CM Balochistan announces austerity measures amid recent challenges

QUETTA: A special meeting of the provincial cabinet was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, in which austerity measures were approved.

The meeting was also attended by the Governor of Balochistan, the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, and parliamentary leaders of the coalition parties.

It was decided in the cabinet meeting that the austerity campaign will be started from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, under which about 800 unnecessary posts have been dissolved.

Policy for government expenditure and fuel saving

The Balochistan government has decided to implement a comprehensive policy for reducing government expenditure and saving fuel.

According to the cabinet decision, provincial ministers, advisors, and parliamentary secretaries will not take two months’ salary, while a 25% voluntary cut in the salaries of members of the Provincial Assembly has been approved.

The cabinet meeting also decided that senior officers in grade 20 and above will voluntarily donate two days’ salary, while employees in the health and education sectors will be exempted from salary deduction.

Government meetings to be held via video link

Government meetings will now mostly be held via video link to eliminate unnecessary travel expenses.

The cabinet meeting decided that a ban has been imposed on official dinners, except for foreign delegations, while prior permission has been made mandatory for seminars and training.

It has been decided to introduce a four-day workweek in government offices, while fifty percent of the staff will work from home.

The private sector has also been suggested to have half the staff work from home and adopt a four-day office week.

Spring vacations in educational institutions

Spring vacations have been announced in all educational institutions of the province until March 23, 2026; however, exams will continue as per their scheduled schedule, and the holidays will not apply to exams.

The cabinet decided that the number of guests at wedding ceremonies will be limited to 200 and only one dish will be allowed, while instructions have also been issued to keep the speed of vehicles on highways at 65 to 80 kilometers per hour.

The government has set an example in difficult economic conditions, the Chief Minister stated.

Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, while addressing the meeting, said that the government has set an example in difficult economic conditions, and the resources will be spent on public welfare.

He said that there is no scope for wastage of national resources and all institutions should strictly follow the austerity policy.