Business Recorder
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Finance, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, stated that despite the ongoing regional conflict leading to a surge in global fuel prices and disruptions in supply, the Government of Pakistan is taking proactive measures to sustain economic activity. He emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, every effort is being made to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply so that economic momentum is not compromised. To this end, the federal government is providing targeted weekly subsidies on petroleum products. He further highlighted that at the provincial level, fuel consumption across public sector institutions is being reduced by up to 50 percent, while non-development expenditures have been curtailed by 25 percent. He noted that development expenditures may also be rationalised if circumstances demand. Stressing the importance of collective responsibility, he underscored that these measures will only be effective with the full cooperation of the private sector. The minister expressed these views during his visit to the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, where an interactive session on austerity measures and the province s strategic economic policy was organised in the presence of business leaders and stakeholders. He cautioned that if the conflict persists, further pressure on fuel supply and additional price escalation cannot be ruled out, and called for responsible consumption and coordinated efforts from both the public and the business community. Outlining key austerity measures, the minister stated that the government has led by example. Cabinet members will forgo salaries and official fuel for two months and will bear their fuel expenses personally. Official protocol and government-funded visits by provincial ministers have been completely suspended. Salaries and allowances of Members of the Provincial Assembly have been reduced by 25 percent, while government employees in Grade 17 and above will contribute through a deduction equivalent to two days salary per month for the next two months. Additionally, board members of public sector companies will not receive board fees during this period. He added that a complete ban has been imposed on the purchase of government vehicles and non-essential office items. Subsidies are being streamlined and restricted to targeted segments. A work-from-home policy is being introduced across government offices, with only essential staff attending physically. The decision regarding a three-day weekly holiday is also under review, as fuel consumption has been observed to increase during weekends. To ensure effective implementation, a dedicated monitoring committee has been constituted to oversee government expenditures and procurement over the next two months, while continuously identifying further cost-saving opportunities. The Minister also urged citizens, through the media, to adopt responsible fuel consumption practices, noting that public and private sector cooperation can significantly contribute to stabilising fuel prices. Highlighting development priorities, Mr. Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman stated that under the focused leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, notable progress has been achieved in health, education, and social protection sectors. He noted that under the Ramazan Nigehban Programme, financial assistance was extended to millions of deserving households. The ration card scheme is providing relief to factory workers and laborers, while the Kissan Card initiative is strengthening the agricultural sector by facilitating farmers. He further emphasised that automation of tax departments is being accelerated to eliminate human intervention, with remaining gaps being addressed through public feedback mechanisms. Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Zaki Aijaz, emphasised that continuity of business activities is essential to sustain revenue generation under current circumstances. He appreciated the government s efforts to ensure fuel availability and termed the timely interventions of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister as commendable. He noted that Pakistan possesses significant alternative energy potential, which can be leveraged not only to manage the current crisis but also to attract investment opportunities. He assured full support of the business community. During the interactive session, participants presented a range of practical proposals, including launching public awareness campaigns to discourage unnecessary fuel consumption, curbing misinformation on social media, avoiding unnecessary closures of educational institutions, promoting carpooling and electric mobility, and rationalising business operating hours. It was emphasised that austerity objectives must be achieved without disrupting industrial and commercial activity. At the conclusion of the session, it was agreed that sustained coordination between the government and the private sector is critical to effectively navigate current economic challenges, and that a collaborative and strategic approach is essential for achieving long-term economic stability. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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