In first major move as PM, Sharif increases working hours of government offices, banks

A Pakistani Post office employee enters mail addresses into a computer database as customers look on in Islamabad, Pakistan, on September 12, 2013. (AFP/File)

• State bank, private banks and government offices to remain open on Saturdays
• Sharif has a reputation domestically as an effective administrator and go-getter

ISLAMABAD: Newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday increased the working hours of banks, a day after he did the same for government offices. 
Sharif, a former three-time chief minister of Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, took oath as Pakistan’s 23rd prime minister on Monday, after the country’s opposition managed to oust former prime minister Imran Khan via a vote of no-confidence. 
Pakistan’s newly elected prime minister is known for having spearheaded several development and infrastructural projects during his three tenures as Punjab chief minister. He has a reputation domestically as a “can-do” administrator which was on display when, as chief minister of Punjab province, he worked closely with China on Beijing-funded projects.
Sharif’s government in Punjab was best known for introducing transportation schemes, building a complex network of roads and constructing overhead bridges and underpasses. His opponents accuse him of receiving massive kickbacks for development projects, a charge he has always denied. There are several corruption cases pending against him in the courts currently, for which he is out on bail. He has repeatedly said the cases are politically motivated.
China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong, in a meeting last year, praised Sharif, saying he knew him because of his “Punjab Speed” — a reference to the quick pace at which he was able to execute China-funded developmental projects. 
“As per the decision of the Federal Government, the State Bank of Pakistan will observe six days working week which shall be followed by all banks, DFIs (development financial institutions) and Microfinance Banks,” a notification from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Pakistan’s central bank, said.
As per the notification, the central bank would remain open from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00am to 03:00pm (with a prayer break from 01:00pm to 01:30pm). 
On Fridays, the central bank will operate from 08:00am to 1:00pm, without break. 
Banks and microfinance banks will operate from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00am to 01:00pm (without break) and on Fridays, from 08:00am to 12:00pm, without break. 
Under the previous administration, government offices and banks were open for the five week days.