Pakistan’s 4-Day Work Week: What the Policy Means
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a 4-day working week for Pakistan’s federal government offices, effective immediately — with banks excluded from the new schedule. The policy is a direct response to Pakistan’s ongoing energy crisis and rising petroleum costs, aiming to cut fuel consumption across the public sector and reduce operational expenditure at a time of significant economic pressure.
Why Pakistan Is Cutting the Work Week
Pakistan has faced a severe petroleum and energy crisis, driving up costs for government operations nationwide. By reducing office days, the government expects a measurable drop in fuel usage, electricity consumption, and commuting-related expenditure — easing short-term fiscal pressure while signaling austerity leadership from the top. The move aligns with global trends in work-week reduction, with countries like the UAE and Iceland having trialled similar policies with positive outcomes.
