Pakistan's Punjab announces fuel curbs as country grapples with impact of West Asia crisis; educational institutions to remain closed in March

Lahore [Pakistan], March 9 (ANI): With Pakistan facing the impact of the crisis in West Asia, the Chief Minister of the country's Punjab province, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has announced a series of measures "to protect the public and manage resources responsibly".
The extraordinary measures include suspending official fuel supply for provincial ministers, an immediate 50% reduction in petrol and diesel allowances for government officers' vehicles, a work-from-home policy for government offices and closure of schools, colleges, and universities from March 10 to March 31.
She announced that all government outdoor events have been suspended, including the Horse and Cattle Show cultural festival, which has been postponed.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced the measures in a long 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," she said.
The protocol vehicles accompanying provincial ministers and senior government officials have also been restricted. Only one vehicle will be allowed for essential security purposes.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said government offices will implement a work-from-home policy, with only essential staff attending offices.
"Schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed from 10 March to 31 March, while examinations will continue as scheduled. Educational institutions may conduct online classes during this period," she said.
"For the convenience of citizens, e-business services and "Maryam Ki Dastak" services will continue. Official matters will be handled through online meetings and teleconferences," she added.
The Chief Minister said that District Petroleum Monitoring Committees have been established in every district to ensure strict oversight of petroleum supplies.
The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has been tasked with developing a Track and Trace system for petroleum products, with participation from district administration, police, and other relevant departments, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said.
"Under the work-from-home policy, only additional support staff movement will be restricted; government work will continue without interruption," she said
The Chief Minister of Pakistan's Punjab Province advised the private sector 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," she said.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif urged people to avoid outdoor functions, late-night shopping, and unnecessary hoarding of essential goods during this challenging period.
According to a report in Dawn, Pakistan felt the direct economic impacts of the US-Israel conflict with Iran in a big way on Friday, as the government announced a Rs55 per litre increase in petrol and high-speed diesel prices. (ANI)