In a drastic move to combat a spiraling fuel crisis, the Pakistani government has announced significant pay cuts for its workforce. Following a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the administration decided to reduce the salaries of employees in government-owned companies and autonomous institutions by 5% to 30%. Officials stated that the money saved from these austerity measures will be redirected toward providing much-needed relief to the general public, who are currently bearing the brunt of the nation’s economic instability.
The government isn’t just targeting paychecks; it’s also pulling its fleet off the road. To curb skyrocketing energy costs, the distribution of fuel for official vehicles will be slashed by 50%, and a staggering 60% of government cars are expected to be removed from the streets within the next two months. Additionally, a strict ban has been placed on the purchase of new luxury vehicles and non-essential government supplies. Travel budgets have also been frozen, with ministers, high-ranking officials, and special assistants barred from overseas trips for the foreseeable future.
This aggressive belt-tightening comes as Pakistan struggles with the fallout of regional conflicts involving the U.S. and Iran, which have sent fuel prices soaring. The crisis hit a breaking point last week after petroleum prices jumped by 55 rupees in a single spike, reaching a record 321 Pakistani Rupees per liter. In a gesture of solidarity, the Prime Minister’s office confirmed that the salaries of ministers and advisors for the next two months will be donated directly to public welfare funds as the country navigates this difficult financial landscape.
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