Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan has announced strict austerity measures at the Punjab Assembly Secretariat. The move follows the cost-cutting initiatives introduced by Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz.
The new policy aims to reduce government spending and promote financial discipline. Officials say the plan sends a strong message against unnecessary expenses.
One of the key steps involves a temporary reduction in members salaries. According to the announcement, all Punjab Assembly members will face a 25 percent cut in salaries and allowances for two months. The decision is part of a wider effort to control administrative costs.
Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan also said he would personally not withdraw his salary, government fuel, or other official perks during this period. The decision has been described by officials as a symbolic step in support of national economic stability.
The policy also addresses operational costs across the Assembly Secretariat. Around 70 percent of government vehicles will be taken off the road. Only 30 percent will remain available for official duties. In addition, the use of protocol vehicles and escort squads has been completely banned.
Assembly sessions will now take place before sunset to save electricity and other resources. Standing committee meetings will mostly be held online. Their number will also be reduced to the minimum required.
Office operations at the Secretariat will change as well. Offices will remain closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Staff will only attend the office on assembly session days.
During Ramadan, office hours will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. After Ramadan, timings will shift to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Energy conservation is another major focus of the plan. Authorities have ordered a 70 percent reduction in electricity use. Non-essential lights and devices will remain switched off. Paperless work has also become mandatory across departments.
All new purchases have been banned with immediate effect, except for essential daily items. A strict ban on buying new government vehicles will remain in place until June 2026.
Official dinners and Iftar events are also prohibited. The only exception will be meetings with foreign delegations.
The new framework also changes staff operations. Around 80 percent of Secretariat employees will work from home through virtual platforms. However, they may be asked to report to the office with one hour’s notice if needed.
Employees working remotely will not receive honorary or session allowances.
Officials say these measures may be reviewed during assembly sessions if required. However, the central message remains clear: reducing waste and controlling spending, including members salaries, is now a priority for the Punjab Assembly.
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