LAHORE (Kashmir English): The Lahore traffic police have been ordered to stop issuing traffic challans to rickshaw drivers and motorcyclists until Eid ul Fitr 2026 to provide relief to citizens amid rising petroleum prices.
Furthermore, officials warned that if petrol prices increase further, even the Chief Traffic Officer and the entire traffic police force will use motorcycles for their daily duties instead of official vehicles.
Authorities have also instructed officers not to keep traffic police vehicles standing on roads with engines running in order to conserve fuel.
If petrol prices reach what officials described as a “third stage” of increase, traffic police may take an even more drastic step.
Citizens have been urged to limit unnecessary use of cars and motorcycles to conserve fuel and reduce pressure on national resources.
Punjab takes austerity measures
Moreover, the Punjab government has announced that schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed from March 10 to March 31 in view of the unprecedented economic hardships erupted due to the recent regional tensions.
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.
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.
