Karachi, March 10, 2026 – The Sindh Government has announced a 15-day closure of all schools and colleges across the province, effective March 16 to March 31, 2026, as part of broader austerity measures. Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon confirmed the decision on Tuesday following a Sindh cabinet meeting.
The government has instructed colleges and universities to continue academic activities through online classes during the closure period. Despite the shutdown, the examination schedule will remain unchanged, and students are expected to appear for exams as originally planned.
This move follows a similar decision by the Punjab Government, which announced school closures from March 10 to 31, 2026, reflecting a coordinated effort among provincial governments to implement austerity measures amid rising fuel costs.
The closures are part of a national austerity initiative announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to curb government spending and conserve energy in response to the global fuel crisis. The crisis has been worsened by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route, and escalating tensions in the Middle East, following attacks involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Amid these global supply constraints, Pakistan recently increased petrol and diesel prices by approximately 20%, prompting both federal and provincial authorities to implement energy-saving and cost-cutting measures. The closure of schools is intended to reduce electricity and fuel consumption while ensuring educational continuity through remote learning.
Officials emphasized that these steps aim to stabilize the economy, manage fuel consumption, and maintain academic progress despite challenging international energy conditions.