Significant cuts have been ordered in the President’s Office’s operating budget
Former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani has announced a “wide-ranging austerity” projecting a reduction of more than 50 percent in the Senate Secretariat’s remaining budget utilization for the current fiscal year, which will translate into estimated savings of Rs700 to 750 million.
The Speaker chaired a high-level meeting at the Senate Secretariat to review and implement austerity measures in light of the prevailing economic situation, focusing on significant cuts in Senate spending, starting with significant reductions in the budget of the Office of the Speaker.
Adopting a top-down approach to fiscal discipline, Gilani directed that austerity measures must begin at the highest level.
Consequently, significant cuts have been ordered to the operating budget of the Office of the President, setting a precedent for all departments.
Gilani issued directives for immediate enforcement of austerity measures across the secretariat. These include a complete ban on foreign travel, a 50 percent reduction in POL (petrol, oil and lubricants) consumption, grounding of 60 percent of official vehicles, a strict ban on non-essential purchases, and implementation of salary deductions or contributions in line with government policy.
In addition, administrative arrangements have been put in place for human resource management, including rotational pick-and-drop facilities, which aim to minimize operating costs and reduce fuel consumption.
Any future purchases will be subject to review and approval by a dedicated Senate savings committee.
As a result of these measures, the Senate Secretariat expects to reduce more than 50 percent of its remaining budget utilization for the current fiscal year, resulting in estimated savings of Rs700 to 750 million.
Gilani emphasized that public office is a sacred trust that requires the highest standards of financial prudence.
