Government offices to open four days a week, ban on foreign visits for officials, schools closed until March 31: Prime Minister
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the global crisis is also affecting Pakistan. Government offices will open only four days a week, foreign visits by officials are banned, and schools will remain closed for two weeks.
Addressing the nation in the federal capital, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that there is currently a war-like situation in the Middle East and, unfortunately, severe tensions are prevailing across the region. He strongly condemned the attacks and the loss of human lives.
He said that Pakistan is also facing terrorism on its western borders. Pakistan is trying to resolve matters through diplomacy and stands with the affected countries during this difficult time. The global losses are also impacting Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said that as soon as the situation changed, oil prices went out of control. There has been a sharp increase in oil prices in the international market, leaving Pakistan with no option but to increase domestic fuel prices as well.
Shehbaz Sharif said that due to the crisis, government offices will now operate four days a week, and a work-from-home policy has been introduced. Fifty percent of employees will work from home, and for the next two months, government vehicles will be reduced by 50 percent. Schools across the country will be closed for two weeks immediately.
He added that several important decisions were made in today’s meeting. The time has come for the elite and wealthy people to step forward. Sixty percent of government vehicles will remain unused for the next two months, ministers, advisers, and special assistants will not take salaries for two months, and members of parliament’s salaries will be reduced by 25 percent.
The Prime Minister also announced that the purchase of government vehicles, furniture, air conditioners, and other items has been completely banned, and foreign visits by government officials have also been prohibited. To reduce government expenditures, seminars will now be held in government offices instead of hotels.
Shehbaz Sharif warned profiteers and hoarders not to take advantage of the current situation, saying that strict action will be taken against hoarders without discrimination.
He further said that the world is facing new challenges and new alliances are forming globally. At this critical moment, Pakistan once again needs unity, national solidarity, and a sense of responsibility. The holy month of Ramadan teaches patience, brotherhood, sacrifice, and compassion.
The Prime Minister concluded by saying that a strong and dignified nation is one that moves forward with mutual cooperation during difficult times. With the help of Allah, the government is striving to keep Pakistan’s economic situation stable.