The Balochistan government has announced a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing expenditures and conserving fuel, including a decision by provincial ministers and senior officials to forgo two months of their salaries.
The decision was taken during a special meeting of the provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, the speaker of the provincial assembly and parliamentary leaders of coalition parties.
According to officials, the cabinet approved an enhanced austerity campaign to ensure efficient utilisation of financial resources amid the prevailing global and regional economic situation.
Salary Cuts and Contributions
Under the new measures, all provincial ministers, advisers and parliamentary secretaries will voluntarily forgo two months of their salaries.
Members of the Balochistan Assembly (MPAs) have also agreed to take a 25 per cent voluntary reduction in their salaries.
In addition, government officers in Grade 20 and above earning more than Rs300,000 per month will contribute two days’ salary as part of the cost-saving initiative.
However, employees working in the health and education sectors have been exempted from the salary reductions.
Four-Day Work Week Introduced
The cabinet also approved changes in working arrangements for government offices across the province.
Under the new policy:
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Government offices will observe a four-day work week.
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50 per cent of staff will work from home on a rotational basis.
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Banking institutions and essential services will continue their regular schedules.
The government has also advised the private sector to consider adopting similar measures, including flexible work arrangements and reduced working days.
New Guidelines for Official Events
The provincial government has introduced strict guidelines for official meetings and events to limit unnecessary spending.
Most government meetings will now be conducted online or via video link to minimise travel costs. Official dinners have been banned except for those held for foreign delegations.
Seminars and training programmes will require prior departmental approval and will only be held in government facilities such as official auditoriums.
Education Sector Holidays
The cabinet also announced spring holidays for schools, colleges and universities across Balochistan until March 23.
However, authorities clarified that scheduled examinations will continue as planned and will not be affected by the holidays.
Restrictions on Social Events
The provincial government has also issued guidelines regarding social gatherings and public events.
Wedding ceremonies will be limited to a maximum of 200 guests, with only a single dish allowed to be served.
Motorists travelling on highways have been advised to maintain speeds between 65 and 80 kilometres per hour to help reduce fuel consumption.
Officials say the measures are part of a broader effort by the Balochistan government to promote financial discipline and energy conservation during challenging economic conditions.
