Govt Clarifies Position Amid Reports of Smart Lockdown

The federal government has clarified that no nationwide smart lockdown has been announced, rejecting reports suggesting restrictions on markets, offices, or public buildings.

Top officials confirmed that no official directives have been issued regarding lockdowns, energy usage curbs, or mandatory remote work policies, calling the circulating reports misleading.

Government offices will not adopt hybrid work through digital attendance systems, and private sector workplaces will not face any government-mandated remote work policies, officials confirmed.

Officials urged citizens to rely solely on verified government sources for updates, emphasizing that the federal government has not declared any smart lockdown.

حکومت نے لاک ڈاؤن کے حوالے سے نوٹیفکیشن جعلی قرار دے دیا pic.twitter.com/DYl0ivg9sU

— Saqib Bashir (@saqibbashir156) March 29, 2026

Earlier this week, reports suggested the federal government planned a nationwide “smart lockdown” with stricter austerity measures to reduce energy use and address the worsening fuel crisis.

It is pertinent to mention that international crude oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, raising the import burden for energy-dependent economies.

Earlier this month, the government increased petrol and high-speed diesel prices, pushing petrol beyond Rs321 per litre and diesel above Rs335 per litre, affecting transportation and industrial costs.

Officials say the heavy dependence on imported fuel of Pakistan makes it highly vulnerable to external shocks, as rising oil prices are expected to pressure foreign exchange reserves and widen deficits.

NewsPunjab to Install Water Meters in 41 Cities Under Rs. 5 Billion PlanBy Sabica Tahira|18 hours ago|2 min readThe Punjab government has launched a province-wide initiative to install water meters across 41 cities in a bid to improve water management and ensure fair.

NewsPakistan to Upgrade Power Grid With NGC From July 2026By Sabica Tahira|20 hours ago|2 min readNational Grid Company of Pakistan Limited is set to launch a new operating model from July 1, 2026, marking a major transformation aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and reliability.

NewsU.S. Expands Social Media Screening for More Visa ApplicantsBy Sabica Tahira|21 hours ago|1 min readThe United States will expand social media checks for visa applicants starting March 30, 2026, requiring many applicants to make their accounts accessible for review by consular officers..

NewsCroatia Updates Work Visa Rules for Foreign Workers in 2026By Sabica Tahira|22 hours ago|1 min readCroatia is set to update its work visa system in 2026, introducing reforms aimed at making it easier for foreign workers to stay longer, change employers,.