The federal government is considering a work from home (WFH) policy as part of a national fuel saving plan.
This also includes shifting classes to online mode instead of going to school.
The move is being discussed due to possible oil supply disruptions in the Middle East after the Israel and US strikes on Iran, sources said on Thursday.
The conflict between the United States Israel and Iran has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
About one fifth of the world’s seaborne crude oil passes through this route. Large amounts of liquefied natural gas (LNG) also move through this waterway.
Sources said the government has started preparing a national action plan to save energy.
As part of the plan, online classes and smart working arrangements similar to those used during the Covid-19 pandemic are being considered.
Officials are also reviewing a proposal to shift educational institutions to online classes in March to reduce fuel use.
The corporate sector may also be encouraged to allow employees to work from home two days a week.
Students, teachers comment
We talked to students and teachers regarding the ongoing situation and how it is expected to affect their studies.
Muazzam, a grade 5 student from a notable private school, expressed concern. According to him, it was hard to fathom how the war was so far yet so close.
“At first I did not understand why the schools were being closed,” he said, “but now I can tell it is because of the fuel problem.”
Commenting on the possibility of online classes, he said, “These classes are easy, fun, but difficult to understand sometimes.”
12 year old Warda of grade 7, from Islamabad’s private school, said, “Online classes are fun, you can sleep throughout the classes and somehow end up passing.” The student further added, “This is something we can not do when the teacher is right there.”
We also talked to the teachers, most of whom seemed worried about the curriculum, exams and student participation.
A teacher, Amna from a notable private school, commented, “The students fall way behind in online classes.”
She further added, “It is not even about how well a student listens; they are kids and will be mischievous and might lack attention sometimes, but the real problem is difficulty in communication.”
Cabinet committee reviewing fuel supply situation
A cabinet committee recently reviewed the country’s fuel supply situation. The meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The committee reviewed oil reserves, LNG shipments, and cross border LPG supplies.
Officials said Pakistan currently has almost four weeks of petrol and diesel stocks. They said there is no immediate shortage at the moment.
However, authorities want to prepare contingency plans if problems in international shipping routes continue.
Provincial chief secretaries have been asked to attend upcoming meetings to discuss possible measures. These include remote working arrangements for government offices and other sectors.
Sources said authorities are considering allowing only essential staff to attend offices in March 2026. Minimum staffing levels may be introduced in workplaces.
Several proposals are also being discussed to promote ride-sharing among office employees to reduce fuel use.
Telecom and IT companies are also being advised to allow employees to work online two days a week.
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