ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the federal government launched a series of “revolutionary” austerity and economic stability measures, headlined by the official implementation of a four-day workweek.
According to a Cabinet Division notification, government offices will now operate from Monday to Thursday, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday designated as weekly holidays.
To further reduce the fiscal burden, a voluntary two-day salary cut has been directed for all officers in Grade 20 and above, or those earning over Rs 300,000; however, health and education sector employees are exempt from this reduction. Addressing the global economic climate, the Prime Minister has established a special committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to monitor these measures daily. To ensure complete transparency, all austerity initiatives will undergo a third-party audit.
Additionally, ministries have been ordered to cease the use of non-essential vehicles and provide photographic evidence to the Cabinet Division. Prime Minister Sharif emphasised that these steps are vital for maintaining economic stability amidst global challenges, and all ministries have been tasked with submitting detailed reports on improving the effectiveness of work-from-home protocols.
