LAHORE: Rana Sikandar Hayat on Friday clarified that the Government of Punjab is not considering closing schools or shifting classes online, dismissing speculation circulating in recent days.
The statement came amid concerns that authorities might introduce energy-saving measures following rising oil prices after the recent tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
In a post on X, the provincial education minister said schools across Punjab would continue operating according to schedule and there was no proposal to suspend in-person classes or introduce online learning.
Speaking to the media, Hayat said educational institutions were currently conducting assessments for students from Grade VIII to XII and stressed that the government was not planning to impose such restrictions.
The clarification came a day after reports suggested the Government of Pakistan was considering online classes among other measures under a proposed “national action plan” aimed at adjusting work and education routines to conserve energy.
Sources familiar with the development said the plan could include digital learning, reduced office attendance and remote work for the corporate and IT sectors as part of broader energy-saving initiatives expected to take effect from March 2026.
Officials said educational institutions across the country could hold online sessions to help reduce energy consumption and limit physical attendance — similar to measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier, Shehbaz Sharif had activated an emergency economic response by constituting an 18-member high-level committee to assess the impact of rising international oil prices following the recent regional escalation.
According to an official notification, the committee will monitor global price volatility and devise a mitigation strategy to safeguard Pakistan’s economy as international oil prices continue to show an upward trend.
