In a significant move aimed at curbing expenses and conserving energy, the federal government of Pakistan officially announced on Tuesday the implementation of a four-day working week for all government offices. This decision forms part of a comprehensive austerity package designed to address the country’s pressing economic difficulties and energy shortages. Under the new arrangement, government departments will operate from Monday through Thursday, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday designated as official holidays.
The Cabinet Division clarified that this adjustment is intended to streamline government operations while simultaneously reducing operational costs. By shortening the workweek, officials hope to achieve substantial savings in electricity consumption and other resources, which have become increasingly critical amid the ongoing energy crisis. This initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to enhance fiscal discipline and optimize resource management during challenging economic times.
Alongside the revised working schedule, the government has introduced targeted salary contributions from higher-earning employees. Specifically, civil servants in Grade 20 and above, or those earning monthly salaries exceeding Rs300,000, are being asked to voluntarily donate the equivalent of two days’ pay. This measure is part of a collective effort to support public relief programs and ease the financial burden on the state. However, it is important to note that employees working in the health and education sectors have been exempted from this salary deduction, recognizing the critical nature of their roles.
These austerity steps come shortly after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled a series of stringent measures aimed at stabilizing the economy and providing relief to the general population. Among these, a directive has been issued to reduce petrol consumption for government vehicles by 50 percent over the next two months. Exceptions have been made for ambulances and public transport buses, which will continue to operate without restrictions to ensure essential services remain uninterrupted. Furthermore, 60 percent of departmental vehicles will be temporarily taken off the roads, and the procurement of non-essential items such as vehicles, furniture, and air conditioners has been halted indefinitely.
In addition to these operational cutbacks, the Prime Minister announced significant salary adjustments for government officials. Cabinet members, ministers, advisers, and special assistants will forgo their salaries entirely for the upcoming two months. Members of Parliament will experience a 25 percent reduction in their pay, while senior bureaucrats earning above Rs300,000 will contribute by having two days’ salary deducted. These funds will be redirected to public welfare initiatives, reinforcing the government’s commitment to shared sacrifice during this period of economic strain. Departments have also been instructed to slash all non-salary expenditures by 20 percent to further tighten budgets.
To complement these financial measures, the government has encouraged the adoption of remote work practices wherever possible. Teleconferencing and virtual meetings are now prioritized to minimize fuel consumption and reduce the number of employees commuting to offices. Only half of the workforce in both government and private sectors will be required to report physically to their workplaces, except for those engaged in essential services. Despite the shortened workweek, critical sectors such as banking, industry, and agriculture will continue their regular operations without interruption. Additionally, official events including seminars, conferences, dinners, and Iftar gatherings will be confined to government premises, with outdoor events being strictly prohibited.
The education sector is also experiencing adjustments in line with these austerity measures. All schools across the country will observe a two-week holiday starting this weekend, while universities and colleges will immediately transition to online classes to maintain academic continuity. This shift aims to reduce energy consumption in educational institutions while ensuring that students’ learning is not disrupted.
Finally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a stern warning to those involved in hoarding and profiteering of essential commodities such as petrol and diesel. He emphasized that the government will take strict legal action against offenders to protect consumers and stabilize market prices. Provincial governments have been tasked with the prompt and effective implementation of these austerity measures to maximize their impact and support the nation’s economic recovery efforts.
