The administration of University of Karachi has announced to conduct morning classes online to facilitate students during Ramzan amid fuel price hike.
According to Karachi University officials, morning classes will be held online from March 9 until the end of Ramadan.
Students are facing transportation difficulties following the recent increase in petroleum product prices in Pakistan.
University officials said the decision was taken to ensure convenience for students who may face commuting hurdles due to rising transport costs.
However, other academic activities and schedules will continue as per the university’s directives, while morning classes will remain online during the specified period.
Are schools in Pakistan closing, shifting to online classes due to fuel crisis?
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.
Punjab minister rejects school closures and shift to online classes
Punjab Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat earlier stated that all public and private schools would be kept open and that the academic calendar would be completed on time.
In a post on X, he wrote that all public and private schools will be open and the academic calendar will be completed.
His statement came amid rising discussion about possible online classes as the federal government is considering emergency energy saving measures.
