The Pakistani government announced several strict austerity measures to cope with soaring oil prices, while the military prepares to begin naval operations to protect trade routes.
On 9 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the Pakistani government issued several severe austerity declarations to address the rapidly rising oil prices caused by the war situation in the Middle East, which has disrupted oil supply.
In a statement to the public on Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that schools will close for two weeks, and higher education institutions will immediately switch to online learning.
Additionally, half of the employees in both the public and private sectors will work from home, and one extra day off per week will be granted to save fuel consumption.
The Prime Minister also announced strict measures for civil servants and government officials, such as halving the oil quota for official vehicles and reducing some salaries to cut government expenses and help provide relief to the public.
Meanwhile, global crude oil prices surged above 100 US dollars per barrel on Monday, marking the first time in nearly four years, before stabilizing just below the 100-dollar mark.
Sharif emphasized in his statement that Pakistan’s economy, agriculture sector, and transportation all heavily depend on oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf.
Furthermore, government agencies have been ordered to refrain from purchasing new furniture, air conditioners, or other equipment.
Sharif also strictly prohibited Pakistani officials from traveling abroad, including himself, except for trips absolutely necessary for national security interests.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan military announced the launch of naval operations to protect the nation’s maritime trade and shipping.
The military stated that this operation is due to the "changing maritime security environment in the region and potential disruptions to critical shipping routes," with the government saying the navy is tasked with escorting and monitoring commercial vessels to ensure safety.
"Since about 90% of Pakistan’s trade is conducted via sea, this operation aims to ensure these vital routes remain safe, secure, and uninterrupted," the statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Pakistan military said.
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Source:cnn