Pakistan announces four-day work week and closures amid global oil crisis

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled a series of sweeping austerity measures in response to the global oil crisis triggered by the US-Israel conflict with Iran. In a televised address to the nation on Monday night, the prime minister outlined steps aimed at mitigating the impact of rising fuel prices and ensuring national preparedness.

Under the new plan, both public and private sector workplaces will shift to a four-day work week. Additionally, half of all staff in these sectors will transition to working from home. These changes, however, will not apply to essential services such as banks, hospitals, or the agricultural and industrial sectors.

All schools and colleges across the country will be closed for two weeks. Higher education institutions have been directed to move classes online during this period. The measures are part of what the government has termed a 'war austerity plan' to address the challenges posed by the ongoing global oil supply disruptions.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the decision to increase fuel prices, stating, "the global oil market is not in Pakistan’s hands." He acknowledged the difficulties faced by citizens but emphasized the necessity of these steps in the current international context.

A special cabinet committee has been convened to review fuel stocks and assess the country's overall preparedness. The provinces of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan have also announced their own measures in line with the federal government's plan. The Sindh cabinet is scheduled to meet today to discuss its response.

The government’s actions come as part of a coordinated national effort to manage the economic fallout from the international crisis, with the prime minister urging unity and resilience from the public during this challenging period.