In Pakistan, all schools have been closed until March 31 as part of austerity measures introduced during a fuel crisis linked to tensions in the Middle East involving the USA, Israel and Iran. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said the government is trying to reduce the burden on the public while addressing rising fuel shortages.
Sharif announced that fuel allowances for official vehicles will be cut by 50 percent and 60 percent of government vehicles will remain unused for two months. Cabinet members will not receive salaries during this period. He also said that half of public and private sector employees will work from home, while offices will operate four days a week, with banks exempt