Pakistan shifts universities online, orders two-day weekly school holidays

ISLAMABAD: In Pakistan, all universities and higher education institutions will move to online classes from March 10, while government and private schools will observe a two-week holiday starting next week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday as he announced sweeping austerity measures amid rising Middle East tensions, domestic security concerns and surging global oil prices.

In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Sharif described the Middle East as “engulfed in a severe warlike situation” and warned that threats to peace were a concern for all. 

Under the new measures, he said, fuel supply for government vehicles will be cut by 50 per cent for the next two months, and 60 per cent of official vehicles will be grounded.

Cabinet ministers will forgo salaries for two months, while members of parliament will see a 25 per cent reduction in pay.

The premier said that foreign official trips by ministers, governors, and provincial chief ministers are suspended for two months.

Government banquets, official dinners, and Iftar events are fully suspended. Purchases of vehicles, furniture, and air conditioners by government departments are banned.

He said that fifty per cent of federal staff will work from home, with only essential personnel reporting to offices. Government offices will operate four days a week.

All higher education institutions will shift to online classes, and schools will observe a two-day holiday starting at the end of this week. Seminars and official events will be held in government facilities instead of hotels to reduce expenses.