6-Day week for government employees announced by PM Shehbaz Sharif

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued Tuesday orders to implement the relief package announced a day earlier immediately after being elected as the 23rd premier of Pakistan.

According to reports, the premier has abolished two weekly offs in a week and government offices will now remain open six days a week instead. Moreover, the premier has also changed office timings to 8am.

PM Shehbaz further issued orders to relevant authorities to ensure the supply of quality and cheap goods in the sasta bazaars during Ramadan. He also issued directives to ensure strict monitoring of Ramadan bazaars.

A day earlier, PM Shehbaz announced various incentives for the people of Pakistan, which included:

The minimum wage will be jacked up to Rs25,000 (from April 1).
10% increase in pensions of retired civil, and military officials (from April 1).
Cheap wheat to be introduced at utility stores.
Laptop and technical education for youth.
Reintroduction of Benazir Card.

Appeal to industrialists to increase salaries of employees who earn up to Rs100,000 by 10%.

On his first day in office, Shehbaz sent officials of PM Office into panic as his surprise arrival early in the morning worried the employees and officers who had not reached office.

Shehbaz, who is largely known for his punctuality, reached PM Office at 7am on his first day after assuming charge. The officers and other employees of PM Office who had not reached by that time rushed to work to avoid the wrath of the newly elected PM.


https://www.geo.tv/latest/410988-pm-shehbaz-sharif-reduces-number-of-weekly-offs

 

[Rana]

I don’t understand the Pakistani administration fascination of 6 days a week work days.

Surely you do the same if not more work from a a basic 9-5 Mon-Friday,

Or Sunday-Thursday if you want to avoid clashes with Friday prayers. It’s not like the 6 day thing has widened the gap between Pakistan and western civilisation (to whom they are at least 100 years behind)

 

[Babeikh]

Horrendous decision. If anything it should be a 4 day week, not even a 5 or 6 day week.

 

[MenInG]

I don’t understand the Pakistani administration fascination of 6 days a week work days.

Surely you do the same if not more work from a a basic 9-5 Mon-Friday,

Or Sunday-Thursday if you want to avoid clashes with Friday prayers. It’s not like the 6 day thing has widened the gap between Pakistan and western civilisation (to whom they are at least 100 years behind)

Same happening in UAE

they work on Fridays but take a break for juma.

 

[cricketerB94]

Much needed and a very good step. The factory workers in Pakistan work 6 days a week. The local companies in Pakistan with high demand of their product work 6 days a week. The government offices should also work 6 days a week when we have a lot to achieve as a nation. Most of the Chinese people work 24/7, that is why they have become such a super power of the world.

One thing is for sure. This nation needs a danda to work properly, and Shahbaz Sharif had that reputation of making life hell for the people who were very incompetent in their job when he was CM of Punjab. So interesting times ahead. Lets see how does he tackle the mafias.

 

[Extra_Cover]

Much needed and a very good step. The factory workers in Pakistan work 6 days a week. The local companies in Pakistan with high demand of their product work 6 days a week. The government offices should also work 6 days a week when we have a lot to achieve as a nation. Most of the Chinese people work 24/7, that is why they have become such a super power of the world.

One thing is for sure. This nation needs a danda to work properly, and Shahbaz Sharif had that reputation of making life hell for the people who were very incompetent in their job when he was CM of Punjab. So interesting times ahead. Lets see how does he tackle the mafias.

Which mafia?

 

[silentkiller187]

Most countries are moving towards a 4 day week, but Pakistan are looking to implement 6 day week?

 

[Rana]

Much needed and a very good step. The factory workers in Pakistan work 6 days a week. The local companies in Pakistan with high demand of their product work 6 days a week. The government offices should also work 6 days a week when we have a lot to achieve as a nation. Most of the Chinese people work 24/7, that is why they have become such a super power of the world.

One thing is for sure. This nation needs a danda to work properly, and Shahbaz Sharif had that reputation of making life hell for the people who were very incompetent in their job when he was CM of Punjab. So interesting times ahead. Lets see how does he tackle the mafias.

Working 6 days a week since it’s inception but nations like Bangladesh have overtaken Pakistan.

It’s a bit like training for a sport. It doesn’t matter how much training sessions you hold if you are not training for the right thing.

 

[uberkoen]

Most countries are moving towards a 4 day week, but Pakistan are looking to implement 6 day week?

Most countries that are moving to 4 day work week aren't agro-based or manufacturing based economies.

 

[cricketerB94]

I don’t understand the Pakistani administration fascination of 6 days a week work days.

Surely you do the same if not more work from a a basic 9-5 Mon-Friday,

Or Sunday-Thursday if you want to avoid clashes with Friday prayers. It’s not like the 6 day thing has widened the gap between Pakistan and western civilisation (to whom they are at least 100 years behind)

An employee can give around 25 - 30 hours more productivity in a month when there are 6-days work week. As a 3rd world country, Pakistan people should look to produce as much as they can.

