Shafaqna Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended Pakistan’s nationwide austerity measures until June 13, as the country continues to deal with economic pressures linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict and rising global oil prices.
Originally introduced in March after escalation following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, the measures are aimed at reducing fuel consumption and cutting government spending.
A notification from the Cabinet Division said the extension was approved after a review of recommendations by a committee responsible for monitoring fuel conservation and austerity policies.
Under the updated plan, fuel allowances for official vehicles will remain reduced by 50 percent, while 60 percent of government vehicles will stay off the road. The ban on foreign travel by ministers and officials will also continue, except for visits considered essential to national interests.
Earlier steps, including a four-day working week for government offices from Monday to Thursday, will remain in place, though the policy does not apply to banks, essential services, agriculture or industry.
The government has also enforced salary cuts, with parliamentarians facing a 25 per cent reduction and employees of state-owned entities seeing deductions ranging from 5 to 30 per cent. Additionally, departmental spending has been cut by 20 per cent, alongside restrictions on purchasing vehicles, furniture and other equipment.
The prime minister has assigned the Intelligence Bureau to conduct a third-party audit to ensure compliance with the measures.
Meanwhile, targeted relief initiatives — including fuel subsidies for motorcyclists, farmers and transporters — have been extended to help offset the impact of rising fuel prices.
Source: Dunya News
