Due to the increasing oil crisis, Pakistan has drastically cut down its expenses. Fuel of government vehicles has been reduced by 50% and other expenses by 20%. The salaries of ministers have been stopped and 50% of the employees have been given work from home.
Islamabad: The increasing tension between Iran and Israel in the Middle East has increased Pakistan’s problems. Due to the war, there is huge pressure on oil supply across the world, the effect of which is now visible on Pakistan also. To deal with this crisis, the Government of Pakistan has taken many strict steps like cutting expenses and ‘work from home’. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his address to the nation, said that these decisions were taken after a meeting with federal and provincial officials.
60 percent government vehicles will not hit the road
To save oil, the fuel allowance of government vehicles has been reduced by 50% for the next two months. However, ambulances and public buses have been exempted from this. During this period, 60% of the government vehicles of the Center and the states will not be on the roads. According to reports, central and state ministers will not take salary and other allowances for the next two months. There will also be a 25% cut in the salaries of MPs and MLAs.
20 percent reduction in government expenses
Two days’ salary of Grade-20 officers receiving salary of more than Rs 3 lakh will be used for public welfare works. People from health and education sectors have been kept out of it. In another major decision, the government has cut all government expenditure except employee salaries by 20% for the fourth quarter. There has also been a ban on purchasing new vehicles, furniture and air conditioners for government offices till June this year.
Ministers and officials will not be able to travel abroad
Strict restrictions have also been imposed on foreign tours of ministers and officials. Now only those journeys will be possible which are extremely important for the national interest. To save oil, government meetings will now be held through tele-conferencing. Besides, government banquets and iftar parties have also been banned. Except for essential services, half the employees have been given ‘work from home’. Government offices will now open only four days a week, but this rule will not apply to the banking sector. Classes will run online in institutions of higher education from March 16 to March 31. At the same time, a two-week holiday has been announced in schools from March 16.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that strict action will be taken against those hoarding oil and those trying to earn more profits. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that due to rising prices of crude oil, Pakistan’s monthly import bill can reach $600 million.