The Government of Pakistan has officially announced the office timings for federal government offices during the holy month of Ramazan. The Cabinet Secretariat, Establishment Division, has issued a notification detailing different schedules for offices operating on a five-day and six-day workweek basis.
Office Timings During Ramazan
Offices Working on a 5-Day Week Basis
For offices operating from Monday to Friday, the following timings will be observed:
- Monday to Thursday: 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
- Friday: 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Offices Working on a 6-Day Week Basis
For government offices that operate from Monday to Saturday, the following timings will apply:
- Monday to Thursday & Saturday: 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM
- Friday: 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Implementation and Circulation
The notification was issued from Islamabad and has been forwarded to various key departments and ministries, ensuring its implementation across all relevant government offices. The document has been sent to:
Key Departments Receiving the Notification
- President’s Secretariat (Personal & Public)
- Prime Minister’s Secretariat (Public & Internal)
- Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan
- Auditor General of Pakistan
- All Federal Ministries and Divisions
- Supreme Court Registrar
- Secretaries of Senate, National Assembly, and FPSC
- Secretary, Council of Common Interests
- Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and AJK
Purpose of Adjusted Timings
These revised office hours aim to accommodate the religious and personal obligations of employees during Ramazan while maintaining efficiency in government operations. The shorter working hours allow employees to observe fasting more comfortably and manage their religious commitments effectively.
Guidelines for Employees
To ensure smooth functioning during the adjusted timings, employees are advised to:
- Plan and prioritize tasks efficiently within the reduced working hours.
- Avoid unnecessary delays in official work to maintain productivity.
- Utilize digital communication to expedite processes and minimize physical workload.
- Maintain a balance between work commitments and religious observances.
Public Service Operations
Government offices providing public services will ensure that essential operations continue smoothly. Departments dealing with the public directly, such as passport offices, NADRA, and taxation authorities, will adopt a structured approach to manage workload efficiently within the adjusted timings.
Comparison with Previous Years
In previous years, similar adjustments were made to government office timings during Ramazan. However, the latest notification reflects minor changes to better align with the working patterns of government employees and ensure continued public service efficiency.
FAQs
1. Will private sector offices follow the same timings?
No, this notification is specifically for federal government offices. Private sector companies may adjust their schedules independently.
2. Do these timings apply to provincial government offices?
No, provincial governments may issue their own notifications regarding office timings during Ramazan.
3. Are essential services affected by these changes?
Essential services such as hospitals, emergency services, and law enforcement agencies will continue their operations as usual, with adjustments based on their internal policies.
4. Will government schools and universities follow the same schedule?
Educational institutions typically follow separate schedules issued by the education department. It is advisable to check with respective institutions for details.
5. Will online government services be available during the revised hours?
Yes, online services provided by government departments will continue to be accessible 24/7.
6. How will the adjusted timings impact public dealings in government offices?
Public dealings will be accommodated within the revised working hours. It is advisable for citizens to plan their visits accordingly.
7. Will these timings be applicable throughout Ramazan?
Yes, these office hours will remain in effect for the entire duration of Ramazan unless further changes are announced by the government.
Conclusion
The adjusted office timings for the holy month of Ramazan reflect the government’s commitment to facilitating its employees. By implementing these revised schedules, the administration ensures a balance between work responsibilities and religious observances, promoting both productivity and ease for government workers during this sacred period. The notification serves as an important step in acknowledging the significance of Ramazan while maintaining public service standards.