(LAHORE): Youm-e-Takbeer abrupt holiday – Pakistan is the only country in the world where laziness has become a national habit. Although weekends are officially off in our country, government office workers often start their weekend break after Friday, and they stop working by 11 AM.
This essentially means they take three days off in a week. For the past 28 years, there has never been a national holiday on Youm-e-Takbeer, but our rulers wanted it to be recognized as a holiday because it marks the day we became a nuclear power.
Despite the efforts and awareness created last time for unnecessary holidays granted by the government, we are again standing on a similar turn. Prime Minister, Shahbaz Sharif abruptly announced a public holiday on the observance of Youm-e-Takbeer as the businesses were planning to finalize their transactions for tomorrow.
Youm-e-Takbeer commemorates Pakistan’s successful nuclear tests in 1998. While Pakistanis respect and celebrate this day, the current economic situation does not favor extra holidays that disrupt the private and banking sectors, says Ismail Suttar, President of the Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
READ MORE: Geely breaks into Top 10 in Q1 global auto sales, a first for Chinese carmakers
He highlights that the economy is struggling, and exclusive holidays are unaffordable. The private sector works tirelessly to sustain the economy, but administrators fail to grasp the severity of the situation.
For instance, the sudden announcement of a public holiday interferes with crucial financial dealings with the United States, delaying a significant cash inflow when Pakistan desperately needs dollars.
Pakistan is on the brink of default, with declining exports. Excessive holidays can hasten this decline by disrupting dollar inflows. The government must act wisely, avoiding actions that might please the masses but harm economic stability, especially when trying to attract foreign direct investments. Investors are likely to be deterred by such abrupt and unplanned decisions.
On behalf of the Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ismail Suttar expresses deep concern about the business losses the private sector will face due to this ambiguous notification. He urges the government to either revoke or revise the holiday announcement, suggesting that it be limited to schools while allowing the private sector to operate as usual.