LAHORE:
The federal government has finalized a comprehensive plan to impose a nationwide “smart lockdown” along with extended austerity measures aimed at curbing energy consumption and dealing with the deepening fuel crisis triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East, sources said on Saturday.
An official announcement is expected after consultations with key stakeholders.
The proposed plan combines targeted restrictions on public activity with structural changes to workplace operations as authorities try to maintain economic activity while sharply reducing fuel and electricity demand.
According to the plan, markets and malls will close at 9:30 p.m., while wedding halls will be limited to a maximum of 200 guests with a one-course policy and a closing time of 10 p.m. The restrictions aim to limit large gatherings and reduce energy consumption at night.
A hybrid working model is also central to the proposal. Government offices operating five days a week would adopt a three-day in-office and two-day remote schedule, while service departments working six days would follow a four-day office and two-day online model.
To further reduce commuting and operational costs, a 50% rota system is expected to be enforced along with digital monitoring of attendance and weekly audit mechanisms to ensure compliance. Similar measures are being considered for private offices, where up to 50% remote work may be mandated.
Strict restrictions on the use of official vehicles have also been proposed, including penalties such as fuel recovery and possible confiscation of vehicles for violations. The authorities are also considering joint transport arrangements for senior officials to minimize fuel consumption.
Energy conservation remains one of the main pillars of the plan. Measures under review include a ban on the use of air conditioning before 10.30am in government offices and a target to move at least 50% of public buildings to solar energy within 60 days.
Broader fiscal adjustments are also being explored, including reductions in electricity and fuel allowances for employees, possible changes in taxation of property and vehicle transactions, an increase in tolls and incentives such as lower rail fares to encourage the use of mass transit.
The move comes as Pakistan grapples with mounting economic pressure from global energy markets.
International crude oil prices have risen above 100 dollars per barrel. barrel amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, significantly increasing the import burden on energy-dependent economies. Earlier this month, the government hiked petrol and high-speed diesel prices, pushing petrol to over Rs321 per liter and diesel to over Rs335 per litre.
Officials say Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported fuel has made it particularly vulnerable to external shocks, with rising oil prices expected to strain foreign reserves and widen the current account deficit.
