Islamabad: In an effort to reduce public spending and conserve energy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed all federal ministries and government divisions to immediately enforce the government’s austerity and energy conservation policies.
The directive came during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, where senior officials reviewed the progress of steps announced earlier to cut unnecessary expenses and improve energy efficiency in government institutions.
Friday to Be Observed as an Additional Weekly Holiday
One of the key decisions taken during the meeting was the introduction of Friday as an additional weekly holiday for federal offices. The move is intended to reduce electricity consumption and operational costs within government departments.
Officials believe the step will help lower the energy burden on government buildings while supporting the broader national effort to conserve resources.
Special Committee Formed to Monitor Implementation
To ensure the policy is properly implemented, the government has established a monitoring committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The committee will keep a close watch on how ministries are applying the austerity measures and will review updates on a daily basis. Regular reports will be submitted to the Prime Minister regarding compliance and progress.
Third-Party Audit Ordered
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also directed authorities to arrange a third-party audit to evaluate the results of the austerity plan. The independent review will measure whether the steps taken are actually reducing costs and saving energy across government institutions.
The audit is expected to provide an objective assessment of the policy’s effectiveness and identify areas that require further improvement.
Ministries Asked to Reduce Expenses and Improve Efficiency
During the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of adopting a culture of simplicity and responsible spending in government offices. Ministries and departments were told to strictly follow the guidelines related to cost reduction and energy conservation.
Officials have been reminded that the current economic situation requires disciplined financial management and efficient use of public resources.
Monitoring System Introduced for Government Departments
To track progress, every ministry and division will now submit daily and weekly updates to the oversight committee. These reports will highlight the actions taken to implement austerity measures, conserve energy, and manage the workforce effectively.
The reporting system is aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency in the execution of government policies.
Government Vehicles and Remote Work Measures
Another directive issued during the meeting concerns government vehicles. Ministries have been asked to provide photographic proof of vehicles that have been removed from operational use under the austerity policy. These records will be sent to the Cabinet Division for verification.
At the same time, departments have been instructed to submit detailed reports to the Prime Minister’s Office on how they are strengthening the work from home system. The government wants to expand remote working where possible to reduce operational costs and improve administrative efficiency.
Government Aims to Maintain Economic Stability
Speaking during the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the government is working continuously to maintain economic stability despite difficult international economic conditions.
He said responsible financial management and energy conservation are essential for strengthening the country’s economy and ensuring sustainable governance.
The government hopes that strict implementation of these austerity policies will help control expenditures, conserve energy resources, and improve the overall efficiency of public sector operations.