ISLAMABAD: In a demonstration of solidarity amidst economic challenges, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his cabinet unanimously agreed on Wednesday to relinquish their salaries and benefits, as confirmed by the PM Office in a press release.
The decision, made during a cabinet meeting, extends the government’s ongoing austerity policies, aimed at reducing unnecessary expenditures and promoting fiscal responsibility. These measures are crucial in optimizing governmental resources to address economic hurdles effectively.
Previously, in February, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the paramount importance of austerity measures during a federal cabinet meeting, affirming their status as the government’s top priority. During the recent session, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb provided a detailed briefing on the staff-level agreement reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), highlighting its potential to bolster the country’s economy and inspire investor confidence.
Additionally, the cabinet approved the establishment of the Pakistan International Airlines Holding Company, a significant stride towards the privatization of the national carrier, a move endorsed by PM Shehbaz on March 7. The meeting also paid tribute to the martyrs of the recent terrorist attack in Mir Ali, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism relentlessly.
