President Zardari to chair high-level meeting on energy, smart lockdown, and subsidies

A high-level meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari is set to take place at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, with the participation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, provincial chief ministers, and military leadership, according to government sources.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to brief participants on the upcoming four-nation foreign ministers’ meeting. Officials said the agenda will include a review of the country’s petroleum reserves and distribution networks, and the implementation of austerity measures.

Sources indicated that participants will also receive a briefing on a potential “smart lockdown” strategy, with provincial suggestions for such measures under discussion. The meeting will further consider decisions on subsidies for motorbike and rickshaw drivers to support low-income commuters. Authorities aim to coordinate policy and operational plans across federal and provincial levels during the session.

Notification deemed fake

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has dismissed a viral notification claiming a nationwide “smart lockdown” as completely false, urging citizens to rely only on official government channels for updates. The fake alert had sparked widespread panic on social media, causing confusion and fear among the public.

Speaking to the media, Tarar emphasised that no lockdown orders have been issued and warned that misinformation during uncertain times can create unnecessary chaos. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also posted a rebuttal on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, clarifying the government’s position and urging people to ignore rumors.

The clarification coincided with a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where key ministers and senior officials reviewed the government’s response to ongoing domestic and regional challenges. Discussions focused on ensuring public relief, maintaining petroleum product availability, and mitigating the economic impact of rising fuel costs amid global instability. The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ interests, stabilizing the economy, and addressing the financial pressures on ordinary Pakistanis, while also coordinating strategies to safeguard the country amid escalating US-Iran tensions.

The official statement aims to reassure the public and curb the spread of false information during a sensitive period.