Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif Announces Austerity Measures Amid Regional Tensions
**Islamabad:** Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif addressed the nation regarding the escalating regional situation and announced a series of austerity measures to cope with the energy crisis and economic challenges.
The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s deep grief over the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his family and strongly condemned the Israeli attacks on Iran. He also condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and other Gulf countries, emphasizing that such incidents threaten regional peace. Shahbaz Sharif assured that Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with these countries, considering their security integral to its own.
Highlighting the economic impact, the Prime Minister said that global crude oil prices have surged from $60 to over $100 per barrel, heavily affecting Pakistan’s economy, which relies on oil and gas imports from the Gulf. He explained that the recent fuel price increases were difficult but necessary decisions aimed at mitigating the energy crisis.
### Key Austerity Measures Announced:
* **Fuel Reduction for Government Vehicles:** Government departments’ fuel allocation will be cut by 50% for two months. Operational vehicles like ambulances and public transport buses are exempt.
* **Government Vehicle Grounding:** 60% of all official vehicles will remain grounded for the next two months.
* **Salary Reductions:** Cabinet members, ministers, advisors, and aides will voluntarily forgo two months’ salaries. Members of Parliament will face a 25% salary reduction. Officers in grade 20 and above with salaries over PKR 300,000 will have two days’ salary deducted for public relief purposes.
* **Budget Cuts:** A 20% reduction in departmental expenditures will be implemented, along with a complete freeze on new procurement for government offices.
* **Travel Restrictions:** All foreign trips by federal and provincial ministers, officials, and advisors are suspended; governors will also face a ban on foreign travel.
* **Teleconferencing & Online Meetings:** Preference will be given to virtual meetings, and official events will be held at government venues instead of hotels.
* **Work-from-Home Policy:** Only essential staff in both public and private sectors will operate from offices, while 50% of employees will work from home.
* **Reduced Working Days:** Offices will operate four days a week, with an additional weekly holiday, excluding banks, industries, and agricultural sectors.
* **Education Adjustments:** All schools will close for two weeks, while higher education institutions will transition to online classes.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stressed that these measures are necessary to stabilize the economy and ensure efficient energy use while balancing public welfare during these challenging times.
