Provinces push back on nationwide smart lockdown
News Desk
Islamabad: A proposal to enforce a nationwide smart lockdown faced resistance from provincial governments during a high-level meeting of national leadership chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari, highlighting emerging differences over how to tackle ongoing economic and resource challenges.
According to sources, the meeting reviewed the option of imposing targeted lockdowns across the country, but provinces opposed a uniform national approach, favouring more flexible, region-specific measures instead.
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Despite the disagreement, participants agreed to intensify austerity steps and ensure strict implementation of energy and fuel conservation measures as part of broader efforts to stabilise the economy.
The federal government also called on provinces to share the burden of a Rs254 billion relief package, underscoring the need for collective action in addressing current fiscal pressures.
To move the process forward, a sub-committee comprising provincial finance ministers was constituted to revisit the smart lockdown proposals. The body is scheduled to meet to further deliberate and refine recommendations.
Sources said the meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of close coordination between the federation and provinces, with a focus on balancing economic stability and effective resource management.
Sources said the meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of close coordination between the federation and provinces, with a focus on balancing economic stability and effective resource management.
