Islamabad: The Federal Government has introduced a set of fuel conservation and austerity measures, including a significant cut in fuel provision for official vehicles by fifty percent, effective immediately. These measures aim to curtail government spending and promote efficient resource utilization across various sectors.
According to Radio Pakistan, the new directives, issued via a Cabinet Division notification, exempt operational vehicles of the Armed Forces, Civil Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, Essential Services, and the Federal Board of Revenue. However, the measures will apply to administrative and non-operational units within these entities. Additionally, a five percent reduction has been ordered for the Non-ERE Budget for the current fiscal year, affecting foreign missions while ensuring continued expenditure on rents, educational fees, and medical arrangements.
The government has imposed a complete ban on the purchase of vehicles and durables, with the exception of IT-related acquisitions. A three-month ban on foreign travel has also been enforced, sparing scholarships and training programs under institutional agreements. Ministers and other government functionaries, when travel is unavoidable, are instructed to fly economy class.
Meetings are encouraged to be conducted via teleconferencing, and official dinners are prohibited, except for those involving foreign delegations. Government-funded seminars, trainings, and conferences are also banned unless held in government venues. The government further mandates a single dish at all marriage-related functions and events.
Closing times for commercial activities remain as previously notified, with shops, markets, and similar establishments to close by 9:00 p.m., marriage halls by 10:00 p.m., and restaurants by 11:00 p.m. Exemptions are provided for pharmacies, medical stores, and certain other essential services.
The Federal Government has urged Provincial and Regional Governments to consider implementing similar measures to further enhance fuel conservation and austerity efforts across the nation.