ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced multiple austerity measures and savings plans at the government level amid the recent global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
In an address to the nation on Monday, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, and other countries. He also expresses deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Iranian Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and his family, and strongly condemns the Israeli attacks on Iran.
The Prime Minister said that the attacks on the Gulf countries pose serious threats to the peace of the region, adding that Islamabad stands shoulder to shoulder with these countries in this hour of trial.
During the address, which was telecast live, the Prime Minister added that the price of crude oil in the global market has increased from $60 to $100 per barrel, saying that our economy depends on oil and gas coming from the Gulf.
The Prime Minister said that, considering the current global situation, Pakistan has taken difficult decisions, determining the prices of oil and gas in the global market is not in Pakistan’s control. “The government has taken difficult decisions to reduce the energy crisis.”
Salary cut for ministers
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further announced that all ministers, advisors, and assistants of the federal and provincial cabinets will not receive two months’ salary and allowances, while members of parliament will face a 25 per cent salary cut during the same period.
He also said that the government has taken a decision to cut two days’ salary of government officials in grade 20 and above, with a salary of more than Rs 300,000 in all federal and provincial departments.
Similarly, a 20 percent cut was announced in the non-development budget of all federal and provincial departments for the fourth quarter of the financial year. The budget cut is expected to save Rs22 billion at the federal level.
Holidays declared
Furthermore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that all schools and colleges are being given two-week holidays starting at the end of the current weekend as part of the energy conservation measures. While online classes will be conducted in higher educational institutions, he said.
Earlier today, the Punjab government announced that schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed from March 10 to March 31.
In a statement, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, said that exams will be held as per the schedule, while schools and educational institutions will be able to take online classes.
The Balochistan Education Department (Schools) has also declared the temporary closure of all public and private educational institutions across the province with immediate effect. “All schools and educational institutions across the province will remain closed from March 9 until March 23,” the notification stated.
Iftar parties banned
In addition to that, the premier said that official dinners and iftar parties will also be completely banned, while teleconferences and online meetings will be prioritized.
The government has also imposed a ban on official banquets, and only exemptions will be granted for honoring foreign delegations, he said. “Seminars and conferences will be held at official venues instead of hotels to reduce government expenses.”
Furthermore, the prime minister also announced that government offices would operate four days a week, though the decision would not apply to banks.
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