Pakistan is going to walk the path of lockdown again! The new program was announced amid renewed tensions in the Middle East and unrest in the Red Sea. This 'Smart Lockdown' is aimed at saving energy and controlling unnecessary expenses. The measures include a total ban on the purchase of government vehicles, a 50 per cent cut in fuel allocation for government vehicles and a one-item rule for food at weddings. Earlier, Islamabad took a similar step in March, immediately after the start of the US-Iran war.
A notification in this regard has been issued by the Pakistan administration on Thursday. It is learned that in addition to the previously mentioned directive, a three-month restriction has been imposed on the foreign travel of federal employees, but some special exemptions have also been kept in this regard. In cases where foreign travel is essential, Ministers, Advisors and Officials shall travel in 'Economy Class'. The closing time of various commercial establishments has also been brought forward. Shops, markets, shopping malls, department stores and grocery stores have been ordered to close by 9 pm. Meanwhile, wedding halls, pandals and other commercial venues hosting events must close by 10 pm. On the other hand, restaurants, cafes and eateries have been ordered to close by 11 pm. However, take away and home delivery services are exempt from this time limit.
The new program was announced amid renewed tensions in the Middle East and unrest in the Red Sea. This 'Smart Lockdown' is aimed at saving energy and controlling unnecessary expenses.
However, several essential services are excluded from this restriction. These include pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, fuel and CNG stations, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, gyms, sports centres, IT companies and call centres.
The same picture was seen last March. At the time, Islamabad took steps to save energy and cut government spending, including closing schools for two weeks, limiting fuel consumption by government officials and making employees 'work from home'. Let's see how long this ban will last.