No smart lockdown; government opts for coordinated strategy

The participants emphasized the need for a coordinated national strategy, institutional collaboratio

By Arshad On Mar 30, 2026

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – In an important consultative meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari, the government decided not to implement a smart lockdown across the country, following opposition from the provincial leadership.

The meeting, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, National Security Advisor Lieutenant General Asim Malik, and other federal and provincial officials, focused on the national security, economic, and energy situation amid regional developments.

The Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan opposed a nationwide smart lockdown as a measure for energy conservation, prompting the government to drop the plan.

The participants emphasized the need for a coordinated national strategy, institutional collaboration, and public awareness campaigns to reduce fuel consumption, promote public transport, and encourage shared travel.

Briefings during the meeting highlighted the government’s austerity measures, including cutting the development budget, reducing expenditure, and stopping the use of 60 percent of government vehicles

. The leadership stressed that the economically weaker segments of society will be supported, particularly in controlling inflation and ensuring the supply of essential commodities and basic services.

The meeting also reviewed regional developments and their potential impact on Pakistan’s security, economy, and food supply. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar briefed the participants on ongoing diplomatic efforts, including contacts with leaders of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and upcoming discussions in Beijing.

Officials confirmed that despite global energy pressures, there has been no disruption in fuel supply, and reserves remain adequate to meet the country’s needs.

Other attendees included leaders from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as well as federal ministers responsible for planning, petroleum, economic affairs, and law. The government reaffirmed its commitment to easing the burden of inflation on citizens and maintaining stability amid regional and domestic challenges.