Pakistan Federal Government Introduces Four-Day Work Week as Part of Austerity Measures

The federal government of Pakistan on Tuesday issued a notification implementing a four-day work week for government offices, aiming to conserve energy and reduce operational costs.

According to the Cabinet Division, government offices will now operate from Monday to Thursday, while Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will be observed as official holidays.

As part of the cost-cutting plan, employees in Grade 20 and above, or those earning over Rs300,000 per month, have been directed to voluntarily contribute two days’ salary. The government clarified that this salary reduction will not apply to employees in the health and education sectors.

Officials emphasized that the new measures are intended to optimize government resources while ensuring that essential operations continue efficiently.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a comprehensive set of austerity measures across federal and provincial governments to address ongoing economic challenges and provide relief to the public.

Fuel Restrictions and Vehicle Cuts

Government departments are instructed to cut petrol usage for official vehicles by 50 percent over the next two months, with exemptions for ambulances and public transport buses. In addition, 60 percent of departmental vehicles will remain off the road, and purchases of non-essential items such as vehicles, furniture, and air conditioners have been suspended.

Salary Reductions and Spending Cuts

Cabinet members, ministers, advisers, and special assistants will forego their salaries for the next two months, while members of Parliament will face a 25 percent pay cut. Senior officers earning above Rs300,000 will see two days’ pay deducted to be redirected toward public relief efforts. All government departments are instructed to reduce non-salary expenses by 20 percent.

Work-from-Home and Office Operations

To conserve fuel, teleconferencing and online meetings will be prioritized, and only 50 percent of staff in government and private sectors will report to offices, except in essential services. Official seminars, conferences, dinners, and Iftar parties are now restricted to government premises, with outdoor gatherings banned.

Education Sector Adjustments

All schools will observe a two-week holiday starting this weekend, while higher education institutions will transition to online classes immediately to maintain continuity of learning.

Warning to Hoarders and Profiteers

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also warned hoarders and profiteers of petrol, diesel, and other essential commodities that strict legal action will be taken. Provincial governments have been directed to implement these measures efficiently to maximize their impact.

The four-day work week and related austerity initiatives form part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure fiscal responsibility, conserve resources, and address the country’s ongoing economic and energy challenges.