The Government of Sindh has officially declared that all educational institutions across the province will remain closed starting from March 11 until March 31. This decision was reached during a recent session of the Sindh Cabinet, which emphasized that despite the temporary suspension of physical classes, examinations will continue as planned without any delays. To maintain academic progress, schools and colleges have been permitted to conduct online classes, ensuring students do not fall behind during this period of closure.
In addition to the educational shutdown, the provincial cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to implementing all directives issued by the federal government aimed at addressing the ongoing energy crisis. Among these measures, the cabinet announced a reduction in the salaries and perks of Sindh’s ministers, mirroring similar austerity steps taken at the national level. This move reflects the government’s broader strategy to conserve resources and manage the escalating fuel shortage that has gripped the country.
Meanwhile, the situation in neighboring Balochistan has also prompted authorities to take precautionary steps. an official notification, all schools in Balochistan will remain closed from March 10 through March 23, 2026. This closure extends to colleges and technical institutes in Quetta, affecting both public and private sectors. The provincial government cited the tense regional security environment and the need to prevent any disruptions as key reasons behind this decision. Furthermore, the closures are part of a larger effort to conserve fuel amid the worsening energy crisis.
The fuel shortage gripping Pakistan has been exacerbated by rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. These geopolitical developments have significantly impacted Pakistan’s fuel reserves, which have dwindled to a precarious 28 days’ supply. In response, the government recently increased petrol prices by Rs55 per litre, pushing the retail cost above Rs321 per litre, further straining the economy and daily life for millions of Pakistanis.
Punjab has also joined the wave of educational closures, with all schools, colleges, and universities in the province ordered to remain shut until March 31. Similar to Sindh, examinations will proceed as scheduled, and institutions are encouraged to utilize online platforms to continue academic activities during the shutdown. This coordinated approach across multiple provinces highlights the severity of the energy crisis and its ripple effects on various sectors, including education.
As the country navigates these challenging times, the government’s focus remains on balancing the urgent need for energy conservation with minimizing disruptions to essential services like education. The coming weeks will be critical in assessing the impact of these measures and determining the next steps to stabilize the situation both economically and socially.
