PM Shehbaz Bans Official Foreign Travel, Cuts Govt Fuel Use by 50%

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a three-month nationwide austerity and fuel-conservation plan as higher petroleum prices increase pressure on government expenditure. Under the measures, fuel allocations for official vehicles will be reduced by 50 percent, while government departments will be barred from purchasing new vehicles during the three-month period. Ministries and departments have also been instructed to reduce non-employee-related spending by 5 percent. Official foreign travel has been suspended for the duration of the drive. However, economy-class travel will remain permitted in unavoidable cases, according to the government's directives. Authorities have further asked government offices to make greater use of teleconferencing and virtual meetings where possible. The instructions are intended to reduce travel-related fuel consumption and limit other avoidable expenses. The austerity plan comes against the backdrop of higher international petroleum prices, which have increased the cost of fuel and created additional pressure on public finances. Government departments have been directed to implement the measures across their operations and focus spending on essential requirements. The fuel allocation cuts are also expected to reduce the use of official vehicles and help conserve petroleum. The three-month initiative is aimed at controlling government expenditure while limiting the impact of rising fuel costs on public resources. Officials will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the directives as the government seeks to reduce unnecessary spending and manage fuel consumption during the period.