KARACHI, Pakistan – Web Desk : The provincial cabinet of Sindh has approved a series of major administrative and economic measures, including an additional weekly public holiday and the temporary closure of schools for two weeks across the province.
The decisions were taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in Karachi. Officials said the measures are part of broader austerity and governance reforms aimed at managing financial resources more effectively.
Under the decision, government offices in the province will now operate only four days a week, while an additional weekly holiday will be introduced. The cabinet also approved several cost-cutting measures, including a ban on official iftar gatherings and a 50 percent reduction in fuel expenses for government departments.
In another significant move, the chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers and special assistants voluntarily decided to forgo their salaries for three months as part of the austerity drive.
Schools Closed for Two Weeks
The cabinet also decided that all schools across Sindh will remain closed for two weeks, from March 11 until March 31.
Officials said the temporary closure is aimed at addressing administrative and operational concerns within the education system.
Health Sector Funding
The cabinet approved additional funding of $7.6 million (approximately Rs2.14 billion) for the Hassan Suleman Memorial Hospital. The funding increase was attributed to a 30 percent rise in construction costs and expansion of the project area.
The 312-bed modern hospital, being constructed on the National Highway, is expected to provide advanced healthcare services to residents in surrounding areas.
Special Economic Zones Debate
The Sindh government also reviewed proposed amendments related to Special Economic Zones. Provincial authorities opposed the creation of “Executive Zones” and “Executive NOCs,” arguing that such measures could undermine provincial authority.
However, the cabinet supported the establishment of a Special Economic Zones Appellate Tribunal that will be required to resolve disputes within three months to ensure investor confidence.
Women Agricultural Workers Protection
Another major decision included approval of the Sindh Women Agricultural Workers Rules 2026, which aim to ensure equal wages, maternity benefits and protection from harassment for female agricultural workers.
Under the initiative, the government will issue the Benazir Women Agricultural Workers Card and establish a Rs500 million endowment fund to support the welfare of women laborers.
Digital Monitoring in Schools
The cabinet also approved the Student Attendance Monitoring and Redress System (SAMRS), a digital policy that will track student attendance and enrollment through a mobile application and digital dashboard.
Officials said the system aims to reduce absenteeism and dropout rates and will be implemented in all schools across Sindh within a year.
