Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced an additional weekly holiday on Friday as part of new energy conservation and austerity measures introduced in response to the current regional situation.
Under the plan, government offices will operate four days a week, with Friday added as a weekly holiday for the next two months.
Authorities say the step is aimed at reducing fuel consumption and easing pressure on energy resources.
The government has also directed that 50% of staff in both public and private sectors should work from home, except for essential services.
Banks, however, will continue operating under their existing schedule.
Schools will observe two weekly holidays, while higher educational institutions will temporarily shift to online classes.
The prime minister also announced a two-week break for schools starting at the end of this week.
Provincial governments have been asked to implement these directives in coordination with the federal government.
Review meeting on energy conservation
The announcements were made during a high-level review meeting chaired by the PM at the Prime Minister’s House.
The meeting assessed the implementation of government measures on austerity and energy conservation.
During the session, the prime minister said the government was taking practical steps to maintain economic stability despite global and regional challenges.
A special committee led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (FM) of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, has been established to monitor the implementation of austerity and energy-saving measures.
The committee will review progress daily and submit regular reports.
The prime minister also directed that a third-party audit be conducted to evaluate how effectively the measures are being implemented.
Steps towards less spending
As part of the austerity plan, the government has introduced several steps to reduce public spending.
For the next two months, the fuel allowance for official vehicles will be reduced by 50%, while 60% of vehicles used by government departments will remain off the road.
Ambulances and public buses are not included in these restrictions.
The federal cabinet will forgo its salaries for two months, while the salaries of parliamentarians will be reduced by 25%.
In addition, two days’ salary of BS-20 government officials earning more than Rs300,000 will be contributed for public welfare.
Government departments have also been directed to cut operational expenses by 20%.
Restrictions on travel and official events
The government has placed a ban on purchasing new vehicles, furniture, air conditioners and other equipment for departments during this period.
Foreign trips by ministers, advisers and government officials have also been restricted, except for those considered essential for national interests.
Officials have been encouraged to hold meetings through teleconferencing and online platforms to reduce travel and fuel consumption.
PM Shehbaz also announced a ban on official dinners and Iftar gatherings, while government seminars and conferences will now be held in government buildings instead of hotels.
Monitoring and implementation
Federal ministries and divisions have been instructed to strictly follow the austerity and energy-saving policies.
They have also been asked to submit photographic evidence of vehicles parked under austerity measures and provide reports on the implementation of work-from-home policies.
Daily and weekly reports on austerity measures, energy conservation and workforce management will be submitted to the special committee for monitoring.
Concluding his remarks, the PM said the world was facing new challenges and called on the nation to show unity during what he described as a sensitive period for the country.
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