The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has withdrawn its full work-from-home policy for Fridays, directing government employees to resume office attendance under the province’s regular working schedule from next week, officials said.
The provincial Administration Department revoked an earlier notification that had permitted government employees to work remotely on Fridays. Under the revised directive, all government offices across the province will function according to their normal Friday timetable, and employees have been instructed to report to their respective workplaces and observe regular attendance.
Officials said the decision was taken following approvals granted during the 54th meeting of the Provincial Cabinet. Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah has instructed all government departments to implement the revised policy with immediate effect.
The province had introduced the remote working arrangement as part of an austerity drive aimed at reducing fuel consumption amid rising energy concerns linked to the regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Earlier, the provincial cabinet had approved a broader fuel conservation plan that included a 50% work-from-home policy for government employees as part of efforts to promote responsible governance and reduce public expenditure.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan had said the package also required all official meetings to be held virtually, reduced fuel allowances for government vehicles by 25%, and targeted a 50% cut in overall fuel consumption by official transport.
Under the austerity measures, police, rescue and security agencies were exempted from the fuel-saving restrictions. The policy also sought to limit the use of VIP protocol vehicles and helicopters, discourage non-essential official events and dinners, and promote greater fiscal discipline in government spending.