The Government of Pakistan has ordered significant measures to cut fuel consumption as global oil prices surge. To ease pressure on the economy, officials have shifted some government services online, closed schools temporarily, and implemented fuel‑saving policies across departments. Authorities say the steps are necessary to reduce energy demand, curb rising import costs, and help manage inflation as the country faces economic challenges linked to volatile international energy markets.


Pakistan Govt Cuts Fuel Use, Shifts Services Online, Closes Schools

Pakistan has announced fuel-saving austerity measures as global oil prices surge amid rising geopolitical tensions. The government has ordered steps to cut fuel consumption, including reduced working hours for some sectors and stricter energy-saving policies. Officials say the move aims to ease pressure on Pakistan’s fragile economy and manage rising import costs. 


Pakistan Orders Fuel-Saving Austerity As Oil Prices Surge 

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (Mar 9) announced a series of austerity measures designed to save fuel amid a raging “energy emergency”, as oil prices surged to record levels following a serious escalation in the US-Israeli war on Iran. The measures aim to cut fuel consumption by 30 per cent immediately and mandate a four-day work week for federal government offices, along with a work-from-home policy for both government and private organisations to save electricity and fuel.&nbsp;The Pakistan government ordered the closure of schools across the country for two weeks starting March 16, while universities are required to hold classes online.&nbsp;Sharif also announced a 50 per cent cut in fuel allowances for government departments and restrictions on the use of official vehicles for the next two months. The federal cabinet will forgo their salaries for the next two months, while parliamentarians will see a 25 per cent pay cut, and senior officials will contribute two days’ salaries to the government fund.&nbsp;Islamabad has also enforced a complete ban on the purchase of new vehicles, furniture, and air conditioners. Official dinners and Iftar parties funded by the government are also prohibited. In a televised address to the nation, Sharif said that due to the situation, the global price of oil had jumped to more than $100 per barrel. “If things keep progressing in this manner, then the prices will get out of hand,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-many-surprises-in-store-warns-iran-as-it-blames-trump-s-operation-epic-mistake-for-doubling-oil-prices-1773077274673">‘Many surprises in store,’ warns Iran as it blames Trump’s ‘Operation Epic Mistake’ for surging oil prices</a>&nbsp;“We are in a state of war-driven economic necessity. Every drop of fuel saved is a cent of foreign exchange preserved for the nation’s survival. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has created a physical supply vacuum that we cannot ignore. Our monthly oil import bill is projected to surge to $600 million, and we must act now to stretch our existing 28-day reserves,” Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said in a press briefing.&nbsp;The moves come after global oil prices jumped above $100 per barrel for the first time since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, marking more than a 50 per cent increase since the start of joint US-Israeli military strikes in Iran on February 28.&nbsp;The strikes, codenamed Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the United States, targeted government buildings, military installations, and suspected nuclear facilities, while aiming to decapitate the highest levels of Iranian leadership. The strikes resulted in the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the campaign.&nbsp;In retaliation, Iran targeted US military bases and strategic locations across Gulf nations, including Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, leading to disruptions across the region. Moreover, Tehran has effectively halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for about 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply. In response, major producers such as Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE have been forced to cut production as their storage tanks reach capacity with limited export routes.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

After a record increase of Rs 55 per litre, petrol prices reached Rs 321.17 on March 7, Pakistan introduced a series of austerity measures citing pressure on the forex as its oil import bill is projected to reach $600 million amid war in West Asia.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (Mar 9) announced a series of austerity measures designed to save fuel amid a raging “energy emergency”, as oil prices surged to record levels following a serious escalation in the US-Israeli war on Iran. The measures aim to cut fuel consumption by 30 per cent immediately and mandate a four-day work week for federal government offices, along with a work-from-home policy for both government and private organisations to save electricity and fuel. The Pakistan government ordered the closure of schools across the country for two weeks starting March 16, while universities are required to hold classes online. Sharif also announced a 50 per cent cut in fuel allowances for government departments and restrictions on the use of official vehicles for the next two months. The federal cabinet will forgo their salaries for the next two months, while parliamentarians will see a 25 per cent pay cut, and senior officials will contribute two days’ salaries to the government fund. Islamabad has also enforced a complete ban on the purchase of new vehicles, furniture, and air conditioners. Official dinners and Iftar parties funded by the government are also prohibited. In a televised address to the nation, Sharif said that due to the situation, the global price of oil had jumped to more than $100 per barrel. “If things keep progressing in this manner, then the prices will get out of hand,” he said. Also Read: ‘Many surprises in store,’ warns Iran as it blames Trump’s ‘Operation Epic Mistake’ for surging oil prices “We are in a state of war-driven economic necessity. Every drop of fuel saved is a cent of foreign exchange preserved for the nation’s survival. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has created a physical supply vacuum that we cannot ignore. Our monthly oil import bill is projected to surge to $600 million, and we must act now to stretch our existing 28-day reserves,” Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said in a press briefing. The moves come after global oil prices jumped above $100 per barrel for the first time since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, marking more than a 50 per cent increase since the start of joint US-Israeli military strikes in Iran on February 28. The strikes, codenamed Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the United States, targeted government buildings, military installations, and suspected nuclear facilities, while aiming to decapitate the highest levels of Iranian leadership. The strikes resulted in the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the campaign. In retaliation, Iran targeted US military bases and strategic locations across Gulf nations, including Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, leading to disruptions across the region. Moreover, Tehran has effectively halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for about 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply. In response, major producers such as Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE have been forced to cut production as their storage tanks reach capacity with limited export routes. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

