Tariq Fazal Chaudhry rejects reports of smart lockdown amid rising fuel prices

Says smart lockdown was neither discussed in meeting chaired by deputy prime minister nor is it within my knowledge

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Tuesday rejected reports that the government was considering imposing a smart lockdown in the country amid rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

“Smart lockdown was neither discussed in the meeting chaired by the deputy prime minister nor is it within my knowledge. The meeting chaired by the deputy prime minister was regarding petroleum products,” Chaudhry told reporters in Islamabad.

His remarks came after reports emerged that the government was considering imposing a smart lockdown to cope with a worsening petroleum situation. Rising tensions in the Middle East have pushed global oil prices higher, while attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure have raised concerns over global fuel supplies. Saudi Arabia also shut down its East-West oil pipeline after the vital conduit came under aerial attack.

Chaudhry said the government was providing targeted subsidies for three-wheelers and vehicles up to 800cc for three months. He added that public representatives were being assigned responsibilities to guide people about the scheme.

Commenting on political protests, the minister criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying the party’s marches had often resulted in violence and disruption.

He said the Islamabad High Court’s recent decision directed the administration to ensure that citizens’ movement remained uninterrupted.

“Public places cannot be allowed to be occupied by leaders of any political party,” he said.

Chaudhry said Islamabad would not be shut down and assured that authorities would ensure the smooth movement of citizens.

He said the administration was performing its duty and those repeatedly attempting to move towards Islamabad should reconsider their approach.

Responding to PTI’s demands, he said, “If they think they are coming to change the system, will the system change because of their arrival?”

“Will the prime minister resign just because they ring the bell at the prime minister’s door and ask him to step down?” he added.

The minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly invited opposition parties for dialogue.

Referring to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s visit to Lahore, he criticised the conduct of political leaders.

“The scenes witnessed in Lahore yesterday reflect political immaturity; nothing could be more disrespectful to a public office,” he said.

“You are the chief minister of a province. Sometimes you sit on a vehicle and sometimes on a footpath. Every chief minister is respected by us; you should respect the dignity of your office,” Chaudhry added.