11/03/2026
Sindh Government Announces Austerity Measures to Cut Fuel Use and Expenses
Karachi, March 11:
A high-level meeting of the Secretaries’ Committee was held under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah to review the implementation of reforms related to the Sindh Cabinet’s comprehensive austerity and fuel-saving plan.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman Planning and Development Board, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Chairman Anti-Corruption Establishment, as well as secretaries of various departments and divisional commissioners.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed that the petrol quota for official vehicles be reduced by 50 percent, and all non-essential government vehicles be immediately grounded as part of fuel conservation efforts.
He also announced the implementation of a four-day work week in Sindh government offices. Under the new schedule, offices will remain closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
As part of the austerity measures, senior government officers will voluntarily contribute the equivalent of two days’ salary to support the cost-saving initiative.
The Chief Secretary further stated that the purchase of new government vehicles and other expensive items has been completely banned until June 2026.
To reduce operational costs, 50 percent of government employees will be allowed to work from home under a remote working arrangement.
In addition, official Iftar parties and dinners at the government level have been prohibited, and departmental meetings will now be held through video link instead of physical gatherings.
The Chief Secretary directed all departmental secretaries to ensure strict implementation of these austerity measures across government institutions.