Government Ends Austerity Measures, Senate Restores Five-Day Work Week
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Secretariat has terminated all fuel conservation and austerity measures with immediate effect, restoring a regular five-day work week for its staff starting Monday, June 22. The move follows a significant reduction in fuel prices after a US-Iran peace deal eased pressure on global oil markets.
A notification issued Saturday confirmed that the secretariat will revert to its 9am to 5pm schedule with full staff strength. The austerity measures, including a reduced work week, had been in place since March 2026 to cut non-essential spending.
The decision follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s approval a day earlier to end most austerity measures implemented by the Cabinet Division. However, restrictions on market timings will remain in place, with shops required to close by 9pm, wedding halls by 10pm, and restaurants by 11pm.
Latest Updates
Updated: 12:02 AM PKT — June 21, 2026
The Prime Minister has approved the withdrawal of most fuel conservation and austerity measures that were implemented on March 9, 2026. The reversal ends the policy of grounding 60% of government vehicles and eliminates the additional Friday holiday that was part of a reduced work week for federal employees.
Furthermore, the full official petrol facility for government functionaries has been restored. However, restrictions on commercial hours will remain in effect, with markets and shops required to close by 9 PM, wedding halls by 10 PM, and restaurants by 11 PM.
Posted: a day ago
Nawai Waqt
وزیراعظم نے اضافی کفایت شعاری اقدامات ختم کرنے کی منظوری دے دی
وزیراعظم نے ایندھن کے تحفظ اور اضافی کفایت شعاری اقدامات واپس لینے کی منظوری دے دی، جس کے بعد 9 مارچ 2026 کے بعد نافذ کیے گئے متعدد اقدامات ختم کر دیئے۔
#AusterityMeasures