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Facing a deepening fuel crunch triggered by disruptions in global oil supplies, Pakistan on Tuesday announced a nationwide “smart lockdown,” imposing sweeping restrictions on business hours and public activity to conserve energy.

The crisis follows Iran’s decision to halt ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil shipments, sending shockwaves across energy markets and impacting several countries in South Asia and Europe.

While nations like India, Nepal and Bangladesh have moved quickly to cushion the blow, Pakistan appears to be grappling with more acute shortages, prompting urgent government intervention.

Early Closures Across Provinces

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the restrictions after a high-level meeting with provincial leaders, focusing on immediate ways to cut fuel consumption.

Under the new rules, markets, shopping malls and commercial centres across major regions, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, must shut by 8 pm.

A limited relaxation has been allowed in select divisional headquarters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where businesses can remain open until 9 pm. However, most retail outlets, including general and department stores, will strictly follow the earlier closure timeline.

Curbs Extend To Weddings, Restaurants

The restrictions go beyond shopping districts.

Restaurants, bakeries and food outlets have been directed to close by 10 pm, while marriage halls and event venues must also shut at the same time. The government has additionally banned wedding functions in private homes after 10 pm, tightening control over large gatherings.

Essential services, however, remain unaffected. Medical stores and pharmacies have been exempted to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare.

The measures reportedly come into effect immediately, with enforcement beginning from Tuesday evening.

Relief Measures Rolled Out

To offset the impact on daily life, the government has announced free public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad for one month, with federal authorities covering the cost.

Senior leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, attended the emergency meeting, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

A Region Under Pressure

The disruption at the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes, has tightened global energy supplies, pushing vulnerable economies like Pakistan into crisis mode.

With fuel shortages beginning to bite, the government’s “smart lockdown” signals a race against time to stabilise supplies while keeping essential services running.