vacations for schools in Punjab, Balochistan announced amid petrol crisis

Provincial authorities of Balochistan and Punjab have announced temporary closures of educational institutions as part of broader measures in reducing fuel consumption aimed petrol crisis being posed after the US-Israel joint strikes in Iran.

In Balochistan, the provincial government ordered the closure of all educational institutions across the province from March 9 to March 23, including both private and public schools, according to the Balochistan Education Department.

The ongoing admission campaign and the digital census process will continue during this period, the department said in its notification. The notification also clarified that examinations already scheduled will be conducted according to their announced timetable.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has also announced similar measures as part of a broader plan to cope with economic pressures linked to the regional situation and the fuel shortage.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said schools, colleges, and universities across the province will remain closed from March 10 to March 31, while examinations will proceed as scheduled. During the closure period, all educational institutions are allowed to conduct online classes, the official notification said.

The school closures are part of wider fuel conservation measures introduced by the Punjab government. Under these steps, official fuel allocations for provincial ministers have been suspended until the petroleum crisis subsides, while petrol and diesel allowances for government officers’ vehicles have been reduced by 50 per cent with immediate effect.

Authorities have also banned protocol vehicles accompanying provincial ministers and senior officials, allowing only one vehicle for essential security purposes.

In addition, the Punjab government has introduced a work-from-home policy in government offices, with only essential staff required to attend workplaces. Official meetings will be held online or through teleconferencing to reduce travel and fuel consumption.

The government has also banned outdoor official events, and the annual Lahore Horse and Cattle Show has been postponed.

To monitor petroleum supplies, the provincial administration has ordered the formation of district petroleum monitoring committees, while the Punjab Information Technology Board has been tasked with developing a track-and-trace system for petroleum products.

Authorities have also been directed to closely monitor transport fares and the supply of essential food items across the province to prevent overcharging and shortages.