The Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC), following directives from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, has instructed all universities and Degree Awarding Institutions (DAIs) to implement several measures immediately, according to a post shared by the HEC of Pakistan.
The HEC took to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, regarding this announcement. According to it, all academic activities and classes must move to 100 per cent online mode with immediate effect.
Institutions will follow a four day work week that will operate from Monday to Thursday.
Up to 50 per cent of staff and faculty are to work from home on an alternate day basis, according to the announcement. All meetings of statutory bodies should be held online wherever possible.
Each university and DAI is responsible for determining the exact arrangements for work from home.
The higher education sector is expected to show institutional responsibility and support government efforts to conserve national resources.
Strict compliance is also required. The orders must be implemented “in letter and spirit” and communicated to all concerned parties immediately.
All austerity measures conveyed to universities and DAIs must be followed fully.
PM Shehbaz announces measures for public relief
PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan stands with friendly countries during this difficult time. He said Pakistan considers the security of these countries as part of its own security.
The Prime Minister announced several government measures to reduce expenses. He said fuel for government vehicles will be reduced by 50 per cent for the next two months.
Around 60 per cent of government vehicles will remain off the roads during this period.
He also said that two days’ salary of officers in Grade 20 and above will be deducted. The money will be used for public relief. Government departments will also reduce their expenses by 20 per cent.
He also announced a ban on foreign visits by federal and provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and governors.
According to the Prime Minister, only 50 per cent of staff will work in government and private offices except for essential services. Offices will open four days a week, and there will be one extra weekly holiday.
