Federal Cabinet Considers Smart Lockdown
Sanaullah Nagra (@) published September 15, 2026 | 10:42 PM
Pakistan is facing a challenging situation with the IMF program, rising dollar rates, and higher international petroleum prices. In response, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator, Ikhtiyar Wali, has revealed that the federal cabinet is considering implementing a smart lockdown.
Wali stated that this measure aims to reduce petrol and diesel consumption and government expenditure by limiting operations to four days per week, with educational institutions and offices operating on alternating schedules. Additionally, he mentioned that other decisions are being drafted to alleviate public burdens.
However, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary contradicted these reports, claiming that the smart lockdown proposal was never discussed at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. He emphasized that Islamabad will not be shut down and that targeted subsidies are being provided for three-wheelers and 800cc vehicles.
Earlier media reports suggested a potential four-working-days-a-week schedule for offices and schools, with some employees working from home. These reports highlighted the government’s efforts to reduce petroleum product prices and national expenditure through innovative measures.
