ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved declaring Friday as an additional weekly holiday. The decision is part of the government’s new austerity and energy conservation strategy.
The announcement came during a review meeting held at the Prime Minister’s House on Tuesday. The meeting focused on steps to reduce expenses and improve national energy management.
According to officials, the prime minister directed all federal ministries and divisions to strictly follow the new policy. The goal is to lower government spending and reduce energy consumption across public institutions.
During the meeting, the prime minister said the government is working to stabilize the national economy. He added that Pakistan faces global and regional challenges that require careful financial planning.
To monitor the implementation of these policies, a special committee has been formed. The committee is headed by Ishaq Dar, who currently serves as deputy prime minister and foreign minister.
The committee will review austerity and energy conservation measures every day. It will also submit regular reports to the prime minister about progress and challenges.
The government also plans to increase transparency in the process. The prime minister ordered a third-party audit of the austerity policies adopted by different departments.
This audit will examine whether the policies are effective and whether they are properly implemented. Officials believe this step will improve accountability within government institutions.
Another important directive concerns government vehicles. Ministries must send photographs to the Cabinet Division showing vehicles taken out of service under the austerity plan.
The government hopes this measure will help reduce fuel usage and maintenance costs.
The prime minister also emphasized better work-from-home arrangements for government employees. Each ministry has been asked to submit a report explaining how remote work systems are being improved.
Officials said federal ministries and divisions will provide daily and weekly updates. These reports will focus on energy savings and workforce management.
In a separate meeting, the prime minister also reviewed the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue. He instructed authorities to expand automated monitoring systems in more sectors.
The goal is to improve tax collection and reduce tax evasion through technology.
Officials said digital monitoring systems are already active in sectors such as sugar, cement, cigarettes, and fertiliser. These systems have helped increase tax revenue in recent months.
The government now plans to introduce similar systems in the textile, leather, paper, automobile, and beverage industries.
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Authorities expect these steps to generate billions of rupees in additional revenue. Officials say stronger economic management and improved energy conservation will support Pakistan’s financial stability in the coming months.
