Balochistan Government Orders 50% Fuel Cut for Official Vehicles, 60% Fleet Suspended, Salaries of Ministers and Lawmakers Reduced

Quetta (Daily Qudrat) – In light of the current global and regional situation, the Government of Balochistan has announced a series of austerity measures aimed at fuel conservation and cost-saving across all provincial departments, autonomous bodies, the Provincial Assembly, and other government institutions.

According to a notification issued by the Department of Services & General Administration, fuel supply for official vehicles will be reduced by 50% for the next two months, while 60% of the provincial government’s fleet will remain suspended. Carpooling will be promoted to further reduce consumption.

The notification also states that cabinet ministers, advisors, and parliamentary secretaries will voluntarily forego their salaries and allowances for two months. Provincial Assembly members will see a 25% voluntary cut in their salaries and benefits for the same period. Senior officials in Grade 20 and above with a monthly salary of PKR 300,000 or more will voluntarily forego two days’ salary.

Other measures include a 20% reduction in the non-development budget for the final quarter of FY 2025-26, a freeze on new vehicle and durable goods purchases until June 2026 (with exceptions only approved by the austerity committee), and a ban on foreign travel for government officials, requiring economy-class travel for official trips.

Physical meetings in government offices will be prohibited, with all sessions conducted online or via virtual platforms. Official dinners are banned except for hosting foreign delegations, and seminars, training programs, and conferences require prior approval from a committee comprising the Secretary S&GAD and Secretary Finance.

Under the fuel conservation plan, 50% of government staff will work from home on a rotational basis, and a four-day workweek will be implemented, exempting banks and essential services. Private organizations are also advised to adopt similar measures.

Additionally, all schools, colleges, and universities will observe spring holidays until March 23, 2026, while examinations will continue as scheduled. Other measures include limiting highway speed limits to 65–80 km/h, restricting wedding and event guest lists to 200 people, and serving only a single dish at such gatherings.

These steps reflect the provincial government’s push for fiscal prudence and resource conservation amid challenging economic and energy circumstances.