According to the announcement, all schools, colleges and universities will remain closed from March 10 to March 31. However, educational institutions may continue conducting online classes, while examinations will proceed according to their scheduled timetable.
The decision was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz following a sharp increase in petroleum prices due to global supply disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has affected global fuel supply routes, creating concerns for many economies, including Pakistan.
After Iran began retaliatory actions against US bases in the Middle East following joint strikes by the United States and Israel, several major oil-producing countries reported difficulties in supplying fuel to international buyers. As a result, Pakistan announced around a 20 percent increase in the price of petrol and diesel.
To cope with the situation, the provincial government has introduced austerity and fuel-conservation measures. Official outdoor events across Punjab have been suspended, while cultural activities such as the Horses and Cattle Show have been postponed.
Under the new directives, provincial ministers will not receive government-funded fuel until the petroleum shortage situation improves. Fuel allowances for government officials have been immediately reduced by 50 percent, and protocol convoys for ministers have been limited to a single vehicle for essential security purposes.
A work-from-home policy will also be implemented in government offices, with only essential staff required to attend physically. However, online government services will remain operational to ensure convenience for citizens.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also ordered the formation of district-level petrol monitoring committees. Meanwhile, the Punjab Information Technology Board has been assigned to develop a track-and-trace system to monitor the movement of petroleum products.
Local administration, police and other relevant authorities will be involved in implementing and supervising the monitoring system to ensure transparency and proper fuel distribution.
The chief minister further advised the private sector to adopt work-from-home policies where possible, limit non-essential events and call only necessary staff to offices.
Provincial authorities have also been directed to monitor transport fares across all districts, with strict legal action to be taken against excessive or unauthorized fare increases.
Separately, the Balochistan government has also announced the closure of all schools in the province from March 10 to March 23. Despite the closures, ongoing initiatives such as the school enrolment campaign and the digital school census will continue according to the previously announced schedule.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has also unveiled fuel-saving measures. The provincial administration has decided to conduct all official departmental meetings virtually and introduce a 50 percent work-from-home policy in government offices.
The provincial cabinet has approved a 25 percent reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles, which increases the total reduction to 50 percent as a previous 25 percent cut introduced during Covid-19 measures is already in place. However, police, Rescue 1122 and other law-enforcement agencies will remain exempt from these reductions.
In addition, the government has banned unnecessary ceremonies and official dinners as part of broader austerity measures. Authorities will also monitor petrol pumps daily and take strict action against hoarding, while ensuring adequate diesel supply for farmers and the wheat harvesting season.
