Students, accompanied by their parents, make their way home after the first day of school following the winter break in Rawalpindi. The winter vacation in Punjab, which started on December 23, 2024, concluded on January 10, 2025, with schools reopening on January 13, 2025. PHOTO: ONLINE
LAHORE/
QUETTA:
The provincial governments of Punjab and Balochistan announced the closure of all educational institutions on Monday due to the fuel crisis gripping the country because of the ongoing war in the Gulf.
Meanwhile, the Sindh government will convene a meeting today (Tuesday) to decide on this matter, while the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) education department is also likely to announce keeping educational institutions closed on Fridays and Saturdays after a meeting scheduled for today.
On Monday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the closure of all educational institutionsschools, colleges, and universitiesacross Punjab from March 10 through March 31.
However, examinations will continue according to the existing schedule and institutions will be allowed to conduct online classes during the closure period.
In a parallel move, the chief minister also suspended government petrol facilities for provincial ministers until the petroleum situation stabilises. She also ordered a 50% reduction in petrol and diesel allowances for official vehicles used by government officers.
The provincial government further banned protocol vehicles accompanying ministers and senior officials. Under the directive, only one vehicle will be permitted with ministers and senior officials strictly for unavoidable security requirements.
Government offices will shift to a work-from-home arrangement, requiring only essential staff to attend. The chief minister also imposed a ban on official outdoor events and postponed the annual Horse and Cattle Show cultural festival.
Authorities were directed to establish district petroleum monitoring committees to oversee fuel supply. The Punjab Information Technology Board will develop a track-and-trace system for petroleum products with support from district administrations, police and the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority.
The provincial government also directed strict monitoring of transport fares and essential food supplies. Maryam urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, outdoor gatherings and panic buying during the ongoing situation.
Separately, the Government of Balochistan also announced the temporary closure of educational institutions across the province due to the current regional situation.
According to a official notification issued by the Balochistan Education Department, all public and private schools in the province will remain closed from March 9 to March 23.
Authorities stated that the decision was a precautionary measure to ensure administrative preparedness for any potential emergency and to address possible transportation and mobility issues for students and staff.
However, the department clarified that ongoing activities such as the school admission campaign, the digital census of schools, and any already scheduled examinations will continue as planned.
Relevant officials and staff were instructed to ensure these activities proceed according to the guidelines issued by the education department.
In a separate notification, the Balochistan Colleges, Higher and Technical Education Department also announced the closure of all government intermediate colleges, degree colleges, technical institutions, and public sector universities across the province.
A spokesperson for the Government of Balochistan said that educational activities in Quetta involve significant fuel consumption due to cold weather and long-distance commuting by students and staff.
“This is a temporary measure aimed at strengthening economic stability and conserving energy resources,” the spokesperson added.
The move has drawn mixed reactions from education experts and parents. While some term fuel conservation a national responsibility, others have expressed concern that the closure could disrupt students’ learning, especially with examinations approaching.
A school principal in Quetta, requesting anonymity, said the shutdown could affect students’ academic progress and suggested that the government should arrange alternative learning options such as online classes.
The education department said institutions could continue teaching through online classes and homework assignments to ensure students do not suffer academic losses during the closure.
Authorities also clarified that the decision applies only to educational institutions, while other government offices, hospitals and essential services will continue to operate as usual. Residents have been advised to cooperate with the government’s fuel conservation efforts during this period.
The K-P government on Monday also notified temporary fuel conservation and austerity measures for a period of two months aimed at reducing non-essential fuel consumption while protecting economic activity, Eid mobility and agricultural operations. It notified a reduction in VIP protocol convoy vehicles and said official helicopter use will be restricted to critical emergency duties.
There will be 100% use of Zoom/virtual platforms for official meetings across the government and up to 50% work-from-home arrangements will be introduced in provincial offices where feasible.
Inter-district official travel will be minimized and routine departmental coordination and review meetings will be conducted online, according to the decision. The K-P decided on a 25% reduction in fuel entitlement for officials but there will be an exemption for police and law enforcement operations.
The provincial government also announced a fuel subsidy for registered motorbike owners and said it would consider targeted support for the public transport sector if fare pressures emerged.
