Centre okays 150pc executive allowance for grade 17-22 officials 

Federal Secretariat employees of grades 17 to 22 were given a 150 per cent executive allowance while the National Assembly gave go-ahead for taxes on imports and services to unlock the next tranche of an IMF.

The Ministry of Finance issued the notification to give the executive allowance after the prime minister gave the approval.

Addressing the national assembly that approved the supplementary bill, the finance minister said the prime minister will soon announce an austerity strategy to cut down government expenditures.

The Executive Allowance will be applicable from January 1 of the ongoing year, the notification stated, adding that the allowance will also be applicable to the officials of PM and the Presidential office.

According to the finance minister, the government fully realizes the problems beings faced by the masses due to rising inflation.

"Those who are making good money in public or private sectors need to contribute to the economy," IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told German state broadcaster Deutsche Welle at the weekend. "It shouldn't be that the wealthy benefit from subsidies."