The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has recently announced a significant shift in its operational schedule by adopting a four-day workweek policy. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to reduce escalating operational costs, primarily driven by the surge in fuel prices that have impacted various sectors nationwide. The new arrangement will see PESCO offices functioning from Monday through Thursday, with Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays designated as official holidays for all employees.
This change was formalized through an official notification released in Peshawar, outlining a series of stringent cost-cutting measures aimed at enhancing financial sustainability. Among these measures, the company has mandated a 50 percent cutback in fuel allocation for its official vehicles. Consequently, approximately 60 percent of the government-owned fleet under PESCO’s management will remain inactive for the next two months. This reduction is expected to significantly lower fuel consumption and related expenses during this period.
Moreover, the policy stipulates that field visits by company personnel will be limited strictly to essential cases. Such visits will require prior authorization from the relevant supervisory authorities to ensure judicious use of resources. Despite the reduced physical presence in offices, employees are instructed to stay connected and accessible online even during the extended weekend, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery and operational continuity.
In addition to these measures, PESCO has decided to conduct all internal meetings and hearings through virtual platforms, further minimizing the need for physical gatherings and associated costs. The company has also implemented a directive to cut down air conditioning usage in office premises by half, reflecting a conscious effort to conserve energy amid rising utility expenses.
This move by PESCO aligns with recent directives from the federal government, which has introduced a similar four-day workweek policy for government offices across Pakistan. The Cabinet Division’s notification mandates that government departments operate from Monday to Thursday, with the subsequent three days observed as holidays. This initiative forms part of a larger austerity drive aimed at curbing unnecessary expenditure and promoting energy conservation nationwide.
Furthermore, the government has called upon employees in Grade 20 and above, or those earning salaries exceeding Rs300,000 per month, to voluntarily contribute two days’ worth of their salary towards these cost-saving efforts. It is important to note that this salary contribution does not apply to personnel working in critical sectors such as health and education, ensuring that essential services remain unaffected.
Overall, these measures reflect a concerted effort by both PESCO and the federal government to manage financial resources prudently while maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery. As fuel prices continue to fluctuate, such policies may serve as a blueprint for other organizations grappling with similar economic challenges.
