Government calls for fake notification of ‘complete weekend lockdown’ in country in fuel crisis

The Information Ministry on Sunday rejected a widely circulated notification claiming a complete nationwide lockdown over the weekend, calling it false.

In a post on its official X fact-checking account, the ministry shared the viral notice stamped with the word “fake” to counter the spread of misinformation on social media.

“Avoid sharing fake news and messages. Be a responsible citizen and only trust verified sources,” the ministry said.

The undated document falsely attributes directives to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, claiming the measures were imposed in the context of a “continuing oil crisis in the Gulf.”

According to the fabricated notification, authorities had ordered a “complete and complete nationwide lockdown” on every Saturday and Sunday from April 5.

“The lockdown will take effect every Saturday from 12:01 a.m. and continue until 11:59 p.m. every Sunday,” the fake order said.

Learn more: The government will absorb the rise in oil prices of Rs 49/liter

To curb energy consumption and manage the growing fuel crisis, the federal government was considering finalizing a comprehensive plan to impose a nationwide “smart lockdown” alongside broader austerity measures. However, no official announcement has been made nor any notification has been issued.

Under the proposed plan, markets and shopping malls would close at 9:30 p.m., while wedding halls would be limited to a maximum of 200 guests, with a single dish policy and a closing time of 10:00 p.m. The restrictions were intended to limit large gatherings and reduce nighttime energy use.

To further reduce travel and operational costs, a 50% rotation system was to be introduced, alongside digital attendance tracking and weekly audit mechanisms to ensure compliance. Similar measures were being considered for private offices, where up to 50% remote working could be mandatory.

Energy savings remained a key pillar of the plan. Measures under consideration include banning the use of air conditioners before 10:30 a.m. in government offices and aiming to switch at least 50% of public sector buildings to solar power within 60 days.

Read also: The government is considering smart confinement

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced sweeping austerity measures in light of the fuel shortage caused by the Middle East crisis following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

The measures included a four-day work week, a work-from-home policy and a 50% reduction in fuel allocated to government vehicles. Cabinet members, including ministers, advisers and special assistants, were not to receive their salaries for two months, while parliamentarians’ salaries were reduced by 25%. Expenditures of all ministries, except salaries, have also been reduced by 20%.