PM Approves Nationwide Austerity Campaign Amid Rising Oil Prices

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a nationwide austerity and fuel conservation campaign in view of the rise in petroleum prices in the international market amid tensions in the Middle East. He approved the drive while chairing a meeting on austerity and energy conservation measures in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister directed relevant institutions to ensure effective and immediate implementation of austerity measures, reduction in unnecessary government expenditure, and prudent use of national resources. He emphasized that the rise in global oil prices has triggered inflationary pressures worldwide, and sacrifices would first be made by the government and the elite.

The meeting saw the approval of several significant measures, including a fifty percent reduction in fuel allocation for official vehicles for three months, with exemptions for ambulances, fire brigades, and essential services. Moreover, a five percent reduction in the Non-ERE Budget for the current fiscal year was also approved, alongside a complete ban on the purchase of new government vehicles of all types and durable goods, except IT-related equipment.

Additionally, official foreign visits and travel have been prohibited for three months, with economy class travel mandated for unavoidable visits by Ministers, Advisors, Ministers of State, Special Assistants, and government officials. The meeting also encouraged the use of video and teleconferencing for official business and imposed a ban on official dinners, except those essential for foreign delegations.

The campaign also includes measures to limit expenditures on government-sponsored seminars, training programmes, and conferences. The single-dish policy at weddings and other functions will continue, and timing restrictions will be imposed on shops, markets, and other business venues. However, pharmacies, medical centers, hospitals, and other essential services remain exempt from these restrictions.

The implementation of these austerity and fuel conservation measures will be monitored by a committee tasked with obtaining compliance reports from various governmental entities. The committee will identify non-compliance issues, recommend corrective measures, and submit weekly progress reports to the Prime Minister to ensure the effective execution of these initiatives.