ISLAMABAD: Following directives from Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the National Assembly Secretariat of Pakistan has introduced extensive austerity measures as part of the cost-cutting initiative launched by Shehbaz Sharif.
According to an official notification, 70% of gov,ernment vehicles used by the Secretariat will be withdrawn from service. Additionally, members of the National Assembly will see a 25% reduction in salaries and allowances for the next two months.
The new measures also impose a complete ban on overseas trips for parliamentary delegations. Senior officers in Grade 20 and above, or those earning Rs300,000 or more per month, are required to contribute two days’ salary to the national exchequer.
All non-essential purchases within the Secretariat have been suspended, and around 80% of staff will work from home without additional allowances. Committee meetings will shift to virtual formats, and National Assembly sessions will now be conducted before sunset, with the parliament operating four days a week.
The notification also highlights significant cuts in utilities: electricity usage will drop by 70%, unnecessary lights and equipment will remain switched off, and cafeteria expenses will also be reduced by 70%. Moreover, authorities plan to implement paperless operations to further curb traditional expenditures.
