Authorities Will Take Swift Action Against Officers Violating Austerity Measures, Sources Say
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assigned the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to oversee the implementation of the national austerity plan across government institutions.
According to a Cabinet Division notification issued on Monday, the IB will “conduct a comprehensive audit and validation exercise, including an impact assessment, regarding all fuel conservation and additional austerity measures.”
The notification stated that the Intelligence Bureau (IB) will submit weekly reports to the Prime Minister as well as to the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the broad austerity and savings plan amid rising fuel costs caused by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict in the Middle East.
Addressing the nation on March 9, the premier said the government had taken difficult economic and administrative decisions to manage the situation and mitigate the impact of the energy crisis. He added that both federal and provincial governments would adopt austerity measures and simplicity to reduce expenditures and conserve energy during the challenging economic environment.
The plan includes cutting government spending, reducing the working week to four days, and limiting non-essential movement. PM Shehbaz also announced that federal cabinet members, advisers, and special assistants would forgo salaries for the next two months, while members of parliament would face a 25% salary reduction over the same period.
Sources confirmed that the IB has also been instructed to monitor the implementation of the austerity plan within the National Assembly and Senate secretariats. Authorities have warned that immediate action will be taken against any officers found violating the austerity and fuel conservation measures.
The IB’s role as the watchdog was formalized following a review meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz on enforcing the austerity and conservation plan. During the meeting, the premier emphasized that economic stability and relief for the public remain the government’s top priorities. All measures are being taken not only to provide immediate relief but also to ensure long-term economic stability, according to a statement from the PM House.
He added that the government is prepared to respond to any challenges arising from the ongoing global tensions.
The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed petroleum distribution companies to ensure that petroleum products are sold at government-determined prices and to maintain full transparency in this regard.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz said consultations were underway on additional measures to provide relief to the public, noting that sufficient petroleum supplies are available in the country thanks to the government’s timely decisions.
Pak App Feature for Fuel Consumers
The prime minister was briefed on the nation’s current oil reserves, petroleum imports to meet local demand, and ongoing steps to provide public relief. Officials highlighted that the government is actively monitoring the sale of petroleum products at fixed prices to ensure uninterrupted supply.
A new feature has been added to the Pak App, allowing consumers to report issues such as fuel shortages or sale of fuel above prescribed prices. Authorities will take immediate action based on these reports.
Participants welcomed the prime minister’s decision last Friday not to increase petroleum prices.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
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