ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move to tackle the ongoing economic difficulties, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to carry out a thorough and comprehensive audit of the government’s fuel conservation and austerity initiatives. This directive aims to scrutinize how effectively these measures are being implemented across various federal and provincial departments, ensuring that the intended savings are realized and resources are managed prudently.
The IB has been assigned the critical task of conducting detailed inspections to verify compliance with the fuel-saving policies. Their responsibilities include evaluating the practical impact of these initiatives, identifying any lapses or inefficiencies, and providing the Prime Minister with weekly progress reports. This enhanced oversight mechanism, recently reinforced by a formal notification from the Cabinet Division, is designed to guarantee strict enforcement of austerity protocols and fuel conservation steps throughout government operations.
This audit is expected to promote greater accountability within government agencies, improve operational efficiency, and optimize the benefits derived from fuel-saving measures. Officials involved in the process believe that the findings will offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of current austerity policies, enabling policymakers to adjust and refine strategies for better resource utilization in the future.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled a broad package of austerity measures targeting both federal and provincial governments. These steps were introduced as part of a concerted effort to address the country’s mounting economic challenges while providing relief to the general public. Among the key directives was a significant reduction in fuel consumption by government vehicles, which is expected to play a pivotal role in curbing unnecessary expenditure.
Under the new guidelines, all government departments are mandated to cut petrol usage for official vehicles by 50 percent over the next two months. However, essential services such as ambulances and public transport buses have been exempted from these restrictions to avoid disruption of critical operations. Additionally, 60 percent of departmental vehicles are to be withdrawn from active duty, and the procurement of non-essential items—including vehicles, furniture, and air conditioners—has been put on hold indefinitely.
In a parallel move to reduce government spending, the Prime Minister announced salary cuts and suspensions for high-ranking officials. Cabinet members, ministers, advisers, and special assistants will temporarily forgo their salaries for two months. Members of Parliament will experience a 25 percent reduction in their pay, while senior officers in Grade 20 and above, earning more than Rs300,000, will have two days’ salary deducted, with the proceeds directed toward public relief initiatives. Furthermore, all government departments have been instructed to slash non-salary expenditures by 20 percent.
To further conserve fuel, the government has mandated that teleconferencing and virtual meetings become the default mode of communication, reducing the need for physical travel. Only half of the workforce in both government and private sectors will be required to attend offices, except for essential services. Offices will operate four days a week, with an additional weekly holiday introduced. It is important to note that these restrictions do not apply to banks or vital sectors such as industry and agriculture, which must continue their operations uninterrupted.
Moreover, official events such as seminars, conferences, dinners, and Iftar gatherings are now confined to government premises, with outdoor events banned to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption and expenditures. The education sector has also been impacted, with all schools granted a two-week holiday starting this weekend, while universities and colleges have transitioned to online classes immediately to maintain academic continuity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a stern warning to hoarders and profiteers dealing in petrol, diesel, and other essential commodities, emphasizing that strict legal action will be taken against those exploiting the situation. Provincial governments have been instructed to implement these austerity measures rigorously to maximize their effectiveness and ensure that the benefits reach the public.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister reiterated that these austerity steps are temporary and precautionary, designed to alleviate the financial burden on citizens while promoting the responsible use of public resources during this challenging economic period. The government’s resolve to enforce these measures reflects its commitment to fiscal discipline and sustainable resource management in the face of ongoing economic pressures.