 

[cricketerB94]

Which mafia?

Mostly the sugar and wheat mafia. The price hikes in the previous government were unbelievable. So lets see what does he do about that.

 

[cricketerB94]

Working 6 days a week since it’s inception but nations like Bangladesh have overtaken Pakistan.

It’s a bit like training for a sport. It doesn’t matter how much training sessions you hold if you are not training for the right thing.

I think that Bangladesh's economy never hit that rock bottom where Pakistan's economy stands currently.

Yes, it seems like it when you don't have work to do on that extra day or some direction. But if there is work to do, then you'll surely find the right thing to train.

 

[Itachi]

India, except a few depts, are on 6 days week. Good step.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

I don’t understand the Pakistani administration fascination of 6 days a week work days.

Surely you do the same if not more work from a a basic 9-5 Mon-Friday,

Or Sunday-Thursday if you want to avoid clashes with Friday prayers. It’s not like the 6 day thing has widened the gap between Pakistan and western civilisation (to whom they are at least 100 years behind)

You do know that anything doesn't open before 11-12 in Pakistan even though they officially they should be working from 8-9 in the morning. People would be queuing up from 8 but the officials won't get to their desks till midday even if they are in the building as nobody works the official hours and there is no check in balance either.

The same happens in bazaars or everywhere you go in Pakistan, they won't open until midday and it is highly frustrating for everyone.

 

[Savak]

Uh, work life balance much? People in the West work very hard in 5 days but need two days off on the weekend.

This is very dehati thinking that by increasing the working day by one, you will increase productivity.

 

[Rana]

You do know that anything doesn't open before 11-12 in Pakistan even though they officially they should be working from 8-9 in the morning. People would be queuing up from 8 but the officials won't get to their desks till midday even if they are in the building as nobody works the official hours and there is no check in balance either.

The same happens in bazaars or everywhere you go in Pakistan, they won't open until midday and it is highly frustrating for everyone.

Exactly

Makes a mockery of professionalism until 8-5 isn’t proper working hours as a nation IMO.

I know Spain has the Siesta system as a national culture but they also open their offices at 8-9 in the morning

 

[Itachi]

Uh, work life balance much? People in the West work very hard in 5 days but need two days off on the weekend.

This is very dehati thinking that by increasing the working day by one, you will increase productivity.

Work culture in Desi countries and west are very different. What works for one culture, may not work for another.

 

[Kianig89]

Don't worry mostly people in Pakistan only work hard between 10 to 12:30 and then 1:45 to 2:45 rest of the time it's only yawning checking social media tea coffee lunch prayer and calling and greeting others so 6 days a week won't make any difference
But it will effect the tourism hospitality and markets as well

 

[pakistani pride]

Much needed and a very good step. The factory workers in Pakistan work 6 days a week. The local companies in Pakistan with high demand of their product work 6 days a week. The government offices should also work 6 days a week when we have a lot to achieve as a nation. Most of the Chinese people work 24/7, that is why they have become such a super power of the world.

One thing is for sure. This nation needs a danda to work properly, and Shahbaz Sharif had that reputation of making life hell for the people who were very incompetent in their job when he was CM of Punjab. So interesting times ahead. Lets see how does he tackle the mafias.

LOL
PML N / PPP would never rule in China. These 2 parties have made Pak such a weak nation.

 

[Savak]

Whenever i have had to work 6 days a week, the biggest problem is that you don't feel relaxed, chill on Friday evening because you know you have to work again on a Saturday. Your recreational options, social activities are limited

But when you know you have Saturday and Sunday off, you can make great use off on Friday Night i.e. plan a 2 day trip.

I am a bigger fan of Work very hard Monday to Friday, even long hours if necessary but party hard and relax on Saturday and Sunday. It makes for a better work life balance, home balance and better mental health.

 

[Varun]

How much of this has to do with the fact that Friday afternoon/evening is a defacto holiday for people as they attend to their weekly prayers?

 

[PakPremi]

So the pay rise was not a pay rise as you work a day extra?
Sharifs never fail to fool people.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

So the pay rise was not a pay rise as you work a day extra?
Sharifs never fail to fool people.

Very true. I actually thought Crime Minister saab did something good by raising the salaries. However it seems to be a con.

 

[MenInG]

The federal government on Friday announced that its employees will continue with a six-day work week and will not revert to five working days.

Following the approval of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Establishment Division issued a notification stating that the working hours of government offices have been changed to 8 am to 3 pm while on Fridays, working hours will be from 8 am to 1 pm.

Earlier, office hours were from 9 am to 5 pm.

