Prime Minister Shehbaz Announces 14-Point Austerity Plan to Combat Economic Severity

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif announced a comprehensive 14-point austerity plan aimed at tackling economic challenges resulting from the ongoing regional war. In a televised address to the nation following a high-level meeting, the Premier outlined a series of strict measures designed to stabilize the economy and protect the common man from rising financial burdens. He emphasized that while regional instability had impacted Pakistan’s hard-earned progress, the government remained committed to national unity and responsibility.

Major Shifts in Work Culture and Public Services

To curb excessive fuel consumption, the Prime Minister mandated that 50 percent of staff in both public and private sectors work from home, excluding essential services. The work week was reduced to four days, though banks, industrial sectors, and agriculture remained exempt to maintain economic productivity.

In the education sector, schools were ordered to close for two weeks starting at the end of this week, while higher education institutions were directed to transition to online classes. Furthermore, the Premier prioritized virtual meetings over physical gatherings and placed an immediate ban on all official Iftar parties and dinners.

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Strict Cuts to Fuel Quotas and Government Spending

The austerity scheme introduced significant reductions in government overheads. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a 50 percent cut in fuel quotas for public sector institutes for the next two months, with exceptions made only for ambulances and public transport. Additionally, 60 percent of government office transport was ordered to be grounded during this period.

The plan also included a 20 percent reduction in overall expenditures for government institutions, excluding salaries. A total ban was placed on the procurement of new transport, air conditioners, and other non-essential items. To lead by example, the Premier declared that cabinet members would not draw salaries for the next two months, while a 25 percent deduction would be applied to the salaries of Members of Parliament. High-ranking officers (Grade 20 and above) would also see a two-day salary deduction to fund relief efforts for the public.

Diplomatic Discipline

The Prime Minister enforced a ban on unnecessary foreign tours for federal cabinet members, provincial Chief Ministers, and Governors, permitting only those deemed inevitable for the national interest. All official seminars and conferences were directed to be held in government buildings instead of private hotels to further save costs.

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