Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the closure of all educational institutions till the end of the month and also imposed various curbs on fuel usage by governtment officials as the grinding conflict in the Middle East chokes energy supplies.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after US and Israeli air strikes last week assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, triggering a wave of retaliation from Tehran and widening the conflict across the region. In response to the strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US military bases in several Gulf countries, significantly expanding the scope of the confrontation.
The conflict has already led to the suspension of around a fifth of global crude and natural gas supply, as Tehran targets ships in the vital Strait of Hormuz between its shores and Oman, and attacks energy infrastructure across the region. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government earlier today introduced a two-month fuel conservation plan, slashing fuel allowances for official vehicles by 25%.
Shortly after, CM announced in a post on X: “In view of the extraordinary economic challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in the region, I have decided to take extraordinary measures to protect the public and manage resources responsibly.
“Until the petroleum crisis is resolved, official fuel supply for provincial ministers will be suspended. I have also ordered an immediate 50% reduction in petrol and diesel allowances for government officers vehicles.
“The protocol vehicles accompanying provincial ministers and senior government officials have also been restricted. Only one vehicle will be allowed for essential security purposes.”
She further said that government offices would implement a work-from-home policy, with only essential staff attending offices.
