Two major universities in Karachi have decided to shift classes online after a significant increase in fuel prices raised concerns about transportation for students and faculty. University of Karachi and Federal Urdu University of Arts Science and Technology announced separate decisions to temporarily conduct virtual learning sessions during the holy month of Ramadan as rising petroleum costs place additional pressure on daily commuting.
According to the administration of University of Karachi, all morning classes will be conducted online starting March 9 and will continue until the end of Ramadan. University officials said the decision was taken to facilitate students who may face difficulties travelling to campus due to the sharp rise in the prices of petroleum products. The federal government recently increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre each, a move linked to higher international oil prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The university administration indicated that the adjustment to online learning is intended to ensure that academic activities continue without disruption while reducing the burden on students who rely on public or private transport to attend classes.
A similar arrangement has been announced by Federal Urdu University of Arts Science and Technology for its Karachi campus. The university stated that all classes will move online from March 11 to March 16, after which the semester break will begin. Meanwhile, the institution’s Islamabad campus will conduct online classes from March 9 to March 27 as part of its temporary academic schedule. University officials said the measures are aimed at maintaining continuity in teaching while responding to transportation and cost related challenges affecting students across different campuses.
The shift towards digital learning may also form part of a broader national strategy to conserve fuel and manage energy consumption. Government sources have indicated that policymakers are evaluating measures that could modify work and education routines across the country, including greater use of remote learning and online work. Among the proposals under consideration are reduced physical attendance in offices, remote work arrangements in corporate and information technology sectors, and limited presence of essential staff in government departments. Telecommunications and technology companies are also reportedly assessing hybrid work schedules that could allow employees to work remotely several days each week as part of wider energy conservation efforts.
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