SUKKUR: Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah has said the government is considering a smart lockdown in the province to save fuel as the Middle East crisis continues to affect global oil supply.
Speaking to reporters in Sukkur, he said the situation is serious and may become more difficult if the war continues. “The present circumstances are not normal. If the war drags on, everyone will face difficulties,” he added.
The minister said the Sindh government has already reduced petrol use for official vehicles by 60% to ease pressure on resources. He added that daily meetings are being held to review the situation and take timely decisions.
A smart lockdown means limited restrictions in selected areas instead of a complete shutdown of cities. Under this system, movement is controlled in specific neighbourhoods or streets.
In such areas, no more than four people can gather at a time, and only one person from each household is allowed to go out after giving a reason to authorities.
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Public events, social gatherings and celebrations are banned in these areas, and affected neighbourhoods can be sealed if needed.
Earlier, the Sindh government also announced several austerity measures to reduce fuel use and cut expenses due to rising oil prices linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Under these measures:
- Schools will remain closed from March 16 to March 31, while exams will continue as scheduled
- Government offices will observe work-from-home on Fridays
- Fuel use of government vehicles will be reduced by 50% for two months
- 60% of official vehicles will remain off the road for two months
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- Provincial ministers will not take salaries and allowances for April, May and June
- All official travel will be done in economy class
- Purchase of new vehicles and furniture has been banned
- The chief minister’s official aircraft will remain grounded
- Government events will not be held in hotels and will be limited to official buildings
- Official iftar dinners and other government gatherings have been banned
The government says these steps aim to save fuel and manage resources during the ongoing crisis.
