PM Shehbaz Sharif Orders Intelligence Bureau to Audit Fuel Conservation and Austerity Measures

The federal government of Pakistan has launched a comprehensive review of fuel conservation and austerity initiatives following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has been tasked with conducting a detailed audit of fuel-saving measures across government departments. The bureau will verify compliance, evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives, and submit weekly progress reports to the Prime Minister.

A Cabinet Division notification has strengthened monitoring mechanisms, ensuring that all fuel conservation and austerity measures are strictly enforced. Officials said the audit will provide insights into policy effectiveness and help improve resource management.

PM slashes ministers’ salaries, halves vehicle fuel

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced broad austerity measures to address economic challenges and provide relief for the public.

Fuel Restrictions for Government Vehicles

Under the new directives, government departments will reduce petrol usage for official vehicles by 50 percent for two months, with exemptions for ambulances and public transport buses. Additionally, 60 percent of departmental vehicles will be taken off the road, and purchases of vehicles, furniture, air conditioners, and non-essential items have been suspended.

Salary Reductions and Suspensions

The Prime Minister also ordered salary cuts and suspensions. Cabinet members, ministers, advisers, and special assistants will forgo salaries for two months, while Parliament members will face a 25 percent pay cut. Senior officers in Grade 20 and above, earning over Rs300,000, will have two days’ pay deducted, which will be redirected toward public relief. Departments have also been instructed to reduce non-salary expenses by 20 percent.

Work-from-Home and Office Operations

To conserve fuel, teleconferencing and online meetings will be prioritized. Only 50 percent of staff in government and private sectors will report to offices, except in essential services. Offices will remain open four days a week, with one additional holiday, while official events will be confined to government premises, and outdoor gatherings have been banned.

Education Sector Measures

Schools will observe a two-week holiday starting this weekend, while higher education institutions will immediately switch to online classes to ensure continuity of learning.

Warning to Hoarders and Profiteers

The Prime Minister warned hoarders and profiteers of petrol, diesel, and other essentials that strict legal action would be taken. All provincial governments have been instructed to implement these measures efficiently to maximize their impact.

The Prime Minister emphasized that these steps are temporary and precautionary, designed to ease the burden on citizens while ensuring efficient use of public resources amid the ongoing economic crisis.