Tariq Fazal rejects smart lockdown reports

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has rejected reports that the government is considering a smart lockdown across the country in response to rising petroleum prices.

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad on Tuesday, Chaudhry said the issue of a smart lockdown was neither discussed at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar nor was such a proposal within his knowledge. He said the meeting focused specifically on petroleum products and the measures being considered in view of the changing fuel situation.

Reports of a possible smart lockdown had emerged as international oil prices continued to rise amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Recent attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure have added to concerns about global oil supplies, while Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted operations on its East-West oil pipeline.

The minister said the government was instead focusing on targeted relief measures for consumers. He stated that subsidies would be provided for three-wheelers and vehicles with engines of up to 800cc for three months. Public representatives would also be assigned responsibilities to create awareness about the relief scheme and guide eligible citizens through the process.

Chaudhry also spoke about the opposition’s planned protests, particularly those announced by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He criticised the party’s previous demonstrations, alleging that some of its marches had caused violence and disrupted public life.

Referring to a recent Islamabad High Court ruling, he said the administration was responsible for ensuring that citizens could move freely and that public spaces could not be occupied indefinitely by political leaders or protesters.

He assured that Islamabad would not be shut down and said authorities would take steps to maintain normal movement across the capital.

The minister also questioned the impact of PTI’s planned march, asking whether the political system would change simply because protesters arrived in Islamabad or whether the prime minister would resign because demonstrators demanded it.

He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly invited opposition parties to hold dialogue to resolve political differences.

Commenting on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s recent visit to Lahore, Chaudhry described the scenes as politically immature and disrespectful to a public office. He said chief ministers should maintain the dignity of their positions and respect the offices they hold.

The government’s denial comes as domestic fuel prices remain under pressure from international market conditions. Petrol currently costs Rs380.24 per litre, while high-speed diesel is priced at Rs409.42 per litre.