RAWALPINDI: Some schools in Pakistan shifted to online learning this week as authorities introduced emergency fuel-saving measures after global oil prices surged due to the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The government has ordered a series of austerity steps aimed at reducing fuel consumption, including temporary school closures, remote work arrangements for a portion of government and private sector employees, and sharp cuts in fuel allocations for official vehicles. The measures were introduced after international oil prices jumped amid fears the widening Middle East conflict could disrupt supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping route, raising costs for import-dependent economies such as Pakistan.
Parents in cities including Rawalpindi said many educational institutions had already informed families through social media that classes would be conducted online while campuses remained closed.
“Hopefully, all the schools will remain closed today because many of the institutions have already shared the message on social media that we will be taking classes online for the students,” said Misam Abbas, a 30-year-old father of schoolchildren.
