In Pakistan, a series of emergency measures have been introduced to mitigate the impact of soaring global fuel prices amid geopolitical tensions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced these austerity measures, which include closing all schools for two weeks starting from March 16, 2026, and reducing the work week for public sector employees to four days. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at cutting fuel consumption by 50 percent in government departments over the coming months. Additionally, half of the government workforce will be required to work remotely to further reduce travel and fuel use. The background to these changes relates to Pakistan's significant dependency on imported fuel, which leaves the economy susceptible to price volatility and supply disruptions. Over 80 percent of the oil consumed in Pakistan is imported, primarily from the Gulf regions, putting the country at risk when global prices rise or supply chains are threatened. Following recent military actions in the Middle East, fuel prices surged by almost 20 percent within days, leading to long lines at petrol stations as citizens scrambled to fill their tanks. Prime Minister Sharif, during a televised address, highlighted the government's need to prepare for potential supply shocks and curb fuel use. In addition to the shorter work week, which exempts banks from these new arrangements, the government has grounded 60 percent of official vehicles and imposed salary cuts on federal ministers and parliamentarians. Following suit, a ban on the purchase of vehicles and office furniture has also been established, alongside restrictions on foreign travel for non-essential purposes. As tensions rise internationally, especially with the ongoing war in Iran, other countries in South and Southeast Asia are also implementing similar policies aimed at curbing energy consumption. The Philippine government is reportedly adopting a four-day work week for public officials as part of its measures. Analysts expect that while work hours will be shortened, the expectation is that productivity will remain unaffected. Overall, these actions reflect a regional response to an energy crisis exacerbated by conflict in the Middle East and highlight the delicate balance these nations must maintain between maintaining economic stability and managing geopolitical risks.