PM orders third-party audit of government’s war austerity plan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a third-party audit of the government’s “war austerity plan” to ensure that ministries and departments are implementing energy-saving measures introduced in response to the global oil crisis linked to the US-Israel war with Iran.

Chairing a meeting to review the plan, the prime minister directed all federal ministries and divisions to strictly comply with the measures and submit regular reports on implementation. He said independent audits would be conducted to assess the impact of the steps and ensure transparency.

As part of the policy, the government approved a four-day workweek with Friday declared an additional weekly holiday. Ministries were also instructed to submit daily and weekly updates on energy conservation and workforce management, including arrangements for work-from-home where applicable.

A special committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will monitor the implementation of the plan and provide daily progress reports to the government. Ministries were also directed to provide evidence of vehicles taken off the road under the austerity policy.

Separately, the Federal Directorate of Education announced that schools and colleges in Islamabad would remain closed in the latter half of the month, while university classes will shift online.

Provincial governments have also introduced similar measures. The Sindh cabinet approved an austerity plan that includes a four-day workweek, a 50% reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles for two months, and grounding of about 60% of government vehicles. Schools will remain closed for 16 days, while colleges and universities will conduct classes online from March 16 to 31.

The province also announced restrictions on government spending, including a 20% reduction in non-essential expenditures, a ban on purchasing new vehicles and limits on official foreign travel. Officials said the measures are expected to generate savings exceeding Rs12 billion.

Sindh authorities also imposed limits on wedding gatherings, capped at 200 guests, and banned official dinners and large ceremonial events except for receptions for visiting foreign delegations.

Punjab has issued a separate 13-point austerity plan that includes a four-day workweek, work-from-home arrangements and closure of educational institutions until the end of the month with online classes.

The provincial government has also set up district petroleum monitoring committees to oversee the availability and distribution of petroleum products and ensure monitoring of transport fares and essential commodities.