KARACHI: The Sindh Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has approved an extensive austerity and fuel conservation plan, alongside a spectrum of governance, economic, social protection, and education reforms aimed at addressing energy challenges and enhancing public service delivery throughout the province.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the meeting at the CM House, attended by provincial ministers and key administrative officials, resulted in the consideration of a 23-point agenda focusing on fiscal discipline, fuel conservation, education reforms, women’s rights, agriculture, healthcare, and institutional strengthening. Announced by Senior Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon, the cabinet’s decisions include a significant reduction in fuel allocations and government spending, with a focus on operational efficiency and cost-saving measures.
The austerity plan outlines a 50 percent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles over two months, aiming to save approximately Rs960.55 million. Additionally, it mandates that 60 percent of government vehicles remain grounded, while encouraging carpooling to further conserve fuel. In a gesture of solidarity, provincial ministers have waived their salaries for three months, and a suggested 25 percent salary cut for legislators will be communicated to the provincial assembly.
The cabinet has enforced a 20 percent cut in non-essential government expenditures, excluding utility bills and medicine procurement, projecting savings of over Rs12 billion. Restrictions include a ban on new vehicle purchases and foreign visits, with officials required to travel economy class for unavoidable trips. Meetings are encouraged to be conducted virtually to minimize expenses.
To further reduce commuting-related fuel consumption, up to 50 percent of government staff will work from home on alternate days, and a four-day workweek will be implemented for both public and private sector offices, excluding the banking, industrial, and agricultural sectors.
In the education sector, a digital monitoring initiative has been introduced to address student absenteeism, alongside a transition to online classes for colleges and universities during spring holidays. Additional measures involve speed limit reductions on motorways and highways, and restrictions on public gatherings to curb fuel consumption.
The cabinet has also taken steps to prevent fuel hoarding, with directives for strict monitoring and inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Other approved measures include amendments to the infrastructure cess, expansion of wheat release policies, and reforms in local government and healthcare sectors. Noteworthy is the formal recognition of women agricultural workers’ rights and the establishment of a dedicated SEZ Appellate Tribunal to resolve disputes efficiently.
These cabinet decisions are aimed at maintaining fiscal discipline, conserving fuel resources, and ensuring economic stability amid regional and global energy uncertainties.