PM extends austerity measures, fuel curbs and foreign travel ban till June 30

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the extension of government austerity measures until June 30, including restrictions on fuel consumption, the use of official vehicles and foreign travel by government officials, according to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division.

The notification said the prime minister approved the recommendations of a special committee tasked with reviewing and monitoring the implementation of expenditure-control measures across government departments.

Under the decision, the existing 50% reduction in fuel consumption for government vehicles will remain in effect until June 30. Ministries, divisions and government departments have been directed to continue adhering to the fuel-saving measures introduced as part of the government's broader effort to reduce public expenditure.

The government has also extended orders requiring 60% of official government vehicles to remain off the road, a measure aimed at curbing operational costs and minimising non-essential expenditure.

Officials said departments have been instructed to continue limiting the use of government transport and ensure that only essential vehicles remain operational for official duties.

The notification further stated that the ban on foreign visits by government officers and officials will also remain in force until June 30.

The restriction applies to non-essential official travel abroad and is part of the government's ongoing policy to reduce public spending and conserve financial resources.

The austerity measures were originally introduced as part of the federal government's efforts to control expenditures, improve fiscal discipline and support broader economic stabilisation objectives.

Successive extensions of the measures reflect the government's continued emphasis on expenditure management amid economic challenges and efforts to contain the fiscal deficit.

Officials said all ministries, attached departments and government institutions have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the measures and avoid unnecessary spending.

The Cabinet Division's notification formally communicated the decision to all relevant federal government entities following the prime minister's approval.

The government has maintained that austerity initiatives are intended to promote efficient use of public resources and demonstrate fiscal responsibility at a time when economic management remains a key policy priority.