The National Assembly has rolled out strict austerity measures in response to rising costs caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The directives come from Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and aim to cut government spending and promote efficiency.
Under the new rules, 70% of government vehicles will remain off duty. Members of the National Assembly will face a 25% reduction in salaries and allowances for the next two months. Overseas trips by parliamentary delegations have been completely suspended. Senior officials earning Rs300,000 or more per month, including those in Grade 20, will contribute two days’ salary to the national treasury.
Non-essential procurement has been halted in the Secretariat. Purchases are now limited to indispensable daily requirements. National Assembly and committee meetings are to be scheduled before sunset. Around 80% of Secretariat staff will work remotely, with no extra allowances provided. Standing committee meetings will be held online, and the Assembly will operate on a four-day working week.
Electricity usage has been reduced by 70%. Non-essential lights and equipment will remain off. Cafeteria utility bills are also expected to drop by 70%. The Secretariat is adopting paperless working practices to further reduce expenditure. Officials said the measures aim to ensure responsible use of public funds while maintaining efficiency.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a four-day work week and work-from-home policy for all government departments. Cabinet members, including ministers, advisers, and special assistants, will not draw salaries for two months. Salaries of parliament members have been reduced by 25%. All departmental expenditures, except salaries, will be cut by 20%.
The austerity measures coincide with a sharp rise in domestic fuel prices. Petrol and diesel rates were increased by Rs55 per litre, a 20% surge. The increase exceeds the rise in international markets. The government said the extra funds would help subsidize diesel used mainly in public transport and the agriculture sector.
