The federal government has announced new austerity measures on Thursday to save fuel and reduce government spending.
The measures were approved after recommendations from the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures. The new rules will take effect immediately.
50 per cent cut in fuel for official vehicles
The government will cut fuel supplies for official vehicles by 50 per cent for three months.
The cut will not apply to operational vehicles used by the Armed Forces, Civil Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and essential services. FBR vehicles are also excluded.
However, the measure will apply to administrative and non-operational vehicles of these organisations. The rule will not apply to development projects.
Is buying cars banned?
The government has also placed a complete ban on the purchase of vehicles of all types. There will also be a ban on buying durable goods.
IT-related purchases will be allowed. Both measures will not apply to development projects.
The government has also ordered a 5 per cent cut in the Non-ERE Budget for the full financial year 2026-27. The reduction will be made each month.
The budget cut will also apply to foreign missions and government officers posted there. However, rent, education fees and medical care costs will continue to be covered.
What are the new market timings in Pakistan?
The government has kept the market closing timings that were announced in June 2026.
Shops, markets, shopping malls and bazaars must close by 9 PM. Marriage halls, marquees and other places used for festive events must close by 10 PM.
The notification also says that only a single dish should be served at marriage-related functions and events.
Restaurants, cafés, eateries and food outlets must close by 11 PM. Takeaway and home delivery services are exempt.
Standalone fruit and vegetable shops can also operate according to the notified exemption.
Pharmacies, medical stores, laboratories, clinics and hospitals are exempt from the closing-time restrictions. Standalone bakeries, tandoors, milk and dairy shops are also exempt.
Fuel and CNG stations and electric vehicle charging stations are exempt. Gyms, sports facilities and sports and padel courts are also exempt.
IT companies and call centres will continue to be exempt from the closing-time restrictions.
Has foreign travel been restricted?
Foreign visits and travel by government officials will be banned for three months. This will apply even to obligatory visits. Some exceptions have been allowed.
These include scholarships offered by international development partners. Training and courses arranged through the Economic Affairs Division will also be allowed.
Courses held under government institutional agreements will also be exempt under the new austerity measures.
Pakistan’s ambassadors and high commissioners will represent the country at important and obligatory events.
Officials who must travel will have to use economy class. This rule applies to ministers, advisers, ministers of state, special assistants to the prime minister and other parliamentary and government officials.
The government has asked departments to hold meetings through teleconferencing where possible. Intra-city meetings are not covered by this rule.
Government offices will also not host official dinners. An exception has been made for visiting foreign delegations.
The government has allowed requests for exemptions from these measures.
