Islamabad, In a display of solidarity with the government’s austerity measures, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his cabinet members have pledged to relinquish their salaries and additional benefits. This decision, reflective of a broader commitment to fiscal responsibility, was announced following a cabinet meeting in Islamabad, underscoring the leadership’s resolve to model the financial restraint they seek to instill across the government.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Federal Cabinet, under Prime Minister Sharif’s stewardship, resolved to support the austerity initiative actively, aiming to set a precedent for prudent fiscal management amid efforts to stabilize the national economy. Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned the establishment of the Pakistan International Airlines Holding Company, marking a pivotal move toward the airline’s privatization, which is anticipated to enhance operational efficiency and financial viability.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb briefed the cabinet on the Staff Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund, detailing strategies intended to rejuvenate the economy and bolster investor confidence. These discussions are integral to Pakistan’s broader economic reform agenda, aimed at securing financial stability and sustainable growth.
The cabinet session also dedicated time to honor the memory of the victims of a recent terrorist attack in Mirali, offering prayers and paying tribute to those who lost their lives. This gesture reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the sacrifices made in the face of ongoing security challenges and its commitment to countering terrorism.
The leadership’s decision to forgo personal financial gains highlights a commitment to governance that prioritizes national interests over individual benefits, resonating with the government’s appeal for economic austerity and fiscal prudence across all levels of administration.