High-level meeting called to finalise weekly one-day lockdown to save fuel

The federal government is set to hold a high-level meeting on Wednesday to finalise a proposal for imposing a one-day nationwide lockdown each week, aimed at conserving fuel amid the Middle East war, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Tuesday.

According to sources, the proposal draws on measures adopted during the coronavirus pandemic, with authorities considering a complete shutdown of activities for at least one day a week to reduce fuel consumption.

The TV channel reported that the one-day lockdown plan is part of a broader strategy to manage the country’s energy resources more efficiently in the wake of ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz closure.

The sources said that the meeting will also deliberate on restricting commercial activity hours across the country as an additional step to curb fuel usage.

The proposals have already been discussed with political stakeholders, including the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Sindh government, to build consensus on possible implementation.

Sources revealed that federal ministers have briefed provincial authorities on the anticipated challenges related to fuel prices and supply in the coming days, as well as the broader economic pressures facing the country.

The Sindh government is also reviewing similar measures, including limiting operating hours of commercial centres.

Discussions between federal and provincial leaders have also covered national financial challenges and the distribution of resources, with a particular focus on addressing the emerging fuel crisis through coordinated policy decisions.

A key meeting was held a day earlier at Bhutto House, where Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik met with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to discuss the evolving situation.

Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari chaired a high-level meeting in which he directed the government to prioritise public relief and minimise the burden of rising petroleum prices on citizens.

The meeting reviewed the overall law and order situation, the country’s economic outlook, and key developments in the energy sector.

During the session, the interior minister briefed participants on ongoing counterterrorism efforts and border security while also outlining regional security challenges, including tensions involving neighbouring countries.

The finance and petroleum ministers presented updates on economic indicators, the energy sector, and measures being considered to manage fuel prices.

President Zardari emphasised that economic policies must remain focused on providing relief to the public, urging authorities to ensure that increasing fuel costs do not disproportionately affect ordinary citizens.

The upcoming meeting is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the government’s response to the growing energy and economic challenges.

Reporter: Aajiz Jamali