The notification outlines a comprehensive list of national significance days and religious festivals for Muslims and minority communities. PHOTO: FILE
The Sindh government has declared a public holiday for tomorrow (Friday), March 13, across the province for government offices and public sector institutions.
According to the notification, the holiday will apply to all government offices, autonomous bodies, semi-autonomous organisations, corporations and local councils operating under the administrative control of the Sindh government. However, the order clarified that essential services will continue to operate as usual.
The notification was issued from Karachi and signed by Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah.
A day earlier, a public holiday was observed on account of Youm-e-Ali. Following the latest announcement, students will enjoy an extended break as the Sindh government has already announced that schools across the province will remain closed from March 16 to 31, while government employees will work from home on Fridays. The decisions were taken in view of the Middle East crisis stemming from the US–Israel war against Iran.
“Schools will have spring holidays from March 16 to 31, while colleges and universities will conduct online classes. No exams will be postponed,” Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said during a media briefing after a Sindh cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Government offices will continue regular operations from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays designated for remote work as part of the temporary arrangement, he added.
Read More: Sindh announces school closure from March 16–31
The cabinet also approved the Student Attendance Monitoring and Redress System (SAMRS) policy, which will use a mobile app and digital dashboard to track student attendance and enrollment. “In what I believe is a first for Pakistan, the cabinet has approved a policy to monitor student attendance and establish a redressal system,” Memon said.
In addition to these, the cabinet announced several austerity measures, including the suspension of all government-funded refreshments in public offices for the next two months, particularly during Ramazan. Employees may use water or other items at their own expense if they wish, he said.
