ISLAMABAD: The federal government has reintroduced fuel restrictions and imposed a three-month ban on official foreign visits as part of new austerity measures.
The measures aim to reduce public spending and conserve petroleum supplies amid regional tensions.
Under a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, all government departments have been directed to cut fuel consumption by official vehicles by 50 percent.
The government has also ordered a 5 percent reduction in budgetary expenditures. The reduction will not apply to employees’ salaries and allowances.
Ban on New Government Vehicles
Federal government departments have been prohibited from purchasing new vehicles.
However, the restriction does not apply to vehicles required for development projects.
The government has also imposed a three-month ban on official foreign visits by government officials.
In unavoidable cases, federal ministers and government officers may travel abroad with approval. They will be required to travel in economy class.
PM Leaves for UK
The measures come as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has departed for the United Kingdom.
The prime minister is expected to stay in the UK for a few days before travelling to the United States.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Division said its June 19 notification regarding the closure of shops and businesses would remain in effect.
The latest measures are part of the government’s efforts to conserve fuel and contain public expenditure during the ongoing regional tensions.
