Staff Reporter
Quetta: The Mir Sarfraz Bugti–led Balochistan government has approved a comprehensive austerity package aimed at reducing government expenditures and saving public resources.
A special provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti approved multiple cost-cutting measures to address the ongoing economic challenges. The meeting was attended by the Governor of Balochistan, the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, and parliamentary leaders of coalition parties.
Key Decisions of Balochistan Cabinet Austerity Plan
The austerity drive will begin from the Chief Minister Secretariat, where around 800 unnecessary positions have been abolished to reduce administrative costs.
The provincial government has decided to implement a comprehensive policy to reduce official expenditures and fuel consumption.
Provincial ministers, advisers, and parliamentary secretaries will forgo two months’ salary as part of voluntary austerity measures.
Members of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly approved a voluntary 25% salary reduction.
Senior officers in Grade-20 and above will contribute two days’ salary voluntarily to support the government’s cost-saving initiative.
Employees of the health and education sectors are exempted from salary deductions.
Administrative and Operational Reforms
Most official meetings will now be conducted via video link to eliminate unnecessary travel expenditures.
Official dinners and receptions have been banned, except for those hosted for foreign delegations.
Prior approval will be mandatory for seminars and training programs organized by government departments.
Work Policy Changes
The cabinet approved a four-day work week for government offices, with 50% staff working from home to reduce operational costs.
The private sector has also been encouraged to adopt similar remote work and reduced workweek policies.
Education and Public Measures
All educational institutions across the province will observe spring holidays until 23 March 2026, while examinations will continue according to the scheduled timetable.
The cabinet also imposed limits on wedding events, allowing a maximum of 200 guests and only one dish.
Traffic and Energy Conservation
Drivers on highways have been instructed to maintain speeds between 65–80 km/h to improve fuel efficiency.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti stated that the government is setting an example of austerity during difficult economic conditions, emphasizing that public resources will be directed toward people’s welfare and development.
He further stressed that there is no room for wastage of national resources, directing all institutions to strictly implement the new austerity policy across Balochistan.
