Pakistan schools shut for 2 weeks, government offices to function 4 days a week amid oil crisis

In a move to conserve fuel amid rising oil prices, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that all schools will remain closed for the next two weeks, starting after this week. Higher education institutions will immediately shift to online classes, he announced. The decision comes as global tensions in the Middle East continue to affect oil supply and push energy costs higher.

As part of broader austerity measures, the Pakistan government will implement a four-day work week for federal offices. Fifty percent of government employees will work from home, aimed at lowering commuting, operational costs, and fuel usage.

Prime Minister Sharif also noted that oil allowances for government



departments will be cut by 50 percent over the next two months, while officers in Grade-20 and above earning over Rs 3 lakh per month will face deductions of two days’ salary.

The prime minister said that Members of Parliament will receive a 25 percent increase in salaries, even as departments implement spending cuts of up to 50 percent. He said these steps are intended to manage the financial strain caused by surging energy prices and global economic turbulence.

“Oil prices are expected to rise further in the coming days. My efforts are focused on ensuring that the burden does not fall on the people,” Sharif said, adding that consultations are ongoing day and night to contain the impact.