09.03.2026 22:00
The effects of the war that began with the simultaneous attack by the US and Israel on Iran have started to manifest. Due to the increase in oil prices caused by the war, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced that schools would be closed for two weeks as part of measures to reduce fuel consumption and that government operations would be moved online.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced a radical energy conservation package in his address to the nation on Monday, following the escalation of war in the Middle East that has driven global oil prices to record levels. The Prime Minister announced that schools across the country would be closed for two weeks and that a hybrid working model would be implemented for public employees.
OIL CRISIS IMPACTS EDUCATION AND WORK LIFE
The war in the Middle East disrupting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has caused historic increases in fuel prices per liter in Pakistan. As part of measures taken to alleviate the economic burden, all primary and secondary schools across the country have been closed for two weeks. Universities will also switch to fully online education to eliminate transportation costs.
In public institutions, the workweek has been reduced to 4 days. It has become mandatory for 50% of the staff in all government offices, except banks, to work from home.
Meanwhile, fuel allowances allocated for government vehicles have been cut in half for two months. Additionally, the use of 60% of official vehicles, except for emergency services, has been banned from traffic.
"TOUGH TIMES, TOUGH DECISIONS"
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated, "We had to make tough decisions to stabilize our economy in the face of this energy crisis triggered by global war. Our aim is to protect our foreign exchange reserves and minimize the inflation burden on our people."
The government has also implemented additional austerity measures, such as ministers waiving their salaries, halting luxury consumption, and restricting the use of air conditioning in government offices.