The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Department has implemented a complete work-from-home policy every Friday as part of an austerity drive addressing the ongoing fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel and Iran conflict. A formal notification confirms that all employees of the department will work remotely on Fridays for an initial period of two months, with the possibility of extension depending on evolving circumstances.
Offices under the Local Government Department will remain closed on Fridays to support fuel conservation and governance reforms initiated by the provincial administration. The directive mandates that all official work on Fridays be conducted exclusively online, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery while minimizing fuel consumption.
All officers, including those in field formations, have been instructed to fully comply with the new guidelines. This move follows an earlier decision by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet, which had approved a 50% work-from-home policy for government staff as part of broader fuel-saving and responsible governance efforts.
In a significant development, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, outlined additional measures accompanying the policy. These include conducting 100% of official meetings virtually, reducing fuel allowances for government vehicles by 25%, and cutting overall fuel use for official vehicles by half. However, police, rescue, and security agencies are exempt from these restrictions.
The policy also seeks to limit the use of VIP protocol vehicles and helicopters, restrict non-essential government events and dinners, and promote fiscal discipline in official expenditures. These comprehensive steps reflect the provincial government’s commitment to managing resources prudently amid the challenging fuel supply situation.
