Sindh Cabinet to Decide on School, Office Closures Amid Regional Crisis and Fuel Shortage

The Sindh Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to determine the duration of school, college, and office closures across the province. The upcoming meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, will focus on making critical decisions regarding the potential closure of government offices and the implementation of a “work-from-home” policy in response to growing concerns over the regional oil and fuel crisis.

As part of precautionary measures, the Sindh Education Department has been instructed to prepare recommendations for school and college closures. The Department of Universities and Boards has also been directed to submit suggestions concerning higher education institutions.

These steps are being considered as part of a broader strategy to manage the ongoing challenges posed by the escalating conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, which is causing regional instability and concerns over the availability of oil and fuel.

On a national level, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also addressed the crisis, announcing that all schools across Pakistan will remain closed for two weeks starting this weekend. Additionally, higher education institutions will shift to online classes to ensure continuity in education during this period.

In his address, PM Shehbaz Sharif introduced a range of austerity measures aimed at mitigating the economic impact of the crisis and providing relief to the public. These measures include fuel restrictions for government vehicles, with a 50 percent reduction in petrol usage for the next two months. However, ambulances and public transport buses will be exempted. Furthermore, 60 percent of departmental vehicles will be taken off the road, and the government has suspended purchases of non-essential items, including vehicles, furniture, and air conditioners.

As part of efforts to reduce government expenditures, PM Shehbaz also announced salary reductions. Cabinet members, ministers, advisers, and special assistants will not receive their salaries for the next two months, while members of Parliament will face a 25 percent pay cut. Senior officers in Grade 20 and above, earning more than Rs300,000, will see two days’ salary deducted for public relief efforts. Additionally, government departments will be instructed to cut non-salary expenses by 20 percent.

In line with the fuel conservation strategy, the government has urged that teleconferencing and online meetings take priority, and only 50 percent of staff in government and private sectors will report to their offices, with exceptions for essential services. Offices will operate for four days a week, and an additional holiday will be granted. However, these measures will not apply to banks and critical sectors such as industry and agriculture. Furthermore, official events like seminars, conferences, dinners, and Iftar parties will be hosted at government premises, while outdoor gatherings have been banned.

These measures reflect Pakistan’s efforts to manage the complex economic challenges arising from both regional conflicts and global fuel shortages.