PM Shehbaz announces hybrid duty: Govt officers to work three days online

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced that all government officers will follow a hybrid duty schedule, attending offices four days a week and conducting online meetings for the remaining three days. The move comes amid rising global oil prices and ongoing economic pressures.

Addressing the nation, PM Shehbaz said the global price of oil has surged past $100 per barrel, warning that prolonged escalation could worsen the economic situation. “When conflicts arise in the region, energy prices are directly affected,” he noted.

He emphasised that the government was taking all possible steps to maintain economic stability. Highlighting recent challenges, he said Pakistan had come close to default, but the government, setting aside political differences, prioritised the welfare of the people.

The Prime Minister praised citizens for their patience and support, noting that inflation had declined, the rupee remained stable, and electricity prices had decreased. “We will do our best to ensure that the burden on the people remains minimal,” he added.

PM Shehbaz also instructed other important implementations following the austerity measures announced tonight (Monday). He said that 60 per cent of all the government vehicles will be banned from use for two months. He said salaries will be cut by 50 per cent for all the parliamentarians, and two days’ salary of BS-20 officials earning over Rs300,000 will be redirected to public welfare.

He said that a 20 per cent reduction will also be implemented in the expenses of all the government departments, with procurement of new furniture and non-essential items banned.

He said official visits abroad will be restricted to limited office holders, who will include only the prime minister, the chief ministers, and all the governors of all the provinces.

Regarding key meetings, he instructed that they should not be held at hotels and asked all officials to conduct them either online or in government buildings for the next two months.

He further said that 50 per cent of all the officials will continue to work from offices, while the other 50 per cent will work online. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will implement online classes for all educational institutions immediately for two months, he added.

PM Shehbaz concluded that these measures are essential to address current challenges and protect both the economy and the welfare of the people, urging citizens to uphold discipline, tolerance, and austerity to support the government during this critical period.