Pakistan Implements Remote Work, School Closures

(MENAFN) Pakistan has directed that half of its public-sector workforce operate remotely and declared a two-week suspension of schools to save energy, in response to interruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif outlined these austerity steps during a nationwide address on Monday, as reported by a news agency.

Sharif specified that 50% of government employees, excluding those in critical roles, will perform duties from home, and most government offices will function only four days a week, with banks being an exception.

All primary and secondary schools will close for a fortnight starting later this week, whereas universities and other higher education institutions will continue classes online.

In addition, fuel allowances for official vehicles will be reduced by 50% for two months, and 60% of government vehicles will be temporarily withdrawn from service. Members of the federal cabinet will also forgo their salaries during this period.

Further steps include a 25% reduction in parliamentarians’ salaries, curtailing government expenditures, conducting meetings virtually, banning vehicle acquisitions, and restricting nonessential overseas travel.

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has instructed oil refineries to raise liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) output due to “current geopolitical disruptions to fuel supply and constraints on supply of LPG.”

The ministry noted that domestic LPG delivery to households will take priority, while imported LPG will be allocated to critical sectors, including hospitals and educational institutions.

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