The federal government has announced a four-day work week as part of a new austerity plan aimed at reducing fuel consumption and easing economic pressure during the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif shared the decision in a televised address to the nation after chairing a meeting on austerity measures.
He said the four-day work schedule will apply to most sectors, while banks, the industrial sector, and agriculture will continue operating under their current arrangements.
Along with the reduced working days, the prime minister announced a complete ban on official iftar parties and dinners. Government departments have also been directed to rely on online meetings and video-link communication whenever possible.
The government will also implement a work-from-home policy for 50 percent of employees in both public and private sector institutions, except for essential services, to reduce commuting and save fuel.
In addition, fuel quotas for public sector institutions will be reduced by 50 percent for the next two months. During the same period, about 60 percent of transport used by government offices will be taken off the roads.
The plan further includes a 20 percent reduction in government spending, excluding salaries, restrictions on new purchases, and salary-related measures for cabinet members, members of parliament, and senior officers. Non-essential foreign travel will also be limited, and seminars and conferences organized by government departments will be held in government buildings instead of hotels.