After a record increase of Rs 55 per litre, petrol prices reached Rs 321.17 on March 7, Pakistan introduced a series of austerity measures citing pressure on the forex as its oil import bill is projected to reach $600 million amid war in West Asia.

Pakistan shuts schools, colleges; introduces 4-day work week amid energy emergency

From India to Australia, here's a look at the top five cricket teams with most ICC titles. This list also includes Pakistan, West Indies and Sri Lanka.

From India to Australia, here's a look at the top five cricket teams with most ICC titles. This list also includes Pakistan, West Indies and Sri Lanka.

5 cricket teams with most ICC titles, check where India stands

Iran’s strikes across the Gulf have brought renewed attention to the defence relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The long-standing security partnership between the two countries includes military cooperation, training and strategic coordination, which analysts say could become more relevant as regional tensions escalate.

The spotlight on the Saudi-Pakistan defence pact comes as Iran targets locations across the Gulf during the widening confrontation in the Middle East. The developments have raised questions about how regional alliances may respond if the conflict expands further.

Observers say the evolving situation could test existing defence partnerships across the Gulf and South Asia as countries monitor the impact of the escalating crisis.


US-Iran War: Saudi Defence Minister Meets Pak's Asim Munir as Iran Attacks Saudi

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday claimed that Zionists were behind the Iran war as part of a wider plan to expand Israel’s influence towards Pakistan’s borders.


Iran-Israel War: Pak Defence Minister Khwaja Asif Makes Explosive Claims Amid Iran War

Afghanistan’s government has claimed it shot down two Pakistani drones amid rising cross-border tensions. Officials also stated that Afghan forces struck key targets inside Pakistan, escalating an already fragile security situation between the two neighbours.

Earlier, Afghanistan asserted that it had targeted Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base, though independent confirmation remains limited. The developments signal a sharp deterioration in relations, raising fears of further military escalation in the region.

Afghan Vs Pak: Afghanistan Says It Shot Down Pakistani Drones, Claims Strikes On Key Targets

As the US‑Israel military campaign against Iran escalates, Pakistan has found itself increasingly affected by the fallout from the conflict. Islamabad has condemned the joint strikes on Iran, warning they could destabilise the entire region and urging all parties to halt escalation and resume diplomacy at the United Nations Security Council. Pakistan’s foreign ministry has expressed deep concern over violations of sovereignty and the risk of wider geopolitical consequences.


US-Israel Strike Iran: Pakistan Caught in US-Israel War with Iran 

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir finds himself navigating a deepening crisis as tensions flare along the Afghanistan border while anti-American sentiment surges at home. Even as the United States signals support for Islamabad in its confrontation with Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government, anger on Pakistani streets has intensified following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Protests have erupted in several cities, with demonstrators criticizing Pakistan’s perceived proximity to U.S. President Donald Trump. The backlash reflects growing public unease over Islamabad’s strategic balancing act — managing border security challenges with Afghanistan while containing domestic political fallout tied to global Middle East tensions.

Asim Munir Trapped Between Afghan War And Trump's Unpopularity

At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured during violent protests outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. Demonstrators clashed with security forces in response to rising Middle East tensions following recent strikes on Iran and the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei. Authorities urge calm as investigations continue.


Pak PM Condemns Israeli Strikes; Protesters Storm US Embassy Buildings in Pakistan

Afghanistan’s government claims its air force carried out precise strikes on key Pakistani installations, including the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi. Islamabad, however, says it has eliminated over 400 Afghan operatives amid escalating cross-border tensions. The sharp exchange marks a dangerous new phase in Afghanistan-Pakistan hostilities.


Afghanistan vs Pakistan: Afghanistan Air Force Claims Air Strikes In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan: Hundreds Storm US Consulate In Karachi, Protests In Pak Over Khamenei's Killing

Tensions rise between Pakistan and Afghanistan as Pakistan claims to have killed over 400 Afghan operatives, while Afghanistan reports airstrikes on its territory by Pakistan. The situation remains unclear with conflicting reports. Stay updated on the latest developments, regional security risks, and ongoing military actions in South Asia.

