Almost all the letters which I read after the implementation of two weekly holidays were written by people in favour of this decision taken by the government. I am also in favour of this measure strongly.
In the current circumstances, when the power and energy shortage has gone far beyond any control, taking such a step is indeed a wise decision. Yes, there are people who oppose this act saying that the country is already facing huge economic problems and in such a situation, minimising the number of workdays will only make matters worse. But I would like to remind these people that the secret behind a good economic system is the proficiency of the workers and their best utilisation of time. If all of us do genuine hard work in the first five working days and manage our time well, then it really doesn’t matter whether we get one day off or two days off in a week.
Secondly, it is also a well-known fact that most countries in the world have a two-day weekend. And yet they are successful because they keep a balance between work and leisure. A two-day weekend also contributes in establishing a healthy, energetic and more constructive workforce because when the people have been given enough time to relax during the weekend, they will be naturally more attentive and awake on Monday.
Apart from announcing a two-day weekend, the government should, of course, take more steps to reduce the rising power crisis, like constructing more dams and power plants, ensuring the closure of markets latest by 8pm and that of marriage halls by 11pm, and taking strict action against those involved in power theft.
MADIHA VIQUAR
Karachi