The provincial cabinet of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has approved a series of fuel conservation and austerity measures aimed at mitigating the impact of rising energy prices on the public.
According to Special Assistant on Information Shafi Jan, the cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, has approved a two-month fuel-saving plan, which may be extended depending on evolving circumstances.
Key decisions include making all government meetings 100 percent virtual and reducing fuel allowances for official vehicles by 25 percent, bringing total cuts to 50 percent, as an earlier 25 percent reduction was implemented during COVID-19 measures.
Exemptions from fuel cuts have been made for police, rescue services, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure uninterrupted public safety operations.
The cabinet also approved a 50 percent work-from-home policy for government offices.
To further conserve fuel, it was proposed that educational institutions remain closed on Fridays while prioritizing virtual classes.
Additionally, the use of VIP protocol vehicles and helicopters for non-essential purposes will be significantly curtailed, and unnecessary government events and dinners have been banned as part of austerity measures.
Strict daily monitoring of petrol pumps will be conducted, with severe penalties for hoarding or overcharging, while farmers will continue to receive diesel for wheat harvesting.
Officials emphasized that the fuel-saving policy will be implemented without placing a burden on the general public.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the government’s responsibility is to protect citizens from the energy crisis and rising petrol prices.
He stressed that during difficult times, rulers and state institutions must first reduce their privileges, and cutting protocol and government expenditures is key to providing relief to the people.
Reporter: Malik Rahman