The government of Punjab, Pakistan has announced the temporary closure of all schools, colleges, and universities across the province due to exceptional economic challenges arising from recent regional tensions and the ongoing fuel crisis.
According to the official notification, educational institutions throughout the province will remain closed from March 10 to March 31. Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Punjab, stated that although campuses will remain shut during this period, all previously scheduled examinations will proceed as planned. She added that educational institutions have been instructed to shift their academic activities to online platforms to ensure that students’ learning continues without major disruption.
In addition to the closure of educational institutions, the provincial government has introduced a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and government expenditures. As part of these measures, the chief minister has ordered the immediate suspension of government-provided fuel for provincial ministers until the current petroleum crisis improves.
Authorities have also announced a significant reduction in fuel allowances for officials. Petrol and diesel allocations for government vehicles will be cut by 50 percent in an effort to curb unnecessary fuel usage and manage limited resources more efficiently.
Furthermore, the government has placed restrictions on the use of protocol vehicle convoys that usually accompany ministers and senior officials during official movements. These convoys often involve several vehicles and consume large amounts of fuel.
Under the revised policy, only one escort vehicle will be permitted for ministers and high-ranking officials, and it will be allowed strictly for essential security purposes. Officials said these steps are part of a broader strategy to manage the province’s resources responsibly during a period of economic strain and rising energy costs.
Also Read: Punjab Reveals Schools, Colleges, Universities Reopening Date Officially
