Pakistan on Monday announced a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption, including temporary school closures, reductions in government fuel subsidies and a four-day work week for public employees as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East threaten energy supplies.Pakistani Prime Minister Sherbaz Sharif said the measures were taken to save fuel and manage potential supply disruptions related to regional conflicts, Reuters reported.Sharif announced in a televised speech that all schools across the country will remain closed for two weeks starting from March 16, while universities and other higher education institutions will immediately switch to online courses.The government will also reduce fuel subsidies in the government sector.“Fuel subsidies for government departments will be reduced by 50% in the next two months,” Sharif said.To further reduce fuel use, the government will allow half of its employees to work remotely.“Government offices will work four days a week to save fuel and this decision will exclude banks,” Sharif said.Under the plan, 50% of government staff will work from home, while public offices will be open four days a week. Banks are not affected by this arrangement.The measures are part of Pakistan’s efforts to curb fuel consumption as conflicts in the Middle East threaten to disrupt global energy flows and push up oil prices, Reuters reported.Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported fuel makes it particularly vulnerable to global energy shocks. The government’s latest measures are aimed at reducing domestic demand and managing fuel supplies during the current regional crisis.
