Schools Closed, 4-Day Govt Week, 50% Work From Home — Pakistan’s Gulf War Energy Emergency Explained

Pakistan is in the middle of an energy emergency triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran that began on February 28, 2026. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran — through which Pakistan receives the bulk of its energy imports — forced the government to announce a sweeping set of fuel conservation measures within days of the conflict escalating. If you have been wondering why schools are closed, why government offices are working four days a week, and what this means for your daily routine, here is the full picture as of March 22, 2026.

The Energy Emergency Measures: What Is Actually in Effect

What About Private Schools and Universities?

The government’s school closure directive applied primarily to public sector institutions. Private schools responded differently across cities. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat explicitly stated on March 7 that the provincial government was not directing private schools to close — emphasizing that exams for Grades VIII–XII were ongoing and could not be disrupted. The University of Karachi independently decided to conduct all morning classes online from March 9 until end of Ramadan, according to ProPakistani’s education coverage.

For parents: the situation remains fluid. The Eid holidays (March 21–23) give a natural break, and the government may announce a formal reopening schedule for public schools during the coming week depending on whether the energy crisis eases. Check your school’s WhatsApp group and official government channels — not social media rumors — for the latest.

Why Is Pakistan So Exposed to This Crisis?

Pakistan imports approximately 80% of its edible oil and a substantial portion of its petroleum through routes that pass through or near the Strait of Hormuz. The country also depends heavily on LNG (liquefied natural gas) for electricity generation — and Pakistan’s Energy Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik confirmed that QatarEnergy issued Pakistan a force majeure notice due to the conflict, meaning Pakistan cannot rely on contracted LNG deliveries while Hormuz remains disrupted.

This is not a short-term supply blip. Pakistan’s strategic petroleum reserves are limited — officials stated publicly that domestic fuel stocks were “sufficient” but declined to specify how many weeks of reserves exist. Industry analysts peg Pakistan’s usable strategic reserve at roughly 15–25 days of consumption at current rates, which means a sustained Hormuz closure beyond April would create genuine supply pressure.

What This Means for You in the Coming Weeks

• Parents: Public schools may remain closed or shift to reduced hours until the government formally lifts the emergency. Monitor Punjab School Education Department and Sindh Education announcements.
• Office workers: The work-from-home directive for government staff may extend. Private sector companies are encouraged to follow but not legally required to — check your employer’s policy.
• Business owners: The 4-day government workweek affects customs clearance, FBR offices (except Fridays), SECP filings, and any government-dependent processes. Plan for reduced throughput on Fridays.
• Commuters: Fuel prices will be reviewed again on March 28. The government absorbed Rs. 45 billion in subsidies for the Eid week — this level of subsidy is not sustainable indefinitely at current crude prices.
• Students: Online/remote learning arrangements vary. HEC has not issued a blanket university closure directive as of March 22 — individual universities are making their own decisions.