Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that schools across the country will be closed from the end of this week for two weeks, while higher education institutions will shift to online classes.
The federal government made the decision as part of austerity measures introduced in response to the ongoing fuel crisis and the conflict in the Middle East.
The prime minister shared the announcement during a televised address to the nation after chairing a meeting focused on economic and administrative measures.
He explained that the decision related to the education sector is part of a broader 14-point plan aimed at managing the economic pressure caused by the regional situation.
Following the federal announcement, provincial governments have also begun suspending on-campus academic activities.
In Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and universities from March 10 to March 31. She stated that examinations will continue according to the schedule, while teaching activities will be conducted online during the closure period.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan Schools Education Department has directed the temporary closure of all public and private educational institutions from March 9 to March 23, 2026. Officials said the step was taken due to the Middle East conflict and to ensure administrative preparedness for any possible emergency situation.
Authorities described the decision as a precautionary measure aimed at improving readiness if conditions worsen.
