Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given the green light to a comprehensive nationwide austerity and fuel conservation campaign in response to increasing petroleum prices on the international market, exacerbated by tensions in the Middle East. The initiative aims to curtail unnecessary government spending and promote the prudent use of national resources.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister announced the campaign while leading a meeting focused on austerity and energy conservation measures. He instructed relevant institutions to ensure the immediate and effective implementation of these measures, emphasizing that the government and elite would lead by example in making sacrifices. A fuel subsidy program has already been launched for economically vulnerable and middle-income segments, offering a subsidy of one hundred rupees per liter for motorcycles, rickshaws, and cars up to 800cc.

The meeting approved several measures, including a fifty percent reduction in fuel allocation for official vehicles for three months, with exceptions for essential services such as ambulances and law enforcement. Additionally, a five percent reduction in the Non-ERE Budget for the current fiscal year was sanctioned, alongside a ban on purchasing new government vehicles and durable goods, except for IT-related equipment. Official foreign visits are also restricted to economy class travel, and video conferencing is encouraged to replace in-person meetings.

Further measures include a ban on official dinners, except those for foreign delegations, and restrictions on government-sponsored events. Business operating hours will be curtailed, with shops, markets, and other centers closing by 9 p.m. and marriage halls by 10 p.m. Exemptions apply to essential services such as pharmacies and hospitals.

The committee monitoring these measures will report weekly to the Prime Minister, identifying non-compliance and suggesting corrective actions. The campaign is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to enforce austerity measures across various government bodies and entities.