Pakistan to close schools, cut spending over Iran war

"Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a series of measures intended to curb fuel consumption and reduce government spending amid economic strain caused by the US-Israel war with Iran. The steps will affect schools, public services, and government workers."

"Schools across Pakistan are scheduled to close for two weeks starting next Monday, a move that would affect roughly 40 million students in a nation of about 250 million. The government said colleges and universities will shift to online classes during the same period."

"Fuel allocations for official vehicles will be cut in half for two months, with exceptions for ambulances and public buses. Sharif also said cabinet ministers and advisers will forgo their salaries and allowances, while members of federal and provincial legislatures are expected to take voluntary pay cuts of 25%."

Pakistan announced comprehensive austerity measures to combat economic strain caused by rising global oil prices linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Schools across the nation will close for two weeks affecting 40 million students, while universities transition to online classes. Government offices will operate four days weekly with half of public employees working remotely. Fuel allocations for official vehicles are cut by half for two months, excluding ambulances and buses. Cabinet ministers will forgo salaries and allowances, while legislators take voluntary 25% pay cuts. New official vehicle purchases are suspended until June 2026. Pakistan raised petrol and diesel prices by 55 rupees per liter, marking the largest single increase on record, as global oil disruptions intensify.

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