LAHORE – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the withdrawal of several austerity measures imposed on federal government departments, including the end of the Friday Holiday policy.
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, the government has restored previous facilities for official operations. The decision includes the restoration of full petrol allowances for government use.
The notification also reversed the earlier decision to keep 60 percent of government vehicles inactive as part of fuel-saving measures. Government departments will now be able to use their official vehicles as per previous arrangements.
The Friday Holiday was introduced under austerity measures to reduce fuel consumption and control government expenses. However, the policy has now been abolished, allowing federal employees to return to the previous working schedule.
The decision marks a major change from the government’s earlier cost-cutting campaign. These measures were introduced during economic challenges to reduce public spending and manage energy resources.
The removal of the Friday Holiday policy is expected to increase working days for government offices. It will also restore normal administrative activities across federal departments.
Along with ending some restrictions, the government has decided to maintain certain business timing rules. Market closing schedules introduced on June 3 and June 10 will remain in effect.
Under the current timings, shops, markets, shopping malls, and bazaars must close by 9:00 PM. Marriage halls and event centers are required to shut by 10:00 PM.
Restaurants, cafés, and food outlets must close operations by 11:00 PM. However, home delivery and takeaway services will continue without these restrictions.
Several essential services will remain exempt from the closing timings. These include pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, and milk shops.
Petrol pumps, CNG stations, electric vehicle charging points, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies, and call centers will also continue operating without restrictions.
The government clarified that other austerity measures introduced before March 9, 2026, will remain active. Officials said selected energy conservation policies will continue despite the relaxation of some rules.
The latest decision represents a significant rollback of previous spending control measures. It restores several facilities for federal departments while maintaining specific restrictions aimed at energy management.
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The end of the Friday Holiday arrangement reflects the government’s move toward normal administrative operations after months of austerity-based policies.
