The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Sunday rejected a widely circulated notification claiming a complete lockdown across the country on weekends, terming it as fake. The undated document, which falsely attributed directives to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, claimed the measures were being imposed in view of a “continuing Gulf oil crisis” stemming from the Middle East conflict.
ISLAMABAD – In a post on its official fact-checker account on X, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shared the viral notification stamped with the word “fake” to counter misinformation spreading on social media. “Avoid sharing fake news and false posts. Be a responsible citizen and only trust verified sources,” the post said.
The fabricated notification claimed that authorities had ordered a “complete and comprehensive lockdown throughout the country” on every Saturday and Sunday starting from April 5. “The lockdown shall take effect every Saturday from 12:01am and continue till 11:59pm every Sunday,” the fake order read.
No Official Announcement Made
While the government has been considering energy conservation measures amid the deepening fuel crisis caused by the Middle East conflict, no official announcement has been made and no notification has been issued regarding a weekend lockdown.
The federal government has been considering finalizing a comprehensive plan to impose a nationwide “smart lockdown” alongside expanded austerity measures. However, these proposals remain under consideration and have not been finalized or formally announced.
Proposed Energy Conservation Measures
Under the proposed plan that has been under discussion, markets and shopping malls would close at 9:30pm, while wedding halls would be limited to a maximum of 200 guests, with a one-dish policy and a closing time of 10pm. The restrictions were aimed at curbing large gatherings and reducing nighttime energy usage.
To further reduce commuting and operational costs, a 50% rota system was expected to be introduced, alongside digital monitoring of attendance and weekly audit mechanisms to ensure compliance. Similar measures were under consideration for private offices, where up to 50% remote working might be mandated.
Energy conservation remained a key pillar of the plan. Measures under review include a ban on the use of air conditioners before 10:30am in government offices and a target to shift at least 50% of public sector buildings to solar energy within 60 days.
Existing Austerity Measures
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced wide-ranging austerity measures in light of the fuel crunch caused by the Middle East crisis following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. The measures included:
- A four-day work week
- A work-from-home policy
- A 50% reduction in fuel allocated to government vehicles
- Cabinet members, including ministers, advisers, and special assistants, not drawing salaries for two months
- A 25% reduction in the salaries of members of parliament
- A 20% reduction in expenditures of all government departments, apart from salaries
These measures remain in effect as the government continues to manage the energy crisis.
The Fuel Crisis Context
The speculation about lockdowns and energy restrictions stems from the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has disrupted global oil supplies. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil passes, has driven global oil prices above $100 a barrel.
Pakistan, which imports the vast majority of its oil needs, has been forced to implement conservation measures to manage the impact. The government has already provided Rs69 billion in petrol and diesel subsidies and is rolling out a mobile app-based targeted subsidy system for two- and three-wheeler owners.
Combatting Misinformation
The Ministry of Information’s fact-checking post is part of a broader effort to combat misinformation during a period of heightened public concern about the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. The viral fake notification appears to have exploited public anxiety about rising fuel prices and potential restrictions.
The ministry urged citizens to rely only on verified sources and to avoid sharing unconfirmed information. “Avoid sharing fake news and false posts. Be a responsible citizen and only trust verified sources,” the post said.
What’s Next
While no weekend lockdown is planned, the government continues to review energy conservation measures as the fuel crisis persists. Any official decisions will be announced through proper channels, with notifications issued by the relevant authorities.
In the meantime, the existing austerity measures remain in place, and the government is moving forward with targeted fuel subsidies for the most vulnerable consumers through its mobile app-based system.
Analysis: Misinformation in a Time of Crisis
The spread of a fake notification claiming a weekend lockdown reflects the heightened anxiety gripping Pakistan as the country grapples with the economic fallout of the Middle East conflict. Rising fuel prices, inflationary pressures, and the uncertainty of the regional situation have created fertile ground for misinformation.
The government’s swift response—flagging the fake notification within hours of its circulation—demonstrates an awareness of the need to counter false information before it can cause public panic. The Ministry of Information’s fact-checking account has become an important tool for verifying official communications.
For citizens, the episode is a reminder of the importance of relying on official sources. As the government continues to manage the energy crisis, any significant policy changes—including restrictions on movement or business hours—will be announced through proper channels and officially notified.
For now, the message from Islamabad is clear: there is no weekend lockdown. The fake notification is exactly that—fake. And in a time of crisis, separating fact from fiction is more important than ever.
