Punjab Govt Reviews Austerity Measures, Cuts Fuel & Expenses

Lahore, April 2 (Nazrana Times):

The second meeting of the Monitoring Committee on Austerity Measures was held today in the Finance Department under the chairmanship of Provincial Finance Minister Punjab, Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman. The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Communications and Works Sohaib Ahmed Bharath, Provincial Minister for Irrigation Muhammad Kazim Pirzada, the Additional Chief Secretary, and senior officials from relevant departments.
The Secretary I&C briefed the committee on progress regarding previously decided austerity measures. He stated that no new government vehicles have been purchased since the issuance of the austerity notification. Fuel expenditures across government institutions have been reduced by 50%, while fuel facilities for cabinet members have been suspended for two months.
The committee was informed that the work-from-home policy is being effectively implemented, with 43% of officers and 49% of employees working remotely. The four working days and three holidays policy also remains in effect.
It was further shared that board meeting fees for members of public sector companies and autonomous bodies have been suspended for two months. Movement of 49 protocol vehicles from the Additional Chief Secretary’s office and 5 from the Home Department has been halted, significantly reducing the use of protocol vehicles and security squads.
Additionally, around 2,400 online meetings have been held by various departments, while public sector bodies conducted 8 meetings since March 19 without paying board members.
Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman expressed satisfaction over the implementation of these measures and emphasized the need for private sector cooperation to sustain economic stability. He also directed awareness campaigns to discourage unnecessary travel during weekly holidays and promote fuel conservation.
The committee agreed to further rationalize vehicle usage, promote electric vehicles, develop supporting infrastructure, and strengthen austerity measures across all sectors.