By S.M. Inam
KARACHI: The federal government has decided not to impose a smart lockdown after failing to reach consensus with provincial authorities. The decision was made during a high-level consultative meeting at the Presidency chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, National Security Adviser Lt Gen Asim Malik, and other senior officials in attendance.
Leaders from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, and GB Chief Minister Yar Muhammad, were also present.
Read More: https://metro-morning.com/govt-considers-smart-lockdown-amid-fuel-crisis-and-regional-tensions/
Provincial governments strongly opposed the idea of a smart lockdown, warning that restricting economic activity would worsen public hardships during already challenging economic conditions. In light of the differing views, the government decided to explore alternative measures rather than immediately imposing restrictions. A committee, including the finance minister and other key officials, has been formed to review options and recommend future steps.
The meeting also focused on inflation control, price stability, and the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. President Zardari directed immediate steps to ease the burden on citizens, especially economically vulnerable groups, and stressed controlling the prices of services and daily-use items. Officials confirmed that Pakistan currently has adequate fuel stocks to meet national needs and assured that future availability is being secured. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif rejected proposals to increase petroleum product prices.
The government decided to further strengthen its austerity measures, including grounding 60% of government vehicles, cutting the development budget, and implementing other cost-saving initiatives. Funds saved from these measures will be redirected toward public relief programs.
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