ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, has unveiled a series of austerity measures affecting both federal and provincial governments in an effort to manage the country’s economic difficulties and provide relief to citizens.
Fuel limits for official vehicles
Under the new policy, government departments will reduce petrol consumption for official vehicles by 50 percent for the next two months. However, ambulances and public transport buses will not be affected by this restriction. Additionally, 60 percent of government vehicles will remain unused during this period, while the purchase of new vehicles, furniture, air conditioners, and other non-essential items has been temporarily halted.
Salary cuts and financial adjustments
The prime minister also announced several steps to lower government spending. Federal ministers, advisers, special assistants, and cabinet members will give up their salaries for two months. Meanwhile, members of parliament will face a 25 percent reduction in their pay.
Senior officials in Grade 20 and above who earn more than Rs300,000 per month will have two days’ salary deducted, with the funds directed toward public welfare initiatives. Government departments have also been ordered to cut non-salary expenditures by 20 percent.
Work-from-Home and office arrangements
To help conserve fuel, the government has directed departments to rely more on virtual meetings and teleconferencing. Only half of the workforce in government and private offices will attend workplaces, except those working in essential services.
Offices will operate four days a week, with one additional day designated as a holiday. However, the new schedule will not apply to banks or key sectors such as industry and agriculture. Official events—including seminars, conferences, dinners, and iftar gatherings—must now be held inside government buildings, while outdoor events have been prohibited.
Measures for the education sector
All schools will observe a two-week break starting this weekend. Meanwhile, universities and other higher education institutions have been instructed to shift to online classes immediately to maintain academic activities.
Action against hoarding and profiteering
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned traders and suppliers against hoarding fuel and other essential goods. He said strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in profiteering. Provincial governments have been directed to implement the new policies effectively.
The prime minister emphasized that these measures are temporary and designed to ensure better use of public resources while helping reduce the economic pressure on citizens during the current financial challenges.
