Pakistan to close schools, cut spending over Iran war
Pakistan to Close Schools, Cut Spending Amid Iran War
Measures Aimed at Reducing Economic Pressure
Pakistan has introduced fuel and cost-saving initiatives to alleviate financial pressure from the escalating conflict in Iran. These actions, outlined by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, target both consumption and government expenditure. The measures include temporary school closures, reduced public sector wages, and restrictions on Ramadan evening gatherings.
School Closures and Educational Adjustments
Across the country, schools are set to shut down for two weeks beginning the following Monday. This will impact approximately 40 million students in a population of 250 million. Meanwhile, colleges and universities will transition to virtual learning during the same timeframe. The move is part of broader efforts to conserve resources and ease the burden on public services.
Government Salary and Operational Cuts
Public sector employees will work remotely for half their roles, with government offices operating on a four-day schedule. Additionally, cabinet ministers and advisors will forgo their salaries and allowances. Federal and provincial legislators are also expected to voluntarily reduce pay by 25%. Radio Pakistan reported that fuel allocations for official vehicles will be halved for two months, except for ambulances and public transportation.
Fuel Price Increases and Inflation Concerns
Petrol and diesel prices have surged by 55 rupees ($0.20, €0.18) per liter, marking the most significant single hike in history. This follows disruptions to global energy supplies caused by the US-Israel conflict with Iran. As Pakistan relies heavily on imported energy, inflation is closely tied to fluctuations in fuel costs.
“To stabilize the economy, we have taken difficult decisions,” Prime Minister Sharif stated in a televised address. He emphasized the government’s goal to lessen the impact on citizens, despite limited influence over international fuel prices.
