The Sindh government has decided to close all educational institutions across the province from March 16 to March 31 amid rising fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The decision was taken during a Sindh cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday, according to an official statement.

Despite the closure, the cabinet directed authorities to ensure that examinations are held as scheduled and that the academic calendar remains unaffected. Educational institutions have also been instructed to continue essential teaching activities through online classes.

Officials said the move follows a similar decision taken earlier in Punjab, as authorities attempt to manage the economic impact of surging fuel prices.

The provincial government also directed institutions to ensure effective arrangements for online learning during the closure period.

Separately, the federal government announced that educational institutions under the Federal Directorate of Education would also remain closed from March 16 to 31.

A notification issued on the instructions of the Cabinet Division said examinations would continue according to schedule, while classes for BS programmes would shift online. Institutions have also been instructed to move academic activities to digital platforms where necessary.

Under the arrangement, 50 per cent of administrative staff will work from home on a rotational basis, while essential administrative operations will continue.

Sindh cabinet announces austerity measures

Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the provincial government had launched a comprehensive fuel conservation campaign to cope with the current economic pressures.

He said cabinet members had decided to forgo their salaries for three months as part of the austerity drive.

The government has also imposed restrictions on new purchases of official vehicles and furniture, reduced fuel use in government vehicles by 50 per cent for two months, and decided to park 60 per cent of official vehicles during the same period.

Memon added that government officials would no longer be allowed to travel business class on official trips, while unnecessary protocol and government events at hotels have been banned.

He said the austerity campaign was expected to save around Rs950 million through fuel conservation, while broader spending cuts could generate savings of up to Rs12 billion.

Officials said the savings would be redirected towards public welfare initiatives.