Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a series of austerity measures, including a ban on official dinners and Iftar gatherings, as the government seeks to conserve fuel and cut spending amid a global energy crisis triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran. In a televised address to the nation, Sharif said the measures were necessary as global oil prices surged above $100 per barrel and regional tensions disrupted energy supplies, reported Pakistan-based Dawn news.
The government has prohibited official dinners and Iftar parties and directed that seminars and conferences be held at government premises instead of hotels to reduce costs.
Sharif said the federal cabinet and provincial cabinet members will forgo their salaries and allowances for two months. Salaries of federal and provincial legislators will also be cut by 25% during the same period.
Fuel allowances for official vehicles will be reduced by 50% for two months, while 60% of government vehicles across federal and provincial departments will be grounded. Operational vehicles such as ambulances and public buses will be exempt from the restriction.
Senior government officials in grade BS-20 earning more than Rs 3,00,000 a month may contribute two days’ salary for public welfare. Officials working in health and education sectors will be exempt.
The government has also ordered a 20% reduction in non-employee related spending for the fourth quarter across federal and provincial departments. Purchases of vehicles, furniture, air conditioners and other equipment for government offices have been banned until June 2026.
Foreign travel by ministers, advisers and government officials has also been restricted unless it is deemed essential for national interests. Authorities have been directed to prefer teleconferencing and online meetings to save fuel.
To further reduce energy consumption, half of the public-sector workforce will work from home and government offices will operate four days a week. Essential services and banks are exempt.
Sharif also announced that higher education institutions will switch to online classes from March 16 to March 31, while schools will observe a two-week break during the same period, as per the report.
The PM also warned oil hoarders and profiteers against exploiting the crisis, saying authorities would take strict action if violations were reported. He said Pakistan, which relies heavily on energy imports from the Gulf, was pursuing diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions while trying to shield its economy from the impact of rising global oil prices.
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