Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled new cost cutting measures amid rising fuel prices due to the Iran-US conflict. Government offices will operate four days a week while 50 percent of employees work from home. Schools will get two weekly holidays plus an extra two-week break, and universities will hold online classes during this period. Essential services such as ambulances and public transport will continue normally.
The plan also includes salary reductions for officials. Federal and provincial cabinet members will forgo two months’ pay, parliamentarians’ salaries will be reduced by 50 percent, and senior officers will contribute two days of wages for public welfare. Spending on new vehicles furniture and air conditioners has been suspended while official dinners Iftar gatherings and non-essential foreign trips are restricted.
These measures are aimed at cutting government expenses saving fuel and improving efficiency. The Prime Minister also warned against hoarding and profiteering while ensuring that essential public services remain unaffected. Special campaigns will register women with NADRA to maintain access to services during this period of austerity.
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