In response to escalating armed conflicts in the Middle East and potential disruptions to global fuel supplies, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has officially declared every Wednesday a holiday for government offices, effective immediately.
The directive, issued via Public Administration Circular 09/2026 on March 17, 2026, follows a Cabinet decision aimed at preserving national fuel reserves and managing government expenditure.
Key Changes to Government Operations
Under the new regulations, the following measures are now in effect:
- Mandatory Mid-Week Closure: All non-essential government offices will remain closed every Wednesday until further notice.
- Rescheduling of Duties: Tasks typically performed on Wednesdays are to be shifted to Tuesdays of the same week.
- Remote Work Provisions: Heads of Departments with existing technological infrastructure are encouraged to arrange for officers to perform their duties from home to avoid physical commuting.
- Overtime Restrictions: To ensure cost-cutting, officers from closed offices cannot be deployed on weekends or public holidays to claim overtime, holiday pay, or lieu leave.
Exceptions and Special Sectors
The circular clarifies that these measures do not apply universally to ensure that critical functions remain operational:
- Essential Services: Institutions providing essential services, or those determined by Ministry Secretaries to remain open, will treat Wednesdays as normal working days.
- Roster Systems: Offices already operating under a roster system for their staff are exempt from these new provisions.
- Judiciary and Education: The Judicial Service Commission and the Ministry of Education will issue separate, specific instructions regarding the operation of courts and schools.
- Disaster Relief: District Secretaries retain the authority to call in officers as needed for disaster response efforts related to Cyclone “Ditwah”.
A Call for Austerity
Beyond the schedule changes, the Ministry has prohibited government institutions from organizing ceremonies, conferences, or large events. Officials are also reminded to strictly adhere to Circular 04/2022, which mandates the economical use of electricity and fuel to manage public funds during this period of uncertainty.