On April 12, taking charge of the Prime Minister's Office, premier Shehbaz announced a six-day workweek for government offices.

Subsequently, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) decided to observe a six-day working week with revised working hours, issuing the notification to all commercial banks, development finance institutions and microfinance banks.

As a result, bankers across the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad staged protests outside the press clubs and SBP buildings against the government's decision.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2355423/federal-employees-to-continue-observing-six-day-work-week

 

[MenInG]

Saturday holidays have been restored for the public sector, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Tuesday, as the government seeks to implement austerity measures to rein in a spiralling cash crunch.

The day he entered office on April 16, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued directives to public sector offices to open at 8am and abolished the official Saturday holiday, triggering some protests from bank employees for the move to be reversed. The move was notified on May 7.

"Saturday offs have been restored. These are challenging times and it has been done to control this crisis," Aurangzeb said in a press briefing following a meeting of the federal cabinet.

In other measures, the cabinet approved slashing the petrol quota of government officials and the cabinet by 40 per cent. "So while we are asking people to sacrifice, we have begun these measures with the cabinet in order to pass on as little burden to the people as possible."

With regard to a recommendation by the power ministry to institute work-from-home policies in offices on Fridays to reduce demand for fuel and energy, Aurangzeb said the premier had formed a committee to devise a mechanism so "efficiency is not affected much and how we may benefit from it in an effective manner".

The said committee will present recommendations in the next cabinet meeting, the minister said.

The cabinet also approved plans to work with provincial municipal authorities to keep street lights running "on alternate nights" to save energy, Aurangzeb said.

With regard to a proposal to shut markets early, the minister said meetings would be held between chief ministers, the National Economic Council (NEC), and the prime minister to decide how to take the business community and all stakeholders into confidence on the matter.

The information minister added that under the energy conservation plan approved by the federal cabinet, priority would also be given to holding government meetings virtually.

She went on to say that there would also be a restriction on purchasing vehicles at the government level, except for utility vehicles such as ambulances and school buses.

Aurangzeb said that unnecessary foreign visits of government officials have also been banned, in addition to seeking medical treatment abroad.

"A complete ban has been imposed on official visits by government officials, functionaries and ministries. Only obligatory visits and very important bilateral visits will be allowed," she said, adding that a committee would decide the importance of the visit.

She said the consumption of utilities at a government level and at offices would be reduced by 10pc.

DAWN

 

[Bewal Express]

Saturday holidays have been restored for the public sector, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Tuesday, as the government seeks to implement austerity measures to rein in a spiralling cash crunch.

The day he entered office on April 16, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued directives to public sector offices to open at 8am and abolished the official Saturday holiday, triggering some protests from bank employees for the move to be reversed. The move was notified on May 7.

"Saturday offs have been restored. These are challenging times and it has been done to control this crisis," Aurangzeb said in a press briefing following a meeting of the federal cabinet.

In other measures, the cabinet approved slashing the petrol quota of government officials and the cabinet by 40 per cent. "So while we are asking people to sacrifice, we have begun these measures with the cabinet in order to pass on as little burden to the people as possible."

With regard to a recommendation by the power ministry to institute work-from-home policies in offices on Fridays to reduce demand for fuel and energy, Aurangzeb said the premier had formed a committee to devise a mechanism so "efficiency is not affected much and how we may benefit from it in an effective manner".

The said committee will present recommendations in the next cabinet meeting, the minister said.

The cabinet also approved plans to work with provincial municipal authorities to keep street lights running "on alternate nights" to save energy, Aurangzeb said.

With regard to a proposal to shut markets early, the minister said meetings would be held between chief ministers, the National Economic Council (NEC), and the prime minister to decide how to take the business community and all stakeholders into confidence on the matter.

The information minister added that under the energy conservation plan approved by the federal cabinet, priority would also be given to holding government meetings virtually.

She went on to say that there would also be a restriction on purchasing vehicles at the government level, except for utility vehicles such as ambulances and school buses.

Aurangzeb said that unnecessary foreign visits of government officials have also been banned, in addition to seeking medical treatment abroad.

"A complete ban has been imposed on official visits by government officials, functionaries and ministries. Only obligatory visits and very important bilateral visits will be allowed," she said, adding that a committee would decide the importance of the visit.

She said the consumption of utilities at a government level and at offices would be reduced by 10pc.

DAWN

Another gimmick bites the dust. This is the most useless bunch of clowns that any country has ever witnessed.

 

[Kianig89]

And they say IK takes U turn

 

[Vatta]

And they say IK takes U turn

What a difference 50 odd days make!

These hapless, clowns are doing jalebi turns.

 

[Savak]

These chors and haram khors have no idea what they are doing. Am reading on many reports where Senior PML N leaders are getting frustrated with Miftah Ismail's incompetency.