The PM of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has introduced new austerity measures to reduce government spending and support public welfare. The announcement came during a high-level meeting reviewing the impact of regional developments on petroleum prices and government finances.
The PM directed that employees of government-owned and autonomous institutions will face salary cuts ranging from 5% to 30%, depending on their grade. Officials confirmed that all funds generated through these cuts will be used exclusively for public relief programs.
In addition, cabinet members, ministers, advisers, and special assistants will forego their salaries for the next two months. The savings will be added to the government’s relief funds to assist citizens amid economic challenges.
The PM also ordered a complete ban on foreign travel for government officers, ministers, ministers of state, and special assistants. Furthermore, government representatives serving on boards of corporations and semi-government institutions will not receive meeting fees. These funds will contribute to the savings pool for public benefit.
All Pakistani embassies around the world have been instructed to celebrate Pakistan Day on March 23 with simplicity. This directive is part of the broader austerity campaign aimed at reducing government expenditures during economic and regional challenges.
The meeting decided that the four-day workweek will not apply to law enforcement agencies and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). These institutions will continue their normal work schedules due to the nature of their responsibilities.
A third-party audit will be conducted over the next two months to assess the implementation of fuel-saving measures. This includes a 50% reduction in fuel consumption and grounding 60% of government vehicles. The ban on new government purchases, including vehicles, will also remain in effect.
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The PM instructed federal secretaries to personally monitor the implementation of all austerity measures and submit daily progress reports to a review committee. Officials emphasized that these measures aim to maximize public relief while maintaining operational efficiency.
