Info ministry says notification on 4-day govt work week is fake

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Pakistan issued a statement on Thursday, clarifying that a notification circulating on social media concerning alterations to the government's work schedule was "fake". The ministry's designated fact-checking account on X advised the public against believing or disseminating such deceptive information, urging them to consult official government channels for verified notifications and announcements.

The fabricated notification, which bore the date September 16, purported that a four-day work week would be implemented, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday designated as days off. This false notification appeared on the same day the government announced its consideration of reviving austerity measures, following a previous fuel conservation initiative undertaken during a conflict in the Middle East.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had previously informed the public on Monday that the government was evaluating the possibility of reinstating austerity measures initially introduced during a fuel conservation drive. These austerity measures, announced on March 9, encompassed a 50% reduction in fuel allowances for government vehicles, salary cuts for legislators, and a partial work-from-home policy in the public sector, all aimed at mitigating the economic impact of the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.