Fuel crisis forces Pakistan to close schools, take austerity measures

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a sweeping austerity and energy-saving plan, saying the steps were necessary as the country confronts a global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. “These attacks have posed a great threat to the whole region,” Sharif said in televised remarks. Government officials who earn more than 300,000 Pakistani rupees ($1,074) a month will have two paydays deducted, and the use of government vehicles will be reduced by 60 percent for the next two months. Fuel allowances for those vehicles will be cut in half. 
The federal cabinet will not be paid a salary for the next two months, and members of parliament will see a 25 percent reduction in their wages. All lawmakers are banned from foreign trips. Official iftars for Ramadan and other dinners and parties have also been banned. Amid tightening supplies, Pakistan increased petrol and diesel prices by 20 per cent and rolled out nationwide austerity measures aimed at cutting fuel consumption and government spending.Government expenses will be scaled back by 20 percent, and large purchases such as furniture and air conditioners are prohibited. Pakistan had already been suffering from high inflation, soaring debt and low foreign exchange reserves. It was also embroiled in a war of its own.
"We have taken difficult decisions to reduce the energy crisis and stabilise the economy despite challenging circumstances," he said.  Sharif announced the closure of all schools through the end of the month, and remote work for all university students and half the workforce, as his country implements steep austerity measures amid soaring global fuel prices.Sharif has condemned the US-Israeli attacks on Iran as well as the Islamic Republic's attacks on the Gulf, and offered to be a mediator to bring an end to a rapidly escalating conflict.