Pakistan-Afghanistan: Pakistan Says 400 Afghan Operatives Killed, Afghanistan Reports Airstrikes

Afghanistan vs Pakistan: Afghan Air Force Says Key Pak Installations Targeted

Pakistan: 10 Dead in Karachi Protest Outside US Consulate Following Khamenei’s Death 

At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured during violent protests outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. Demonstrators clashed with security forces in response to rising Middle East tensions following recent strikes on Iran and the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei. Authorities urge calm as investigations continue.

Pakistan: 10 Killed in Violent Protest at US Consulate After Khamenei’s Death

Tensions escalate after Afghanistan launches strikes inside Pakistan, drawing sharp regional reactions. The United States says it supports Pakistan’s right to defend itself while urging restraint to avoid further conflict. Watch the full video to know more on this!


Afghanistan Strikes Pakistan: US Backs Pakistan's Right To Defend Itself | WION World News

Pakistan’s Defence Minister has said that the situation with the Afghan Taliban is now “open war,” signalling a dramatic escalation in tensions. The statement comes amid ongoing clashes and cross-border military action between the two sides. Meanwhile, Afghan Taliban-affiliated media have claimed that a Pakistani fighter jet was downed. There has been no immediate independent confirmation of the claim. Watch the full video to know more on this!


Afghanistan strikes Pakistan: Kabul warns Pak against invasion, conflict to escalate ?  

Afghanistan strikes Pakistan: Pak declares 'Open War' with Kabul after multiple airstrikes 

Afghanistan strikes Pakistan: US backs Pakistan's right to defend itself

Intense border clashes erupt as Afghanistan warns Pakistan against alleged incursions along the Durand Line. While condemning Pakistani military actions, Afghan officials say they remain open to dialogue. Heavy exchanges of fire continue across multiple sectors, raising fears of prolonged conflict and drawing global attention to escalating South Asia tensions.

Afghanistan Warns Pakistan Against 'Invasion': Says It is Open for Dialogue

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated as Afghan forces launched a second wave of retaliatory strikes on Pakistani positions following earlier cross-border clashes. The latest attacks underscore the fragility of peace along the border and highlight ongoing security challenges in the region. Analysts warn that continued military exchanges could further destabilize relations and raise the risk of a broader conflict between the neighboring countries.


Pak-Afghan Tensions: Afghanistan Launches Second Wave of Retaliatory Strikes on Pak

Pakistan briefed the media, confirming that 12 soldiers were killed and 27 others injured during recent clashes along the border. The admission comes amid escalating tensions and ongoing exchanges, raising concerns over regional security and the potential for further military escalation. Officials said the situation remains tense as forces stay on high alert following the deadly confrontations.

Pak Briefs Media, Admits 12 Soldiers Killed & 27 Injured in Clashes

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalate as the Taliban vows to respond to what it calls Pakistan’s “evil acts.” The sharp warning follows recent cross-border clashes and drone incidents, further straining already fragile ties between Islamabad and Kabul. 


 Pak-Afghan Tensions: Taliban Vows to Respond to Pak's 'Evil Acts' 

Afghanistan Strikes Pakistan: Pak declares 'Open War' with Kabul after multiple airstrikes 

Pakistan’s Defence Minister has said that the situation with the Afghan Taliban is now “open war,” signalling a dramatic escalation in tensions. The statement comes amid ongoing clashes and cross-border military action between the two sides.

Meanwhile, Afghan Taliban-affiliated media have claimed that a Pakistani fighter jet was downed. There has been no immediate independent confirmation of the claim.


Pak vs Taliban | Pakistan Defence Minister: ‘Now It’s Open War’ With Taliban | WION

Breaking | Pak vs Taliban: Pakistan Defence Minister: ‘Now It’s Open War’ With Taliban | WION

Pakistan’s Prime Minister has issued a strong warning to the Taliban government, saying the country is capable of “crushing any aggressive ambitions.” The statement comes amid escalating tensions and cross-border hostilities between the two sides, with Islamabad signalling firm military resolve.


Breaking: Pakistan PM Warns Taliban Govt: ‘Capable Of Crushing Any Aggressive Ambitions’ | WION

Pakistan has declared what it describes as an “open war” with Afghanistan following escalating border hostilities. Strikes have been reported in Kabul and Kandahar after Afghanistan launched attacks along the border. The sharp escalation marks one of the most serious confrontations between the two sides in recent years, with tensions intensifying rapidly.


Breaking: Pakistan Bombs Key Cities In Afghanistan | WION

Afghan forces have launched retaliatory attacks on Pakistani border posts, escalating tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier. The strikes, claimed by the Taliban military unit, come after previous cross-border incidents, leading to heavy exchanges of fire across multiple sectors. Authorities on both sides are monitoring the situation closely, as the clashes highlight ongoing security challenges and the fragile state of border management in the region.


Afghanistan Strikes Pakistan: Kabul Launches Retaliatory Attacks on Pak Border Posts 

Afghanistan has rejected Pakistan’s claims about the presence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on its soil, amid rising cross-border tensions. The development adds strain to already fragile ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan.


Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions: Afghanistan rejects Pak claims on TTP presence

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