The federal government of Pakistan has not announced a nationwide smart lockdown, despite ongoing discussions about energy conservation measures. Reports suggesting a complete lockdown on weekends have been refuted by the country’s information ministry.

Currently, no official notification regarding lockdowns or restrictions on energy use has been issued. However, the government is contemplating a two-day smart lockdown each week, aimed at reducing energy consumption amid rising global fuel prices.

The proposed lockdown would restrict activities from Saturday noon until midnight on Sunday, suspending commercial activities, including wedding events. This measure is part of broader austerity efforts to conserve fuel, as Pakistan faces significant increases in petrol and diesel prices, which have risen by 55 rupees per liter.

In conjunction with these measures, the government has allocated 27 billion rupees (approximately 97 million dollars) for the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority to manage the situation effectively. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has urged citizens to be responsible and trust only authentic sources, emphasizing that misinformation can lead to misunderstanding in society.

A formal notification regarding the proposed lockdown is expected once consensus is reached with the provinces. If approved, the smart lockdown could be implemented starting April 4. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the final decision on this two-day smart lockdown.