In view of the current regional situation and its possible economic impact, the Punjab government has taken several important decisions, under which it has been announced to temporarily close educational institutions across the province and bring significant changes in government administrative affairs.
According to the official announcement, all schools, colleges and universities in Punjab will remain closed from March 10 to March 31. However, during this time, online classes will be organized to continue the education of students, while the exams will be held as per the scheduled schedule.
This decision was taken in an important meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in which the ongoing situation in the region and its possible impact were considered in detail.
The meeting also decided that the government will take immediate steps to reduce the use of petroleum products. In this regard, the government fuel facility for provincial ministers has been temporarily suspended, while the petrol and diesel allowance of government officials has been reduced by fifty percent.
The government has also decided to restrict the use of protocol vehicles. Under the new policy, additional vehicles will not be allowed to accompany ministers and senior officials and only one vehicle will be allowed for security purposes.
Similarly, a work-from-home policy has been introduced in government offices. Under this policy, non-essential staff will be allowed to work from home, while only essential staff will remain present in offices.
The government has clarified that the aim of this measure is not to stop government work, but to reduce fuel consumption and unnecessary movement.
For the convenience of citizens, the government has also decided to make online services more active. Various government services under the e-business platform and the “Maryam Ki Dastak” program will continue as before.
The use of online platforms for official meetings and administrative matters will also be increased so that most matters can be dealt with through video link or teleconference.
The government has also banned external events held at the official level, while Lahore’s famous cultural fair Horse and Cattle Show has also been postponed.
The Punjab Chief Minister has directed to establish special monitoring committees in each district to ensure the availability of petroleum products and their fair distribution.
For this purpose, the Punjab Information Technology Board has been given the task of developing a modern track and trace system through which the supply chain of petroleum products will be monitored.
The government has directed the district administration to keep a close watch on transport fares and take immediate action against those charging excessive fares.
The Chief Minister has appealed to the public to understand the situation and avoid unnecessary purchases and hoarding and also avoid unnecessary events.
He said that in difficult situations, the best way out of problems is through national unity, patience, and responsibility.