By Anum Naseem
KARACHI: In line with the Centre’s savings plan, the Sindh government on Tuesday announced a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and curbing government expenditure amid soaring oil prices linked to the ongoing war in Iran.
The provincial measures follow a nationwide austerity initiative announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a day earlier. His plan included spending curbs and energy conservation steps to cope with the global fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Pakistan, like many other countries, is facing supply constraints after the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global oil transit route — was disrupted, affecting fuel shipments worldwide.
The situation worsened after Iran retaliated against US military installations in the Middle East following joint strikes by Washington and Tel Aviv. This created hurdles for major oil-producing states in delivering supplies to international buyers.
Amid the supply disruptions, Pakistan recently raised petrol and diesel prices by around 20%. The federal and provincial governments have adopted austerity and energy-saving measures to manage consumption and stabilize the economy.
**Austerity measures**
Schools to remain closed from March 16 to March 31; exams to continue as scheduled
Government offices to observe work-from-home on Fridays without declaring a holiday
50% cut in fuel consumption of government vehicles for the next two months
60% official vehicles to remain grounded across provincial departments for two months
Provincial ministers to forgo salaries and allowances for April, May and June
All official travel by government officials to be undertaken in economy class
Ban imposed on purchase of new vehicles and furniture by government departments
Chief minister’s official aircraft to remain grounded during austerity period
No government ceremonies to be held in hotels; events restricted to official buildings
Ban imposed on official iftar dinners and other government-hosted gatherings
Addressing a press conference after a Sindh cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the provincial government had adopted several measures to manage resources and limit fuel usage.
He said the cabinet had decided to cut fuel consumption of government vehicles by 50% for the next two months. During the same period, 60% of official vehicles would remain off the roads.
Memon announced that provincial ministers had agreed to forgo their salaries and allowances for three months, covering April, May, and June, as part of the austerity drive. Security provided on a discretionary basis would also be withdrawn, and ministers had returned police security vehicles assigned to them.
He added that schools across Sindh would remain closed from March 16 to March 31, although examinations would continue as scheduled. Government offices will observe work-from-home on Fridays, but the day would not be treated as an official holiday.
The cabinet had imposed a ban on the purchase of new vehicles and furniture, while refreshments in government offices would be prohibited for two months. Memon urged officials to avoid unnecessary protocol and adopt a culture of simplicity, stressing that the provincial government stood firmly with the state and its institutions during challenging times.
He said decisions regarding salaries of Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) would be taken by the Sindh Assembly. All official travel by government officials would now be undertaken in economy class instead of business class.
Memon added that no government ceremonies would be held in hotels, with all official events to take place in government buildings. Security provided to individuals without necessity was being withdrawn, and unnecessary police mobile vehicles assigned to certain individuals would also be recalled. Officials were advised to bring their own food and drinking water, as no refreshments would be served in government offices.
He reiterated that the government and institutions were united during the difficult period and stood alongside the federation. While promoting austerity, the government did not intend to disrupt economic activity. Shop timings during Eid days would remain unchanged, and official iftar and dinner gatherings were banned, with no provincial minister attending such events during the austerity period.
Memon added that the Sindh chief minister and provincial ministers had surrendered their additional security arrangements as part of cost-cutting measures. The aircraft used by the chief minister would remain grounded and would not be utilized.
Commenting on the fuel price hike, he said the federal government had not increased petroleum prices by choice but due to prevailing circumstances. He added that savings generated through austerity measures would be used for public welfare.
