Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has approved a new austerity measure that includes salary deductions for employees working in state-owned enterprises and autonomous institutions operating under government patronage. The deductions will range from 5 percent to 30 percent and will be implemented in phases. Officials say the step is part of the government’s broader effort to reduce public spending and generate funds that can be used to support citizens during difficult economic conditions.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review the impact of petroleum product prices in light of the current regional situation. During the meeting, officials also examined the progress of the government’s cost-saving initiatives and discussed policies aimed at stabilizing fuel prices in the country.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the money saved through these measures will be used to provide relief to the public. The government believes that reducing administrative expenses will help create financial space for welfare and economic support programs.
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The prime minister also directed all relevant secretaries to personally monitor the implementation of the austerity and simplicity measures. They have been instructed to submit daily progress reports to a review committee to ensure that the decisions are implemented effectively.
Another key decision made during the meeting was that government representatives serving on the boards of corporations and other institutions will no longer receive board meeting fees. These funds will also be added to the national savings pool.
Several senior officials and ministers attended the meeting, including Attaullah Tarar, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue.
