Islamabad: (SDNA) Amid mounting economic pressures in Pakistan, the government has implemented several strict measures to reduce expenditure and conserve energy. These include cutting fuel consumption for government vehicles by up to 50 percent, imposing a ban on the purchase of new vehicles, restricting foreign travel by officials for three months, and stopping several government-funded events and activities.
The latest government directives have raised serious concerns about Pakistan’s financial situation. However, the question of whether Pakistan has been formally declared bankrupt is a separate matter. The government’s cost-cutting measures do indicate the extent of the economic pressure being faced by the country.
50% Cut in Fuel for Government Vehicles
The federal government has ordered a reduction of up to 50 percent in fuel consumption for government vehicles used for administrative and non-operational activities. Armed forces, law-enforcement agencies, essential services, and certain operational vehicles have been exempted from the directive.
At the same time, the purchase of new vehicles, including government vehicles, and several durable goods has been restricted. However, purchases related to information technology have been kept outside the scope of the restriction.
Foreign Travel Ban for Leaders and Officials
To reduce expenditure, a three-month restriction on foreign travel has been imposed on ministers, advisers, and government officials. Special permission will be required for essential and unavoidable travel. Officials undertaking such trips have also been instructed to travel in economy class.
Government departments have been advised to give preference to video conferencing instead of face-to-face meetings.
Government Dinners and Seminars Also Restricted
Official dinners funded by the government have been prohibited. Dinners hosted for foreign delegations have been exempted from the restriction. Government-funded seminars, training programmes, and conferences have also been restricted.
For essential programmes, government auditoriums and committee rooms have been recommended instead of private venues.
Markets to Close by 9 PM
Business hours have also been changed to reduce electricity consumption. Shops, markets, and shopping malls will have to close by 9 PM. Wedding halls, marquees, and other event venues will have to close by 10 PM.
Restaurants and cafes will have to close by 11 PM. However, takeaway and home-delivery services have been exempted.
Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, medical laboratories, petrol stations, and other essential services have also been exempted from the restrictions. Bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy shops, electric vehicle charging stations, and gyms are also included in the exempted categories.
Only One Dish Allowed at Weddings
The campaign to reduce expenditure and energy consumption has also affected wedding celebrations. Under the new provisions, wedding ceremonies will be permitted to serve only one dish.
The measures announced by the Pakistan government indicate that, amid the current economic pressures, authorities are adopting broad austerity measures aimed at controlling public expenditure, fuel consumption, and electricity use.