Pakistan has introduced temporary austerity measures to address the economic challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The country is reducing government spending and conserving fuel as part of these measures. State-owned Radio Television of Afghanistan (RTA) reported that the steps include cutting fuel allocations for government vehicles by 50% for two months and keeping around 60% of government vehicles unused during this period to save fuel.
Members of the federal cabinet, ministers, advisers, and special assistants will not receive salaries for two months, while parliamentarians will face a 25% salary reduction. Additionally, senior government officials in grade 20 and above, earning over 300,000 Pakistani rupees, will donate two days’ salary to public assistance efforts. The government has also mandated a 20% decrease in non-salary expenditures across departments and prohibited the purchase of vehicles, furniture, air conditioners, and other equipment for government offices.
To further cut costs, foreign travel for ministers and senior officials has been halted, with a focus on video conferencing to minimize fuel consumption related to travel. Official state banquets and iftar gatherings are canceled, and seminars or conferences will now take place in government facilities instead of hotels. Government offices will operate four days a week, with some departments shifting to 50% work-from-home arrangements. Schools will be closed for two weeks, and higher education institutions will transition to online classes.
Analysts mentioned by RTA warned that additional economic pressures could lead to more restrictions. These measures were deliberated during a meeting to assess the country’s economic status.
