ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The federal government on Thursday announced the revival of austerity and fuel-conservation measures with immediate effect amid renewed hostilities in the Middle East.
The notification, issued by the Cabinet Division, stated that the government directed the implementation of austerity measures following “the recommendations of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures.”
The austerity measures include early closure of markets and other commercial activities, a complete ban on vehicle purchases, a complete ban on foreign visits for government officials for three months, and holding teleconferences.
In case of unavoidable visits, the notification said that all ministers and other government stakeholders shall travel only in economy class.
Moreover, the government has also announced a 5 per cent reduction in the non-employee-related expenditures (Non-ERE) budget for the whole Fiscal Year 2026-27, with deductions to be made on a monthly basis.
Moreover, 50 per cent fuel provision will be ensured for official vehicles for three months, excluding operational vehicles of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) and Essential Services.
“Complete ban on purchase of all durables except IT procurements,” the notification said.
In addition, the notification also placed a ban on official dinners, with an exception for visiting foreign delegations and all official seminars, trainings, and conferences funded by the Government.
Moreover, a single dish should be served at all marriage-related functions or events, the notification added.
Early closure for commercial centers
According to the notification, shops, markets, shopping malls and bazaars, as well as departmental, grocery, general and kiryana stores will be closed by 9 pm.
Similarly, marriage halls, marquees, and all other commercial places where festive events will be closed by 10 PM.
“Restaurants, cafés, eateries, and food outlets as well as standalone fruit and vegetable shops to be closed by 11.00 PM. Takeaway and home delivery will be exempted from restrictions,” the notification said.
In addition, the notification stated that pharmacies, medical and medical supplies stores, medical laboratories, clinics, and hospitals will be exempted.
The exemption will also apply to standalone bakeries, standalone tandoors, standalone milk and dairy shops, fuel and CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities and sports/padel courts, IT companies and call centres.
Moreover, the notification stated that the requests for the exemption from any of these measures will be approved by the Prime Minister after the recommendation from the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures.
“Provincial and Regional Governments may consider adopting similar measures,” the notification concluded.
