Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that the savings generated through government austerity and cost-cutting measures will be utilized to provide relief to the public.
An important meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was held in which federal ministers Atta Tarar, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervez Malik, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue, and other senior officials participated. The meeting reviewed the potential impact on petroleum product prices and the implementation of government saving measures.
According to the official statement issued after the meeting, policy steps to maintain stability in petroleum product prices were discussed. The progress and impact of austerity measures implemented by the government were also reviewed in detail.
Officials briefed the meeting that the funds generated through government savings would be used to provide public relief in the current economic situation. The statement emphasized that all savings resulting from austerity measures would be directed toward public welfare.
The meeting also decided that salaries of employees working in government institutions and autonomous bodies under government supervision would be reduced gradually between 5 percent and 30 percent. The amount saved from these reductions will also be used for public relief programs.
In addition, government representatives serving on boards of corporations and other institutions will no longer receive meeting fees, and these funds will also contribute to the government’s savings pool.
The statement clarified that the four-day workweek policy will not apply to law enforcement agencies and the Federal Board of Revenue, and employees of these institutions will continue to work under the existing schedule.
The Prime Minister also directed all Pakistani embassies abroad to celebrate Pakistan Day on March 23 in a simple manner.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further instructed that foreign visits by government officials, federal ministers, ministers of state, and special assistants will remain completely restricted. Relevant secretaries will personally monitor the implementation of austerity measures and submit daily reports to the review committee.
