Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered major cost-saving measures, grounded government vehicles and suspended foreign travel in view of the global fuel crisis, triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran, and the subsequent attacks on oil-producing Gulf states. He also announced that schools will be closed for two weeks.
In a video message, Sharif said: “There will be 50% fuel cut for government department vehicles for two months. However, there will be no fuel cuts for ambulances and public transport buses."
He further said that 60% of all government vehicles will be grounded for two months.
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The PM said: “Cabinet members, ministers, advisors, and special assistants will not take salaries for two months. Also, there will be 25% salary cut for all Members of Parliament. Grade 20 and above officers earning over Rs 300,000 will have two days’ salary deducted. Two days’ salary will be used for public relief."
He said there will be 20% reduction in all government department expenses (excluding salaries).
He also said that there will be a ban on procurement of vehicles, furniture, ACs, and other items in government departments.
“Besides, there will be a ban on foreign trips for federal and provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, and officials. There will be a ban on foreign trips for the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Governors. Only indispensable visits in the national interest will be permitted," Sharif said.
The PM also announced that schools will be closed for two weeks while the government offices will be open for four days.
According to Dawn, the government last week increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs55 per litre, the highest-ever such hike, as the country felt the first direct economic impacts of the ongoing regional conflict.
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
