Pakistan Plans COVID-Style Restrictions Amid Oil Crisis

Islamabad, March 5: The U.S.–Iran war has impacted Pakistan as well. With the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan faces the risk of halted oil imports. Already struggling with severe cash shortages, the country is alarmed at the prospect of an impending oil crisis.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has decided to implement oil-saving measures. Similar to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government plans to reintroduce steps such as work-from-home for employees, online classes for students, and limiting the number of vehicles on the roads.

About 4.7 million Pakistani citizens live in Gulf countries. Under current conditions, remittances from them may stop, worsening the financial situation. According to Dawn newspaper, the government is preparing orders for March that only essential staff should attend offices, while others work from home. Telecom and IT company employees will also be required to work from home at least two days a week.