Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has clarified that no proposal for a “smart lockdown” was discussed during the meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, nor is there any plan to shut down Islamabad.
He said the meeting focused on matters related to petroleum products. The meeting also decided to provide targeted subsidies to three-wheelers and vehicles with engines up to 800cc for a period of three months.
Speaking to the media, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that the issue of a “smart lockdown” was not discussed during the meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and that he was not aware of any such proposal. He said the meeting, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, included a detailed discussion on petroleum products.
According to the Federal Minister, targeted subsidies are being provided for three-wheelers and vehicles with engines up to 800cc for a period of three months. Public representatives have been tasked with raising awareness among the public about this relief measure.
Earlier, a private media outlet, citing sources, reported that the government was considering a proposal to introduce a four-day working week and a three-day weekend in an effort to reduce petroleum consumption and cut government expenditure. The report suggested that the proposal could apply to offices and educational institutions in both the public and private sectors. Sources further claimed that authorities had directed all relevant departments to prepare a new schedule and formulate standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Under the proposed system, according to the report, some employees would attend their offices in person, while others would be given the option to work from home. However, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry clarified that no proposal regarding a smart lockdown was discussed during the meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
Addressing the possibility of protests and political activities in Islamabad, the Federal Minister asserted that the capital would not be shut down. He said there was talk of three separate marches taking place in September, adding that, in his view, the march organised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tends to be the most violent and chaotic.
Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that, in accordance with a recent Islamabad High Court ruling, the administration had been directed to ensure the unhindered movement of citizens and prevent leaders of any political party from occupying public spaces. He said the administration was simply performing its duty, adding that those who repeatedly march on Islamabad while describing their actions as “peaceful marches,” despite engaging in violent protests, should reflect on their conduct.
Regarding political protests, the Federal Minister questioned whether the protesters genuinely believed that their arrival in Islamabad would bring about systemic change. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Senator Musadik Malik said there has been no discussion so far about moving towards a smart lockdown.