DPM orders strict implementation of austerity measures

MNAs’ salaries cut by 25% as NA joins austerity drive

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has directed all ministries and divisions to ensure strict and transparent implementation of austerity measures.

He gave these directions, while chairing a meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures in Islamabad today.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need to promote fiscal discipline. He also called for the prudent use of public resources, in line with the government’s commitment to austerity and responsible governance.

The Committee reviewed progress on the implementation of the Prime Minister’s austerity measures, including the decision of federal cabinet members to forgo their salaries.

The Committee also reviewed expenditure reductions across ministries and departments. In addition, it discussed deductions from the salaries of senior government officials drawing 300,000 rupees and above.

Provinces were also fully briefed and engaged to ensure coordinated execution of the measures across both federal and provincial levels.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly Secretariat has implemented comprehensive austerity and fuel conservation measures aimed at ensuring prudent utilisation of public resources, reducing energy consumption, and supporting the government’s national austerity drive. Under the measures, the salaries of MNAs has been cut by 25 per cent.

According to a notification issued on Wednesday, only 20 per cent of staff will perform their duties in person, while the remaining 80pc will work virtually from home through a rotational roster.

It stated that employees working from home would remain available through telephone, email, WhatsApp, and other communication tools, and would be required to report to the office within one hour’s notice if directed by their reporting officers.

It added that employees working from home would not be entitled to diet allowances or overtime charges, and no employee would be permitted to leave their station without prior approval of the competent authority.

The secretariat further said that a four-day work week would be observed in accordance with the government’s announcement on Monday, except when the National Assembly was in session.

The notification said that as part of broader austerity measures, a 25 per cent reduction in the salaries and allowances of all members of the National Assembly would be implemented for a period of two months.

Officers of the National Assembly Secretariat in BPS-20 and above (or equivalent), or those drawing a monthly salary of Rs300,000 or more, would forgo two days’ salary as a contribution to the national exchequer.

The secretariat also decided that all types of procurement would remain suspended with immediate effect, except for essential day-to-day requirements, which would be kept at the minimum level.

To further reduce administrative costs, the secretariat said it would adopt a paperless working environment. In addition, foreign visits of parliamentary delegations were also suspended as part of the austerity policy.

Fuel and energy conservation: As part of energy conservation efforts, the secretariat said aimed to achieve a 70pc reduction in electricity consumption by switching off unnecessary lights and minimising the use of electrical appliances.

It said that a 70 per cent reduction in the utility bills of cafeterias within the secretariat would also be ensured.

Furthermore, sessions of the National Assembly and meetings of parliamentary committees would be scheduled before sunset to conserve electricity.

The secretariat said it would also utilise energy generated through the Green Parliament Project to meet its requirements while minimising reliance on the national grid.

To reduce fuel consumption and operational expenditures, the secretariat decided to ensure a 70pc reduction in official transport usage, with only 30 per cent of transport facilities remaining operational for essential functions. Consequently, 70per cent of official vehicles would remain grounded, it said.

Further, standing committees will be encouraged to meet virtually, enabling members to reduce travel and fuel costs. In addition, the number of meetings would be limited to the bare minimum until the situation normalises.

National Assembly Speaker SardarAyazSadiqemphasised that these measures reflect the secretariat’s commitment to supporting the government’s austerity campaign and ensuring responsible use of public resources during the prevailing economic and regional challenges.

The development comes after the Centre’s announcement of austerity measures to conserve fuel in view of the global fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran.

The federal government on Monday announced a 50per cent cut in fuel allowance for official vehicles, with the exemption of operational vehicles such as ambulances and public buses, for the next two months. Among several other measures, the federal cabinet members also decided to forgo their salaries and allowances for the next two months. Staff Report