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Pakistan Extends Austerity, Fuel Conservation Measures Till June 13

Pakistan has extended austerity and fuel conservation measures until June 13 due to uncertainty in West Asia. The measures include a 50% cut in fuel for official vehicles and keeping 60% of vehicles off roads. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the extension based on recommendations from the implementation committee. The plan also includes a ban on foreign visits and mandatory economy-class travel for officials.

Key Points: Pakistan Extends Austerity Measures Till June 13

  • Pakistan extends austerity measures until June 13
  • 50% fuel cut for official vehicles
  • 60% of official vehicles off roads
  • Ban on official foreign visits except obligatory trips
2 min read

Pakistan extends austerity, fuel conservation measures until June 13

Pakistan extends austerity and fuel conservation measures until June 13, including 50% fuel cut for official vehicles and 60% vehicles off roads.

"a 50 per cent cut in fuel supply for official vehicles will remain in effect during the extended period - Geo News"

Islamabad, May 11

Amid uncertainty over the conflict in West Asia, Pakistan's federal government on Monday extended austerity and fuel conservation measures till June 13, local media reported.

The cabinet division released a notification after Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the extension on the recommendations of the implementation committee, Pakistan's leading media outlet Geo News reported.

As per the notification, a 50 per cent cut in fuel supply for official vehicles will remain in effect during the extended period. As part of the measures, the government has decided to keep 60 per cent of official vehicles off the roads.

On March 9, Shehbaz Sharif in a televised address announced austerity plan applicable in all federal government institutions, including ministries, departments, state-owned enterprises, autonomous bodies, the legislature, defence organisations and the judiciary. He made the announcement days after the government increased prices of petrol and diesel by 20 per cent.

According to the plan, the government offices functioned for a four-day week, while the banking sector and essential services were exempt. Federal and provincial government departments were asked to cut non-essential expenditure by 20 per cent during the final quarter of the current fiscal year, Geo News reported.

A ban has been placed on official foreign visits by ministers, parliamentarians, and government officials, except for obligatory trips. Up to 50 per cent of government employees were to work from home on alternate days, except those working in essential services. Furthermore, the measures included mandatory economy-class travel for officials and holding virtual meetings instead of physical meetings to reduce costs.

Iran, US and Israel reached the ceasefire on April 8 following 40 days of fighting which began with the US and Israeli joint strikes on Iran on February 28.

After the ceasefire, Iran and the US held first round of negotiations on April 11-12, however, it failed to lead to an agreement. The tensions have continued in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally, some responsible governance from across the border! 50% cut in fuel for official vehicles and 60% off the roads - that's real action. But the 4-day work week? That's going to hurt productivity. Their banks and essential services are exempt, but still, this feels like a band-aid on a bullet wound. The West Asia tensions are making everyone jittery, and the Strait of Hormuz situation is scary for global oil prices. 😟
V
Vikram M
I appreciate the intent behind saving fuel and cutting costs, but what about the common citizen? The government increases petrol prices by 20% and then asks people to work from home? Not everyone has that luxury. The ban on foreign visits for ministers is good, but 50% employees working from home will just shift the burden onto the poor who can't afford reliable internet or electricity.
S
Siddharth J
Pakistan's economy is a mess, but at least they're trying something. The 20% cut in non-essential expenditure is a good step, but they should have started this years ago instead of borrowing from everyone. The ceasefire in West Asia is fragile, and if tensions rise again, oil prices will skyrocket. India needs to be prepared too - we're importing way too much oil. Time to push solar and electric vehicles harder! 🌞
R
Rohit P
A 4-day work week for government employees? Sounds nice on paper, but in reality, it'll just mean more delays in public services. And the 50% cut in fuel for official vehicles - are they going to monitor that properly? Pakistan has a history of announcing reforms but failing to implement them. Let's see if Shehbaz Sharif can actually enforce this until June 13.

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