Islamabad Mar 10: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced sweeping fuel-saving measures Monday as Middle East conflict disrupts global oil, spiking prices and triggering panic buying in the import-dependent nation.
Key cuts include slashing government vehicle fuel by 50% for two months (sparing ambulances and buses), enforcing 50% work-from-home across public and private sectors, shifting to four-day workweeks, and closing schools for two weeks starting this weekend.
Sharif banned foreign trips for officials (unless critical), official dinners/Iftars, new vehicle/AC/furniture buys, and hotel seminars—opting for teleconferences and in-house events—while trimming overall government spending 20%.
The moves follow a record 20-55% petrol/diesel hike last week amid Strait of Hormuz chaos from Iran-U.S./Israel clashes, with PM warning traders against hoarding essentials.
Provinces like Punjab, KP, and Sindh echo with virtual meetings, early salaries, and supply curbs, as Pakistan eyes stability amid surging inflation.
