KU shifts morning classes online as petrol crisis bites, NED on standby to follow

The University of Karachi has ended physical morning classes and shifted teaching online in view of students' convenience during the third Ashra of Ramazan and possible transport problems arising from the increase in petroleum product prices.

The change takes effect from Monday, March 9 and will remain in place until the end of Ramazan, according to the notification, which was issued with the approval of Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Iraqi. All morning classes at the university will now be held online, while evening classes were already online prior to the decision. The decision has currently been made for March.

Read: Govt weighs 4-day workweek amid fuel fears

In addition to shifting classes online, the University of Karachi has also reduced petrol usage in its vehicles by up to 25 per cent due to the petrol crisis, with a notification also issued in this regard.

Combined image of the notifications issued by the University of Karachi, dated March 7 2026. PHOTOS: EXPRESS

Meanwhile, NED University of Engineering and Technology has also prepared to shift its classes online if needed. Vice Chancellor Dr Tufail Ahmed said a meeting has been held and all arrangements have been made, adding that implementation will be carried out immediately in light of any government decision.

He noted that teaching at NED is currently suspended due to Ramazan, with both morning and evening classes on hold. In the event classes are held online, Dr Ahmed said students will be given assignments and there will be online discussions on them.

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The development comes after the Pakistani government, on Friday, sharply increased diesel and petrol prices by Rs55 per litre or 20% -- marking the first increase in a series of similar surges in coming days due to the ongoing US-Israel and Iran war, which has disrupted supply chains and pushed crude oil prices to two years’ highest level.

Regional tensions have escalated after US-Israeli air strikes last week killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several senior officials. The strikes have triggered retaliatory attacks by the Islamic Republic on US military bases in several Gulf countries, expanding the confrontation.

Iran has also closed the Strait of Hormuz, halting the movement of oil supplies to many countries. In the wake of the unfolding crisis, Pakistan is also facing pressure as much of its energy supply depends on international imports.