Islamabad, March 10: The ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel with Iran has triggered a global oil crisis, significantly impacting Pakistan’s economy and daily life.
According to the leading daily, Dawn, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has announced stringent austerity measures in response to the looming challenges. He stated that making a “difficult decision” regarding fuel prices has become unavoidable.
These measures are set to affect everyone. Foreign trips for ministers and advisors have been canceled. Additionally, ministers will not receive salaries for two months, and lawmakers will see a 25% reduction in their pay.
In Pakistan, government vehicles will receive 50% less fuel for the next two months, and 60% of government vehicles will remain off the roads. All government departments will cut their expenses by 20%.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the international oil market is beyond Pakistan’s control, and global conditions are exerting pressure on fuel prices. He urged the public to exercise patience during this crisis and support the government’s initiatives.
Key measures announced by the government include reducing the workforce in public and private offices by half. Some employees will work from home to decrease fuel consumption. However, this rule will not apply to essential services such as banks, hospitals, agriculture, and industry.
In light of the energy crisis, all schools and colleges across the country will remain closed for two weeks. Higher education institutions have been instructed to conduct classes online during this period to ensure academic activities continue without disruption.
Given the seriousness of the situation, the federal government convened a special cabinet committee meeting to review fuel reserves and national preparedness. This meeting focused on oil availability, supply chains, and strategies to address potential emergencies.
In addition to the federal government, several provinces in Pakistan have begun implementing their own measures. The governments of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan have announced various energy-saving and administrative management initiatives. Meanwhile, Sindh’s cabinet is set to convene to discuss the issue.
The government has indicated that if global conditions persist, further steps related to energy conservation and economic management may be necessary.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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