The federal government has announced a work-from-home policy for employees as part of a wide austerity drive meant to cut fuel use and soften the economic strain linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif made the announcement in a televised address to the nation after chairing a meeting on austerity measures.
He said that to avoid extra fuel consumption, 50% staff of public and private sector institutions will work from home, with essential services exempted from the arrangement.
He also announced a shift to four working days a week, though the measure will not apply to banks, industries, and the agriculture sector.
The prime minister said the government is also imposing a complete ban on iftar parties and dinners, while directing institutions to prioritize online meetings and video-link communication.
The prime minister said fuel limits are being tightened further, with a 50% reduction in fuel quota for public sector institutions for the next two months, except for ambulances and public-use buses. He added that 60% of transport used in government offices is also being shut down for two months.
He announced that all government institutions will cut their spending by 20%, excluding salaries, and said the procurement of new transport, air conditioners, and other items has been banned.
The prime minister also banned unnecessary official foreign tours by federal cabinet members, provincial chief ministers, and governors, allowing only trips deemed unavoidable in the national interest.
