ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced a shift to a four-day work week as part of a broader austerity plan aimed at easing economic pressure and reducing fuel consumption amid the ongoing Middle East war.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif made the announcement during a televised address to the nation late Sunday night after chairing a high-level meeting on austerity measures.
According to the prime minister, the revised four-day work schedule will apply to most government offices. However, banks, the industrial sector, and the agriculture sector will continue operating under their existing arrangements due to the nature of their services.
In addition to reducing working days, the government has imposed a complete ban on official iftar parties and dinners as part of cost-cutting efforts. The prime minister also directed that official engagements should be conducted through online meetings and video-link communication wherever possible.
The government will also introduce a work-from-home policy for 50 percent of staff in both public and private sector institutions, except for essential services, in an effort to minimize commuting and reduce fuel consumption.
Furthermore, the prime minister announced a 50 percent reduction in fuel quotas for public-sector institutions for a period of two months. As part of the same initiative, 60 percent of government office transport will be taken off the road during this period.
