Govt calls notification on ‘complete weekend lockdown’ in country fake amid fuel crisis | The Express Tribune

Ministry of Information on Sunday rejected a widely circulated notification claiming a complete lockdown across the country on weekends, termed it as fake.

In a post on its official fact-checker account on X, the ministry shared the viral notification stamped with the word “fake” to counter misinformation spreading on social media.

“Avoid sharing fake news and false posts. Be a responsible citizen and only trust verified sources,” the ministry said.

The undated document falsely attributed directives to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, claiming the measures were being imposed in view of a “continuing Gulf oil crisis”.

According to the fabricated notification, authorities had ordered a “complete and comprehensive lockdown throughout the country” on every Saturday and Sunday starting from April 5.

“The lockdown shall take effect every Saturday from 12:01am and continue till 11:59pm every Sunday,” the fake order read.

Read More: Govt to absorb Rs49/litre oil price surge

To curb energy consumption and manage the deepening fuel crisis, the federal government was considering finalising a comprehensive plan to impose a nationwide “smart lockdown” alongside expanded austerity measures. However, no official announcement was made and no notification was issued.

Under the proposed plan, markets and shopping malls would close at 9:30 pm, while wedding halls would be limited to a maximum of 200 guests, with a one-dish policy and a closing time of 10 pm. The restrictions were aimed at curbing large gatherings and reducing nighttime energy usage.

To further reduce commuting and operational costs, a 50% rota system was expected to be introduced, alongside digital monitoring of attendance and weekly audit mechanisms to ensure compliance. Similar measures were under consideration for private offices, where up to 50% remote working might be mandated.

Energy conservation remained a key pillar of the plan. Measures under review include a ban on the use of air conditioners before 10:30 am in government offices and a target to shift at least 50% of public sector buildings to solar energy within 60 days.

Also Read: Govt mulls smart lockdown

Earlier this month, PM Shehbaz had announced wide-ranging austerity measures in light of the fuel crunch caused by the Middle East crisis following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran.

The measures included a four-day work week, a work-from-home policy, and a 50% reduction in fuel allocated to government vehicles. Members of the cabinet, including ministers, advisers and special assistants, were not to draw salaries for two months, while the salaries of members of parliament were reduced by 25%. Expenditures of all government departments, apart from salaries, were also reduced by 20%.