The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Department has introduced a 100 per cent work-from-home policy for Fridays as part of austerity measures aimed at conserving fuel following the ongoing fuel crisis triggered by tensions linked to the US-Israel and Iran conflict.
A formal notification issued by the department confirmed that all employees will perform their duties remotely every Friday. The policy will remain in effect for two months and may be extended depending on the prevailing situation.
According to the notification, government offices under the department will remain closed on Fridays, with all official activities to be carried out online as part of the provincial government’s fuel conservation and administrative efficiency measures.
Officials across the Local Government Department, including field formations, have been directed to strictly comply with the new instructions and ensure uninterrupted operations through remote working arrangements.
Earlier, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet had approved a 50 per cent work-from-home policy for government employees under a broader fuel-saving and governance reform plan.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, stated that the initiative also includes conducting all official meetings virtually, reducing fuel allowances for government vehicles by 25 per cent, and cutting overall fuel consumption of official transport by 50 per cent.
However, police, rescue, and security agencies have been exempted from these restrictions. The policy further seeks to minimise VIP protocol movements, limit the use of helicopters, reduce non-essential government events and official dinners, and promote financial discipline in public spending.
Also read: Two month salary cut for senior govt officials announced under austerity measures
