KP govt approves work from home, online classes amid rising petrol prices

ISLAMABAD: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) cabinet, in a meeting held under Chief Minister Suhail Afridi, approved a set of fuel-saving measures for the next two months in response to international developments.

The cabinet approved virtual government meetings because this approach will decrease fuel usage during official functions. The cabinet approved a 25% reduction of fuel allowances for official vehicles, which combines with previous COVID-era cuts to create a total fuel allowance reduction of 50%.

The police, rescue services, and other law enforcement agencies maintain their full operational capabilities through this exemption. The government offices will implement a 50% work-from-home policy, which will reduce VIP protocol vehicle and helicopter usage throughout the organization.

The government introduced an official ban on all non-essential state dinners and official events to support austerity measures. The proposal to close educational institutions on Fridays will achieve fuel savings through this measure.

The provincial government will conduct daily petrol pump inspections and impose penalties for hoarding, while the government will maintain diesel supply to farmers and wheat harvesting operations.

Chief Minister Suhail Afridi told the cabinet that state institutions must first cut their privileges during energy crises. He urged citizens to restrain their financial support for official expenses while reducing protocol costs, because citizens deserve relief from burdens that should not exist while leaders enjoy benefits.