Pakistan Cancels March 23 Parade as Government Enforces Nationwide Austerity Measures

The federal government has decided to cancel formal celebrations for Pakistan Day this year as part of ongoing austerity measures, according to an official statement.

The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the traditional parade and related events scheduled for March 23 will not take place, citing broader cost-cutting efforts. Instead, the day will be observed in a simple and respectful manner, with limited flag-hoisting ceremonies.

All ministries, divisions, and government departments have been instructed to mark the occasion modestly while adhering to austerity guidelines. The statement reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing wider financial discipline across sectors.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a comprehensive set of austerity measures at both federal and provincial levels to address ongoing economic challenges and provide relief to the public.

As part of the measures, fuel usage for government vehicles will be reduced by 50 percent for the next two months, although ambulances and public transport buses are exempt. Additionally, 60 percent of official vehicles will be taken off the roads, and procurement of new vehicles, furniture, air conditioners, and other non-essential items has been suspended.

The prime minister also introduced salary-related measures. Cabinet members, ministers, advisers, and special assistants will not receive salaries for two months, while parliamentarians will face a 25 percent reduction in pay. Senior officials in Grade 20 and above earning more than Rs300,000 will have two days’ salary deducted, which will be redirected toward public relief initiatives. Government departments have also been directed to cut non-salary expenditures by 20 percent.

To conserve resources, the government has instructed departments to prioritize teleconferencing and virtual meetings. Only 50 percent of staff in both public and private sectors will attend offices, except for essential services. Offices will operate four days a week, with an additional weekly holiday introduced. However, these measures will not apply to banks or critical sectors such as industry and agriculture.

Official events including seminars, conferences, dinners, and Iftar gatherings will now be held within government premises, while outdoor events have been restricted.

In the education sector, all schools will observe a two-week holiday starting this weekend, while higher education institutions will shift to online classes to maintain academic continuity.

The prime minister also issued a warning to hoarders and profiteers dealing in petrol, diesel, and essential commodities, stating that strict legal action would be taken against violators. Provincial governments have been directed to ensure effective implementation of these policies.

Officials emphasized that these steps are temporary and precautionary, aimed at reducing the economic burden on citizens while ensuring efficient use of public resources during the current financial strain.