The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Sunday rejected a widely circulated notification claiming a complete lockdown across the country on weekends, calling it false. In a post on its official fact-checking account on X, the ministry shared the viral notification stamped with the word "fake" to counteract misinformation spread on social networks. "Avoid sharing fake news and fake posts. Be a responsible citizen and trust only verified sources," the publication said. The undated document falsely attributed directives to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, claiming that the measures were imposed due to a "Continuation of the Gulf oil crisis."
According to the fabricated notification, the authorities ordered a "Complete and complete lockdown across the country." every Saturday and Sunday starting April 5. "The lockdown will come into effect every Saturday from 12:01 a.m. and will continue until 11:59 p.m. every Sunday." the fake order said. However, to curb energy consumption and manage the deepening fuel crisis, the federal government is considering finalizing a comprehensive plan to impose a "smart lock" along with expanded austerity measures. However, no official announcement or notification was 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 one-dish policy and a 10 p.m. closing time. The restrictions were aimed at curbing large gatherings and reducing nighttime energy use.
