ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering a “smart lockdown” featuring a four-day working week, expanded work-from-home arrangements and restrictions on government vehicles as part of efforts to reduce fuel consumption and cushion the impact of rising petroleum prices in international markets.
The proposals were discussed at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review measures aimed at limiting the economic impact of higher fuel prices, according to sources familiar with the matter.
According to official sources, under one proposal, government and private offices would operate for four days a week, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday designated as holidays to reduce commuting and fuel consumption.
The government is also considering a rotational working system for public-sector employees and expanding work-from-home arrangements, the sources said.
Government vehicles
The meeting also considered grounding 50 per cent of government vehicles to reduce fuel expenditure and lower the government’s petroleum bill.
Officials discussed restricting the use of official vehicles and introducing measures to ensure greater fuel efficiency across government departments.
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Markets and business hours
Another proposal under consideration is to keep markets closed for three days a week and reduce operating hours for commercial centres.
The measures are intended to reduce pressure on the national exchequer while limiting the impact of higher fuel costs on consumers and businesses.
A final decision on the proposed measures is expected on Tuesday evening, the sources said.
Pakistan had introduced similar fuel-conservation measures in March 2026 following an increase in petroleum prices, including reduced working days, work-from-home arrangements for offices and educational institutions, and restrictions affecting markets.
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Fuel relief scheme
The proposed conservation measures come days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a special fuel relief scheme providing a Rs100 per litre subsidy to motorcycle, rickshaw, Qingqi and small-car owners to cushion the impact of rising petrol prices amid surging global oil rates linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Under the scheme, owners of motorcycles, rickshaws, Qingqis and other two- and three-wheelers will receive relief on up to 20 litres of petrol per month, with a maximum benefit of Rs2,000. Owners of cars with engines up to 800cc will qualify for relief on up to 30 litres, receiving up to Rs3,000 per month.
The scheme is aimed at easing the financial burden on low-income commuters who rely heavily on motorcycles, rickshaws, Qingqis and small vehicles.
“No decision has been taken on a smart lockdown for now, nor is Islamabad going to be shut down,” Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said.
He said petroleum-related measures were discussed at a meeting chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, adding that targeted fuel subsidies are being… pic.twitter.com/oOVnHG1tsl
— The Pakistan Daily (@ThePakDaily) September 15, 2026
Pakistan Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has rejected reports of a proposed “smart lockdown” in Islamabad, saying no such plan was discussed at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
He said the meeting focused on petroleum-related issues and did not discuss shutting down Islamabad or introducing a four-day working week.
The minister added that the government had approved targeted fuel subsidies for three-wheelers and vehicles up to 800cc for three months, with public representatives tasked with informing citizens about the relief package.
