ISLAMABAD: The federal government is once again considering a proposal to impose a smart lockdown by restricting non-essential movement on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to reduce fuel consumption amid rising petroleum prices, sources said.
Under the proposal, official and business activities would continue as usual on the remaining four days of the week. Different options are being examined to limit unnecessary travel during the three-day period and assess its possible impact on government operations, businesses and the public.
The proposals will be reviewed in detail before a report is submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a final decision. Ministries and other relevant institutions will also be consulted before any restrictions are introduced.
The proposed measures are aimed at conserving fuel, reducing unnecessary travel and cutting energy consumption amid the worsening global situation linked to the US-Iran conflict.
The consideration comes as petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply in recent weeks. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said on Monday that the government was reviewing austerity measures introduced in March to determine which steps should be revived under the current circumstances. Some measures, including reduced market timings, are still in force.
In March, the government had introduced a four-day working week for most offices from Monday to Thursday, work-from-home arrangements for a significant number of employees, temporary school closures, a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles and the grounding of a large portion of the official fleet.
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A proposal for a nationwide smart lockdown was also discussed at the time but was later set aside following concerns raised by the provinces.
Separately, the Economic Coordination Committee on Monday approved a Rs75 billion targeted fuel relief package for owners of motorcycles, rickshaws, three-wheelers and cars with engines of up to 800cc to provide relief to lower-income consumers.
