Punjab CM announces closure of educational institutions till Mar 31, imposes fuel curbs on officials
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday announced the closure of all educational institutions till the end of the month and also imposed various curbs on fuel usage by governtment officials as the grinding conflict in the Middle East chokes energy supplies.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after US and Israeli air strikes last week assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, triggering a wave of retaliation from Tehran and widening the conflict across the region. In response to the strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US military bases in several Gulf countries, significantly expanding the scope of the confrontation.
The conflict has already led to the suspension of around a fifth of global crude and natural gas supply, as Tehran targets ships in the vital Strait of Hormuz between its shores and Oman, and attacks energy infrastructure across the region. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government earlier today introduced a two-month fuel conservation plan, slashing fuel allowances for official vehicles by 25%.
Shortly after, CM Maryam announced in a post on X: “In view of the extraordinary economic challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in the region, I have decided to take extraordinary measures to protect the public and manage resources responsibly.
“Until the petroleum crisis is resolved, official fuel supply for provincial ministers will be suspended. I have also ordered an immediate 50% reduction in petrol and diesel allowances for government officers vehicles.
“The protocol vehicles accompanying provincial ministers and senior government officials have also been restricted. Only one vehicle will be allowed for essential security purposes.”
She further said that government offices would implement a work-from-home policy, with only essential staff attending offices.
Furthermore, schools, colleges and universities would remain closed from tomorrow till March 31, while examinations would continue as scheduled, adding that online classes may be conducted during this period.
In more measures, she said that all government outdoor events were suspended.
“The private sector is advised to adopt work-from-home arrangements where possible, avoid unnecessary events and limit on-site staff to essential personnel. District administrations have been directed to strictly monitor transport fares and take strong legal action against overcharging. The supply and prices of essential food items will also be closely monitored across Punjab.”
The Punjab government earlier introduced new standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies and preventing hoarding, as rising tensions in the Middle East push global oil prices sharply higher.
Under a newly issued notification, authorities will implement stricter monitoring of petroleum stocks, transportation and retail availability across the province.
Officials say the measures are designed to prevent artificial shortages and curb illegal fuel transfers at a time of heightened volatility in international energy markets.
The provincial Industries Department has been designated as the central focal authority for petroleum oversight. A dedicated monitoring system will also be established to track the movement and availability of fuel products, according to the notification. Staff Report
