- Provinces oppose nationwide enforcement of smart lockdown.
- Leadership vows stricter austerity and energy conservation.
- Centre urges provinces to share relief burden.
A proposal to impose a nationwide smart lockdown was opposed after provinces disagreed with the move during a high-level meeting of the national leadership chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad, sources told Geo News on Tuesday.
According to sources, the meeting reviewed the option of enforcing smart lockdowns across the country, but provincial governments disagreed with the proposal and resisted its implementation at a national level.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to further tighten austerity measures and ensure full implementation of steps aimed at energy and fuel conservation, the sources said.
The federal government also urged provinces to contribute to the Rs254 billion relief package, stressing the need for a collective response to the ongoing challenges.
A sub-committee comprising provincial finance ministers was formed during the meeting to reassess proposals related to smart lockdowns. The committee is scheduled to meet today to review the recommendations.
The sources said the forum agreed that coordinated efforts between the centre and provinces would be essential in navigating the situation, while prioritising economic stability and resource management.
