Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has approved Salary Deductions ranging from 5 to 30 percent for employees of state-owned enterprises and autonomous institutions working under government patronage. The decision is part of the government’s broader austerity and cost-saving measures.
Officials said the Salary Deductions will be implemented in phases. The aim is to reduce public spending and redirect savings toward relief programs for citizens.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister. The meeting reviewed the impact of petroleum product prices amid the current regional situation. Officials also discussed the progress of various government austerity initiatives.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Salary Deductions will follow a structured approach. Employees in state-owned enterprises and autonomous institutions will see deductions ranging from 5 percent to 30 percent.
The government said the money saved through these measures will be used for public welfare programs. Authorities believe the policy could help ease economic pressure on the country.
The prime minister also directed all relevant secretaries to ensure strict implementation of austerity policies. They have been asked to personally monitor the process and submit daily progress reports to a review committee.
During the meeting, officials also discussed strategies to stabilize petroleum product prices. Rising global energy costs have increased financial pressure on Pakistan’s economy.
Several additional cost-saving measures were also approved. In corporations where government representatives sit on boards, members will no longer receive board meeting fees. The saved funds will be added to the national savings pool.
The meeting was attended by several senior government officials. These included Ministers Attaullah Tarar, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Ali Pervaiz Malik. Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue also participated.
The prime minister further directed Pakistani embassies around the world to celebrate Pakistan Day on March 23 with simplicity. The move is intended to reflect the government’s commitment to reducing expenses.
Officials also confirmed that the four-day workweek policy will not apply to law enforcement agencies or the Federal Board of Revenue. These departments will continue operating under their current schedules.
Another key decision involves government vehicles. For the next two months, fuel allocations for official vehicles will be reduced by 50 percent. Authorities are also considering grounding 60 percent of official vehicles, subject to a third-party audit.
The government has also imposed a ban on the purchase of new official vehicles. Other government procurement activities have been temporarily suspended as part of the austerity program.
Officials said cabinet members, ministers, advisers, and special assistants will also contribute. Their salaries for the next two months will be used for public welfare initiatives.
In addition, a ban on foreign travel by ministers, advisers, and senior officials will remain in place. Online meetings and teleconferencing will be used instead to reduce costs.
In other news read more about: No Petrol Price Increase in Pakistan This Week as PM Promises Relief
The government believes these Salary Deductions and related measures will help control spending while supporting relief programs for the public.
