Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Secretariat has surrendered Rs472.1 million to the national treasury as part of the government’s austerity drive. As per the vision of Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the National Assembly Secretariat deposited Rs472.1 million to the treasury as part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s austerity measures. The development came after PM Shehbaz announced a host of austerity measures to conserve fuel in view of the global fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran. READ MORE: Senate surrenders Rs265m to FD In continuation of the national cost-saving initiative led by the government of Pakistan and under the directives of Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the National Assembly Secretariat has undertaken a series of decisive actions to reduce operational costs and strengthen financial discipline. Following a comprehensive review of the current fiscal year’s budget and expenditures in compliance with austerity directives and in support of prudent governance, the Secretariat has effected Rs21 million reduction in the salaries of Members of the National Assembly, which has been deposited into the Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund 2026 to further contribute to national financial resources. Pursuant to the Speaker’s instructions for strict implementation of austerity measures across parliamentary operations, the Secretariat has mapped out a plan to achieve overall savings of up to Rs2 billion through rationalized expenditure and enhanced resource management over the remainder of the fiscal year. A significant number of official vehicles have been withdrawn from routine use to conserve fuel and reduce operational costs, while electricity requirements are being met through the Green Parliament Solar System, reducing dependency on grid power and lowering energy bills. Additionally, only 200 employees are performing physical duties within the Secretariat, with the majority serving through rotational duty systems to minimize overheads while maintaining operational efficiency. All non-essential expenditures have been curtailed, with stringent controls on purchases and services, ensuring that resources are used efficiently without compromising legislative and parliamentary duties. The Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has further directed that measures to cut non-essential expenditures be accelerated. These efforts reflect the Parliament’s commitment to the effective use of national resources, financial discipline, and transparent governance, setting a strong example of prudent management of public funds. Further contributions to the National Treasury are expected as these cost-saving initiatives continue to be implemented and expanded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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