Clarifies that measures for which no specific period is defined remain in force for the time being
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: Radio Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday extended several austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption until June 13 to deal with the ongoing fuel crisis amid the US-Iran conflict.
According to a statement issued by the Cabinet Office, “Given the recommendations of the Committee on Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Savings and Additional Austerity Measures, the Prime Minister has been pleased to extend the applicability of the following additional austerity measures until June 13.”
The announcement further stated that the main austerity measures include a 50% reduction in fuel supply to official vehicles, 60% of official vehicles would be stopped and a complete ban on foreign visits and travel would be enforced, with exceptions specified in previous announcements.
“Other additional austerity and fuel saving measures as notified from time to time through notifications of this department will remain in force for the periods specified in the respective notifications,” the statement read.
The Cabinet Office also clarified that measures for which no specific period or end date had been defined will remain in force for the time being.
Earlier in a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz, President Asif Zardari directed the use of all possible measures to reduce the impact of inflation on the population.
The President said that despite the difficult geographical and regional situation, tensions in the Middle East and disruption of the supply chain, maximum relief should be provided to the people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz in a televised address to the nation in March had unveiled several energy saving and conservation measures to prevent fuel shortages.
He announced a four-day work week and a work-from-home policy, which included a 50% reduction in fuel allocated to government vehicles, except for ambulances. In addition, 60% of vehicles used by public authorities were taken off the roads.
The Prime Minister stated that members of the Cabinet, including ministers, advisers and special assistants, would not draw pay for two months, while MPs’ pay would be cut by 25%.
Read more: PM announces 4-day work week, work from home
“Expenditures in all government agencies, except for salaries, would be reduced by 20%,” he further said.
It was also announced that senior officials in grade 20 and above earning more than Rs300,000 per month would have two days’ salary deducted which would be used to provide relief to the public.
A complete ban was imposed on the purchase of vehicles, furniture, air conditioners and other equipment by government agencies as part of cost-cutting measures.
In addition, a complete ban on foreign visits by federal and provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and other government officials, except for travel deemed “essential to the national interest”, was also implemented.
