Pakistan Denies Rumors of Weekend Lockdown Amid Energy Crisis
Clarification on Lockdown Rumors in Pakistan
As countries in Asia and Europe face challenges in securing energy supplies due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, unverified claims circulating on social media suggested that Pakistan would implement a nationwide lockdown every Saturday and Sunday starting in April. This measure was purportedly aimed at conserving fuel and oil reserves amid concerns over supply stability. However, Pakistan's DAWN media outlet has reported that these lockdown claims are unfounded. The country's Information Ministry has refuted the rumors through a fact-check posted on its social media account, clarifying that the notification regarding the lockdown is indeed fake. Despite denying these specific lockdown reports, Pakistan has previously introduced various restrictions to curb the consumption of oil and gas within the nation.
Details of the Alleged Lockdown Notification
The purported notification regarding the lockdown in Pakistan included several claims:
- A nationwide lockdown would be enforced every Saturday and Sunday starting from April 4th and 5th, 2026.
- The lockdown would commence at 12:01 AM on Saturdays and last until 11:59 PM on Sundays.
- All business and commercial activities, including those in the industrial and service sectors, would be halted.
- No weddings or celebratory events would be allowed in public or commercial venues during the lockdown period.
- Markets would remain closed, although hospitals, pharmacies, and essential public services, including air and sea ports and railway stations, would be permitted to operate.
- All intercity motorways, highways, and roads would be closed to traffic, with the exception of public transport buses.
- Provincial Chief Secretaries would be responsible for the swift registration of two and three-wheeled vehicles to facilitate targeted subsidies.