Govt of Pakistan Issues Official Ramadan 2026 Office Timing Schedule
The federal government of Pakistan has officially announced revised working hours for public offices during the holy month of Ramadan in 2026. This decision aims to help government employees observe Ramadan comfortably while ensuring that essential public services continue without interruption. The announcement was made through a notification issued by the Establishment Division, which outlined specific schedules for offices operating under both five-day and six-day workweeks.
Revised Office Hours for Different Workweeks
To accommodate employees’ religious and personal needs during Ramadan, the government has set different timings for offices based on their weekly schedules:
- Five-day workweek offices: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Six-day workweek offices: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Friday timings: All offices will close at 12:30 PM
These timings have been designed to allow staff sufficient time for prayers, family gatherings, and rest during fasting hours. By introducing these adjusted hours, the government aims to balance employee convenience with the smooth functioning of official departments.
Purpose Behind the Adjustment
The main goal of revising office hours is to support employees while maintaining operational efficiency. During Ramadan, fasting can make long working hours challenging. Shortening the workday provides staff the opportunity to:
- Manage their energy levels while fasting
- Perform daily prayers and religious activities
- Spend more time with family during the holy month
At the same time, government offices remain functional to serve the public, ensuring that essential administrative tasks, documentation, and services continue without delay.
Impact on Public Services
While office hours are reduced, citizens should note that all services will continue to be provided. People visiting government offices are advised to plan their appointments according to the revised timings to avoid inconvenience. Services such as document verification, citizen assistance, and administrative procedures will remain operational within these adjusted working hours.
The early Friday closure is also intended to allow employees to attend Friday prayers and spend time with family, which is particularly important during Ramadan. This temporary schedule applies only for the duration of the month and will return to normal after Ramadan ends.
Benefits for Employees and Employers
The change in office timings offers multiple benefits:
- Employee Wellbeing: Reduced working hours help staff maintain energy, focus, and productivity while fasting.
- Improved Efficiency: Employees can complete essential tasks during office hours without feeling overburdened.
- Balanced Work-Life Schedule: Staff get additional time to focus on spiritual and family activities.
- Smooth Service Delivery: Despite shorter hours, offices continue to serve the public effectively.
By introducing this adjustment, the government demonstrates consideration for employee health and religious practices, ensuring a respectful and supportive working environment.
Tips for Citizens
To make the most of the revised office timings during Ramadan, citizens should:
- Visit offices in the morning if possible, when services are less crowded
- Complete urgent tasks early in the week to avoid last-minute rushes
- Respect the closing times, especially the early closure on Fridays
- Plan ahead for documentation or approvals that may require multiple visits
Following these simple steps will help citizens access services efficiently without inconvenience.
Final Words
The federal government’s decision to reduce office hours during Ramadan is a thoughtful approach to balancing official responsibilities with religious observance. Employees benefit from additional time for rest, prayers, and family, while citizens continue to receive uninterrupted services.
The revised schedule is temporary and applies only for the month of Ramadan 2026. After the holy month ends, normal office hours will resume. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to both employee welfare and smooth administration, ensuring that public service delivery remains effective while respecting the spiritual needs of staff.
By staying informed about these changes, both employees and the public can plan better, making Ramadan a peaceful and productive period for everyone involved.
