Multiple Pakistani universities shift to online classes amid fuel crisis

KARACHI: Rising petrol prices and shortages in Pakistan, triggered by the ongoing war between the United States, Israel and Iran, have forced major Pakistani universities to shift classes online.

The University of Karachi announced that all morning sessions will be conducted online from Monday, March 9, until the end of Ramadan, citing transport difficulties caused by skyrocketing fuel costs.

It said that evening classes at the university had already been going on online. The registrar said that the move aims to ease commuting challenges for students and staff amid the fuel crisis.

The university also reduced petrol use for its vehicles by 25 per cent, a measure currently planned through March.

The Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology said that on the Karachi campus, classes will run online from March 11 until the semester break on March 16, while on the Islamabad campus, classes will continue online from March 9 to March 27.

The university that non-teaching staff have been instructed to work from home for most days, ensuring 50 per cent office presence, with strict limits on government vehicle fuel usage.

University officials said that only up to 20 per cent of monthly fuel quota will be allowed in exceptional cases.

Similarly, the NED University of Engineering and Technology has prepared to move classes online.

NED University Vice-Chancellor Dr Tufail Ahmed said that arrangements had been put in place for remote teaching and online assignments.

He said that current morning and evening sessions have been suspended for Ramadan, with online discussions and assignments replacing in-person classes.

University officials cited the unprecedented fuel price surge and shortages as the main reasons for the transition to online learning.

Analysts say Pakistan’s energy market has been severely disrupted by the Middle East conflict, pushing domestic petrol prices to record levels and straining public and private transport.