Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon declared on Tuesday that all educational institutions across the province will reopen for physical classes starting April 1. This decision marks the end of online learning, as schools, colleges, and universities will shift back to in-person teaching from Wednesday.
He further stated that educational institutions will remain closed on Saturdays, establishing a two-day weekend along with Sunday. This adjustment follows a closure period from March 16 to 31, during which schools were shut for curriculum-related activities. The closures were part of the provincial government’s austerity measures and the broader context of the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict.
These austerity measures are aligned with a nationwide initiative announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aimed at reducing expenditures and conserving energy in response to the global fuel crisis caused by tensions in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Sindh Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah confirmed the academic year will commence on April 1, encouraging students and staff to fully engage with the benefits of face-to-face education. He extended his best wishes for a successful start to the new academic session.
In a related development on March 10, the Sindh government mandated a 50% cut in fuel consumption for official vehicles until April, with 60% of government vehicles to remain off the roads during this period. Additionally, provincial ministers agreed to waive their salaries and allowances for three months as part of the austerity campaign.
At the same March 10 press briefing, Memon reiterated that ministers would not receive pay for April, May, and June. The government also imposed restrictions on purchasing new vehicles and furniture, and banned refreshments in government offices until April to further support the cost-saving efforts.
