The government has started considering a proposal to introduce three weekly holidays across the country following a sharp rise in petroleum prices.
According to details, the proposed measure aims to reduce fuel consumption and promote austerity measures amid record-high petroleum prices.
Under the proposal, government and private offices, schools, colleges and universities would remain open for four days instead of five, effectively giving people a three-day weekly break.
Officials are currently working on a new schedule. However, the proposal has not yet been finalised and would require detailed planning and an official notification before implementation.
The government says a four-day working week could help reduce not only petrol consumption but also electricity use, public transport costs and other administrative expenses.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a relief scheme of Rs100 per litre for motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles up to 800cc to ease the financial burden on the public. The Economic Coordination Committee has approved the scheme.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said petroleum prices are now being reviewed on a daily basis due to fluctuations in the international market.
He said relevant sectors have been asked to prepare working schedules to finalise the proposal for three weekly holidays, with the aim of reducing fuel, electricity and transportation costs.
The government has also increased the price of petrol by Rs4.42 per litre and diesel by Rs6.10 per litre from September 15. Following the increase, petrol has reached a record Rs380.24 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs409.42 per litre.
Earlier this year, petrol was priced at around Rs266 per litre and diesel at around Rs281 per litre during the first week of March.
Meanwhile, international crude oil prices have crossed $108 per barrel amid tensions in the Middle East, adding further pressure on domestic fuel prices.
