The Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has announced that the Federal Cabinet will be participating in an austerity plan by voluntarily surrendering their salaries, luxury vehicles, and allowances. This decision, made after a meeting in Islamabad, is expected to save the country 200 billion rupees and bring economic stability.
According to the Prime Minister, all members of the cabinet have agreed to surrender their salaries and perks under this austerity plan. In addition, they will pay for their own electricity, gas, and utility bills, and no luxury cars will be used. The Interior Minister-led committee will decide whether to provide security cars to any high officials.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister has imposed a complete ban on the import of luxury items and vehicles until June of next year. He also stated that no cabinet member or high official will stay in five-star hotels during foreign tours.
Finally, the Prime Minister has announced that all ministries, departments, and divisions will reduce their expenditures by 15 percent as part of the austerity plan.
Shehbaz Sharif has stated that online and video link meetings will be promoted to avoid unnecessary travel expenses. In addition, during the summer season, offices will open at 7:30 am to conserve electricity. Under the new austerity plan, there will be a single-dish limit for weddings and other events.
The Prime Minister has also declared that government houses occupied by retired officers will be vacated and the land will be used to accommodate homeless people. Furthermore, government officials will not be allowed to own more than one plot of land. The Federal Cabinet has agreed to disclose the record of Toshakhana gifts to the public.
In a recent announcement, the Prime Minister confirmed that he will be sending a letter to the President on behalf of the federal cabinet to clarify that the President’s office has no involvement in the announcement of election dates for provinces.
During a question and answer session, the Prime Minister informed the public that Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pays his own expenses. Additionally, when asked about the size of the federal cabinet, he responded that the coalition partners are currently discussing the matter, and the good news is expected soon.
