The federal government has not reinstated austerity measures to curb fuel consumption and reduce expenditure, even as petrol and diesel prices continue to climb across Pakistan.
According to official sources, fuel allocations for government vehicles remain in place, with no new policy announced to restrict public spending. Authorities are reviewing options to cut costs but have yet to reintroduce the austerity steps withdrawn in June.
Earlier, the government reversed a 50 percent cut in fuel allocations for official vehicles and lifted restrictions that had sidelined 60 percent of departmental transport. The additional weekly holiday introduced under the austerity plan was also withdrawn, restoring the five‑day working week.
Other measures rolled back included a two‑day salary deduction for officers in Grade 20 and above, a 20 percent expenditure cut across departments, and a ban on foreign travel for ministers, advisers, special assistants, and governors.
The administration also removed the requirement limiting office attendance to 50 percent of staff in public and private sector institutions, except for essential services.
Sources confirmed that while rising fuel costs are adding pressure on government finances, no fresh austerity package has been announced so far.
In another development, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has ordered public and private educational institutions to remain closed every Friday and Saturday for the next two months.
The Education Department issued the directive following provincial cabinet instructions, with classes continuing normally during the remaining five days of each week.
The decision aims to conserve fuel and ease pressure on the transport sector, which is facing shortages affecting students, teachers and other staff.
Officials expect the reduced weekly schedule to lower fuel consumption linked to daily transportation without significantly disrupting the academic calendar across the province.
The revised arrangement applies uniformly to all public and private schools, colleges and other educational institutions, with no exemptions announced under the directive.
