Cabinet Division notifies austerity measures to be adopted during Iran war

The Cabinet Division on Sunday formally issued a notification regarding austerity drive launched in the country in the wake of war in the Gulf, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to the notification, there will be five per cent deduction for a period of two months from the salaries of those employees of state-owned enterprises and autonomous bodies, who are drawing between Rs300,000 and Rs1 million.

Similarly, there will be 15 per cent deduction from the salaries of those who are paid between Rs1 million and Rs2 million; 25 per cent deduction from the salaries of those who are paid between Rs2 million and Rs3 million and those drawing over Rs3 million in salary will get it slashed by 30 per cent.

The notification read that austerity measures would also apply to the officials and other staffers working at foreign missions, and that the Intelligence Bureau (IB) will present weekly reports to the prime minister and the monitoring committee.

The amount saved as a result will be deposited in the Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund, 2026.

The Foreign Ministry was directed to hold simple flag hoisting ceremonies on March 23 rather than organizing lavish receptions.

The notification stated that restrictions would not apply to the vehicles used by the law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) and civil armed forces.

There will be a complete ban on foreign visits for two months, and that the concerned ambassador or the high commissioner will attend important functions.

Reporter: Awais Kiani