ISLAMABAD: The Senate Secretariat has unveiled a sweeping energy conservation and austerity plan aimed at cutting operational costs and reducing energy consumption in line with policy directives issued by the federal government.

Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani directed the immediate implementation of the measures, which focus on fiscal discipline, efficient resource management and reduced energy usage across the secretariat. According to an official statement, the initiative reflects the upper house’s commitment to responsible governance amid the prevailing global and regional economic challenges.

Under the new policy, the Senate Secretariat will observe a four day working week from Monday to Thursday in line with the government’s conservation strategy. However, this arrangement will not apply during Senate session days. To further minimise operational costs, only 50 percent of the staff will attend offices physically while the remaining employees will work from home on a rotational basis.

Officials said employees working remotely will remain fully accessible through telephone, email, WhatsApp and other digital communication platforms. They may also be required to report to the office on short notice if operational needs arise, ensuring that official work continues without disruption.

The plan also sets an ambitious target of reducing electricity consumption by 70 percent by limiting unnecessary lighting and excessive use of electrical appliances. Utility expenses of cafeterias within the Senate Secretariat will also be reduced by 70 percent. In addition, Senate sessions and committee meetings will be scheduled before sunset to maximise daylight use and improve overall energy efficiency.

Transport expenditures will also face sharp cuts under the new measures. The secretariat aims to reduce spending on official transport by 70 percent, with only 30 percent of the transport pool remaining operational to support essential duties. As a result, the majority of official vehicles will remain off the road during this period.

To strengthen the austerity drive, Senate standing committee meetings will increasingly be held through virtual platforms to reduce travel and fuel consumption. Officials said the number of meetings will also be limited to essential requirements as the secretariat aligns its operations with the government’s broader energy conservation strategy.