Punjab orders educational institutions closure as fuel crisis deepens

-- Schools, colleges and universities shut from March 10 to 31 amid energy crunch

-- Provincial government imposes austerity measures to curb fuel consumption

-- Work-from-home policy and fuel cuts introduced for government offices

-- Other provinces also roll out conservation plans as oil supply disruptions persist

LAHORE: The Punjab Government on Monday announced the closure of all educational institutions across the province as authorities moved to ease economic pressure caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict and the resulting global fuel crisis.

The decision was taken on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz after a sharp rise in petroleum prices triggered by disruptions in global oil supply chains.

Under the new directives, all schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed from March 10 to March 31. However, educational institutions may continue online classes, while examinations will proceed according to the existing schedule.

The move comes as Pakistan faces fuel supply constraints following the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz—a key global route for oil shipments—amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Oil supply disruptions intensified after Iran launched retaliatory strikes against American bases in the region following joint military attacks by the United States and Israel.

In response to the supply shock, Pakistan raised petrol and diesel prices by 20 per cent, prompting governments across the country to adopt austerity and fuel conservation measures.

As part of Punjab’s response, the provincial government has suspended official outdoor events, while cultural activities such as the annual Horses and Cattle Show have been postponed.

The new measures also restrict the use of government resources. Provincial ministers will not receive government fuel until the petroleum shortage eases, while fuel allowances for government officials have been cut by 50 per cent. Additionally, protocol accompanying ministers has been limited to a single vehicle for essential security needs.

The government has also introduced a work-from-home policy for public offices, with only essential staff required to attend physically. Meanwhile, online services under the “Maryam Ki Dastak” initiative and other e-business platforms will remain operational to facilitate citizens.

To prevent hoarding and ensure transparency in supply, the chief minister has ordered the formation of district-level petrol monitoring committees. The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has been tasked with developing a track-and-trace system for monitoring the movement of petroleum products, in collaboration with local administration, police and paramilitary authorities.

Maryam Nawaz clarified that while movement of additional support staff has been restricted, government offices will continue functioning without disruption. She also directed authorities to advise the private sector to adopt work-from-home policies, limit non-essential gatherings and call only essential employees to offices.

Authorities have been instructed to closely monitor transport fares across districts, with strict legal action against overcharging.

The chief minister also urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, reduce late-night shopping and refrain from holding large outdoor events to help conserve fuel.

Meanwhile, similar measures are being implemented in other provinces. The Balochistan Government has announced the closure of schools across the province from March 10 to March 23, while ongoing initiatives such as the school enrolment campaign and digital school census will continue as planned.

Separately, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has unveiled a fuel conservation and responsible governance plan, introducing virtual meetings for government departments and a 50 per cent work-from-home policy in public offices.

According to Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Shafi Jan, the provincial cabinet has approved a 25 per cent reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles, raising the total cut to 50 per cent when combined with reductions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, essential emergency services—including police, Rescue 1122 and other law enforcement agencies—will remain exempt from the restrictions.

Authorities have also banned unnecessary official ceremonies and dinners, reduced the use of VIP protocol vehicles and helicopters, and introduced daily monitoring of petrol pumps to prevent hoarding.

At the same time, the government has assured that diesel supplies for farmers and wheat harvesting will remain uninterrupted to protect the agriculture sector.