LAHORE (Kashmir English): School holidays have been announced in Punjab and Balochistan amid escalating regional tensions, as both provincial governments take emergency measures to address economic hardships and ensure public safety.
Punjab School Holiday Announcement
The Punjab government has announced that all schools, colleges, and universities in Punjab will remain closed from March 10 to March 31, 2025.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz confirmed in an official statement that exams will proceed as scheduled, and educational institutions are authorized to conduct online classes during the closure period.
Punjab Government Austerity Measures
Alongside the Punjab school closure, CM Maryam Nawaz announced a sweeping package of emergency austerity measures in response to the ongoing petroleum crisis in Pakistan:
- Government fuel for provincial ministers suspended until the petroleum crisis is resolved
- Petrol and diesel allowances for official vehicles cut by 50% with immediate effectProtocol vehicles banned only one security vehicle permitted for provincial ministers and senior officials
- Work From Home policy activated for government offices; only essential staff required on-site
- Online meetings and teleconferences to replace in-person government functions
- Outdoor government events banned; the Horse and Cattle Show cultural festival postponed
- District Petroleum Monitoring Committees to be established in every district
- PITB tasked with developing a track and trace system for petroleum productsThe work-from-home directive extends to the private sector as well, with CM Maryam urging businesses to avoid unnecessary events and
- limit staff movement — a signal of how seriously the government is treating the current regional emergency.
School holidays have been announced in Punjab and Balochistan on Monday in view of the unprecedented economic hardships erupted due to the recent regional tensions.
The Punjab government has announced that schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed from March 10 to March 31.
In a statement, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, said that exams will be held as per the schedule, while schools and educational institutions will be able to take online classes.
Moreover, the CM has decided that government fuel for provincial ministers will be stopped until the petroleum crisis is over. While petrol and diesel allowances for government officials’ vehicles have been reduced by 50 percent immediately.
The government has also banned protocol vehicles accompanying provincial ministers and senior government officials across the country.
“Only one vehicle will accompany provincial ministers and senior government officials for unavoidable security reasons,” the statement said.
Work From Home policy
The Chief Minister has also approved to operate government offices “work from home,” and only essential staff will come to the office.
“Under work from home, only the movement of additional support staff is being stopped; work in offices will not be stopped,” CM Maryam instructed. “Online meetings and teleconferences will be held to conduct government affairs.”
Furthermore, the chief minister has instructed that an advisory should be issued to the private sector for work from home policy. Under which they should not hold unnecessary events and call only essential staff.
“Services under e-business and Maryum Ki Dastak will continue for the convenience of citizens,” the CM instructed.
The government has banned its outdoor events, and the cultural festival of the Horse and Cattle Show has also been postponed.
The Chief Minister has also directed the establishment of District Petroleum Monitoring Committees in every district to monitor petroleum products.
“PITB has been given the task of developing a track and trace system for petroleum products.”
Representatives of the district administration, police, PARA, and other institutions will be part of the team developing the track and trace system.
In addition to that, Maryam Nawaz has urged the citizens to avoid late-night shopping in view of the emergency situation. “Do not make unnecessary purchases or hoard essential items,” she appealed to the people.
Balochistan school holidays
The Balochistan Education Department (Schools) has also declared the temporary closure of all public and private educational institutions across the province with immediate effect.
“All schools and educational institutions across the province will remain closed from March 9 until March 23,” the notification stated.
The notification stated that the decision has been taken in view of the prevailing regional situation and to ensure administrative preparedness for any potential emergency circumstances.
The officials have said that the measure has been taken to address potential issues related to transportation and mobility in the recent escalating regional situation.
However, the notification clarified that the ongoing admission campaign, the digital school census, and any examinations already scheduled will continue as scheduled during the closure period.
Officials also stated that the situation is being monitored continuously, and further instructions may be issued if required.
