need to manage domestic economic pressures while pursuing diplomatic efforts to maintain regional stability.

President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held detailed discussions on the country's political, security, and economic situation, agreeing on a comprehensive, coordinated approach to address ongoing challenges, according to an official handout.

The participants were informed that despite global and regional pressures, Pakistan's fuel supply has remained uninterrupted, reserves are adequate, and preparations for potential contingencies are under way.

Zardari emphasised that all possible measures should be taken to reduce the impact of rising prices on essential goods and services while maximising relief for citizens. He also called for public awareness campaigns promoting fuel conservation and increased use of public transport.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a session to assess petroleum availability, domestic reserves, and public relief initiatives. Officials confirmed that timely government interventions had prevented any disruption in fuel supply despite volatility triggered by the Gulf crisis.

Detailed briefings covered conservation measures, future planning, and current stock levels, with authorities confirming adequate reserves to meet both immediate and future national requirements.

Coordination with provincial governments to expedite ownership registration for motorcycles and rickshaws was also highlighted, enabling a broader segment of transport users to benefit from targeted relief programmes.

The prime minister underlined the importance of austerity under his 'Savings and Simplicity' campaign, citing expenditure cuts, reductions in the development budget, and grounding 60% of official vehicles as steps to reallocate savings toward public welfare.

Proposals to increase fuel prices had been repeatedly rejected, with the resulting savings redirected toward cushioning the impact of global energy costs on ordinary citizens, the participants were informed.

An audit report from the Intelligence Bureau confirmed compliance with austerity and fuel-saving measures, and officials stated that strict implementation was being maintained across relevant departments.

Officials also informed the meeting that levies on high-octane fuel for luxury vehicles had been increased, but jet fuel prices remained unchanged to avoid additional pressure on aviation and critical sectors. Sufficient stocks of essential medicines were also confirmed.

On the diplomatic front, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefed participants on Pakistan's active international engagement, including recent contacts with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, and updated them on his upcoming visit to Beijing.

Following the meetings, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi reiterated that no decision had been taken to impose a smart lockdown due to differing views among the provinces. He stressed Pakistan's role in promoting peace, noting that the Muslim world looks to the country during crises, and affirmed that Pakistan would not participate in any war.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)