KABUL: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has imposed strict restrictions on government institutions and employees for the next two months following a surge in global oil prices.
According to a report published Tuesday, by Pakistani media outlet Geo News, fuel consumption for vehicles used by all government departments, except ambulances and public service buses, has been reduced by 50 percent.
Sharif has also ordered that 60 percent of government vehicles across all departments be taken out of service, also, the salaries of cabinet members and government advisers have been suspended for two months, while the salaries of members of Pakistan’s parliament have been reduced by 25 percent.
A two-day salary deduction for senior officials in grade 20 and above who earn more than 300,000 Pakistani rupees he said adding that government administrative expenses will also be reduced by 20 percent, and all public procurement will be suspended for the next two months.
Foreign travel for government officials, including advisers, federal and provincial ministers, and governors has also been cancelled.
The report added that online meetings and teleconferences will be prioritized, while official banquets and iftar gatherings have been completely banned. Seminars and conferences will be held in government venues instead of hotels to reduce state spending.
To save fuel and energy, 50 percent of government employees, except those in essential sectors, will work from home. Working days in most offices will be reduced to four days per week, with an additional day off, except for banks, industries, and the agriculture sector.
By the end of this week, all schools across Pakistan will also close for two weeks, while university classes will shift to online learning.
Pakistan is facing a growing fuel and energy crisis as the country continues to struggle with a fragile economy.