Qaseem Shah, News Desk:
Quetta: A special meeting of the provincial cabinet was held in Quetta on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Mir Sarfraz Bugti, where a comprehensive austerity package was approved to reduce government expenditures, conserve fuel, and ensure efficient use of public resources. The meeting was attended by the Governor of Balochistan Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, and parliamentary leaders of coalition parties.
During the meeting, it was decided that the Government of Balochistan will immediately implement additional austerity measures in light of the current global and regional economic situation in order to reduce public spending and improve the management of financial resources.
800 Unnecessary Vacancies Abolished
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti informed the cabinet that the austerity campaign has already begun from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where approximately 800 unnecessary vacancies have been abolished. The move is aimed at significantly reducing administrative expenditures and redirecting government resources toward public welfare and development initiatives.
Voluntary Salary Reductions
The cabinet also approved several voluntary financial measures, including:
Provincial ministers, advisers, and parliamentary secretaries will forgo two months’ salaries.
Members of the Provincial Assembly will take a voluntary 25% reduction in their salaries.
Senior government officers in Grade 20 and above, earning more than 300,000 rupees per month, will voluntarily contribute two days’ salary to the government.
Employees working in the health and education sectors are exempt from these salary deductions.
Measures to Reduce Government Expenditures
The cabinet introduced new rules regarding official meetings and government events. Most official meetings will now be conducted through video link to avoid unnecessary travel and reduce costs.
In addition:
Official dinners have been banned, except those hosted for foreign delegations.
Prior approval will be mandatory for organizing seminars and training programs.
Such events will only be allowed in government buildings or auditoriums.
Four-Day Work Week for Government Offices
The cabinet decided that government offices in the province will operate four days a week, while banking and other essential service institutions will remain exempt from this policy.
Furthermore:
Fifty percent of government employees will work from home on a rotational basis.
The private sector has also been encouraged to consider adopting a four-day work week and allowing half of their workforce to work from home.
Spring Holidays for Educational Institutions
The cabinet also decided that all schools, colleges, and universities in the province will observe spring holidays until March 23, 2026. However, examinations will continue according to the previously announced schedule and will not be affected by the holidays.
Guidelines for Weddings and Traffic
The cabinet set new guidelines for social events and public activities:
Wedding ceremonies will be limited to a maximum of 200 guests.
Only one dish will be allowed to be served at such events.
Additionally, drivers on highways have been instructed to maintain vehicle speeds between 65 and 80 kilometers per hour in order to reduce fuel consumption.
Statements by the Chief Minister and Governor
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti stated that the government is setting an example of austerity during difficult economic conditions so that resources can be used more effectively for public welfare and development projects. He also appealed to government institutions and the public to cooperate with the government in conserving energy and protecting national resources.
On the occasion, Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail praised the provincial government’s austerity measures, stating that responsible and careful use of resources is essential under the current economic circumstances. He expressed hope that other institutions and the public would also play their role in promoting austerity and strengthening the economy.
