Pakistan Mulls Early Market Closures, Smart Lockdown Amid Energy Crisis Fears
IslamabadAs tensions in the Middle East cast a shadow over global energy supplies, Pakistan’s federal government is seriously considering early closure of markets and a nationwide “smart lockdown” as preemptive measures to manage a potential energy crisis.Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik disclosed in a private television programme that a high-level meeting, chaired by…
Islamabad
As tensions in the Middle East cast a shadow over global energy supplies, Pakistan’s federal government is seriously considering early closure of markets and a nationwide “smart lockdown” as preemptive measures to manage a potential energy crisis.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik disclosed in a private television programme that a high-level meeting, chaired by the President of Pakistan, was convened with the participation of all four provincial chief ministers. The session focused on austerity measures to curtail energy consumption in the face of growing external pressures.
According to the minister, a formal proposal was tabled to shut markets earlier than their usual closing times. Under the plan, wedding halls and restaurants would be permitted to operate until 10 p.m., after which they would be required to close.
The meeting also deliberated on the imposition of a smart lockdown across the country — a targeted, sector-specific measure aimed at reducing energy demand without bringing economic activity to a complete halt.
The backdrop to these deliberations is the escalating standoff between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of Pakistan’s energy imports pass. Any disruption to the waterway could severely impact fuel availability and prices in the country.
Government sources indicated that a final decision on the proposed measures would be taken following further inter-provincial consultations.
