Government offices reopened in the federal capital on Thursday after four-day official Eid holidays but most of the federal employees did not reach their offices.
In an anecdotal survey, it has been learnt that most employees availed themselves of the annual leaves for Thursday and Friday to enjoy rest from work for the coming weekend, too, while others skipped duty without permission.
In Petroleum Division, Board of Investment, Federal Ombudsman and other divisions and ministries the strength of employees was also low. Majority of capital residents went to their native places to celebrate Eid with their loved ones and are supposed to be returning on this weekend, which resulted in less on-duty staff.
Many of those in attendance left for home in the afternoon after chatting away about their Eid-related activities and coronavirus pandemic. They said most of their colleagues had gone to ancestral towns to celebrate Eid with family. The employees said normalcy in offices would return on Monday after the resumption of duty by holiday makers.
On May 29, the federal government also notified new office timing for government employees. Under new office timing, Monday to Thursday the government offices will remain open from 10am to 4pm but on Friday the working hours will be from 10am to 1pm.
Some of employees, while talking to Business Recorder stated that public transport were not available in their native places; therefore, they opted to wait for the transport. Others stated that they were given choice to work from home.