The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has directed all public and private universities and degree-awarding institutions across the country to shift academic activities to online mode and observe a four-day working week as part of austerity and fuel conservation measures.
In a letter issued by HEC Executive Director, universities have been advised to strictly implement the directives issued by the prime minister in view of the prevailing global and regional situation and the need to conserve fuel and reduce expenditure.
According to the communication, universities have been asked to shift all academic activities and classes to online mode with immediate effect until further instructions. The HEC has also advised institutions to observe a four-day working week from Monday to Thursday.
The directive further suggests that universities may adopt work-from-home arrangements for up to 50 per cent of staff, including faculty, on an alternate-day basis, while meetings of statutory bodies should be held online as far as practicable.
The commission asked universities and degree-awarding institutions to ensure immediate compliance with these measures and disseminate the instructions to all concerned to support the government’s efforts aimed at austerity and conservation of national resources.
