ISLAMABAD (HRNW): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled a comprehensive national austerity plan aimed at tackling the economic crisis and reducing fuel consumption. Emphasizing that national unity is more critical today than ever before, the Prime Minister announced that government offices will now operate only four days a week to save on energy costs. However, he clarified that this additional holiday will not apply to the banking sector.
Under the new directives, a 50% “Work From Home” policy has been mandated for both public and private sectors (excluding essential services). Furthermore, a complete ban has been imposed on official dinners, iftar parties, and holding seminars or conferences in luxury hotels; such events must now take place within government premises, with a preference for online meetings. The Prime Minister also banned foreign travel for himself, Chief Ministers, Governors, and government officials, while halting the purchase of new vehicles and furniture for all departments.
In a major move to curb spending, the Prime Minister announced a 20% reduction in all departmental expenses. For Grade-20 and above officers earning more than 300,000 PKR, a two-day salary deduction will be implemented. Members of Parliament will face a 25% salary cut, while Cabinet members, ministers, and advisors will forego their salaries entirely for the next two months. Additionally, 60% of the government vehicle fleet will be grounded, and fuel quotas for remaining official vehicles will be slashed by 50%, though ambulances and public transport buses are exempt. The Prime Minister issued a stern warning to hoarders, stating that the law will deal severely with anyone attempting to profit from the fuel situation.
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