Brussels, (Unib Rashid) __ Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday unveiled a wide-ranging austerity and energy conservation plan aimed at reducing government expenditure and fuel consumption to protect the public from the impact of surging global oil prices.

The measures were announced in a televised address after a high-level meeting involving federal and provincial leaders to review the country’s economic situation amid escalating regional tensions and rising energy costs.

Under the plan, government departments will reduce fuel consumption by 50 percent for the next two months, while around 60 percent of official vehicles will remain off the road to conserve fuel. Emergency services such as ambulances and public buses will be exempt from the restrictions.

In a symbolic move to demonstrate fiscal discipline, federal ministers, advisers and special assistants will forgo their salaries for two months, with the funds redirected toward public relief efforts. Salaries of members of parliament will also be reduced by 25 percent.

The government also announced that officers in Grade 20 and above earning more than 300,000 rupees monthly will contribute two days’ salary to a relief fund. Additionally, operational expenditures of government departments—excluding salaries—will be cut by 20 percent.

Strict austerity measures will apply across government institutions. The purchase of furniture, air conditioners and other equipment has been banned, while foreign visits by ministers, advisers and government officials have been suspended unless deemed essential for national interests. The restrictions will also apply to the prime minister, provincial chief ministers and governors.

To further reduce fuel use, authorities will prioritize teleconferencing and online meetings. Official dinners and government-sponsored iftar gatherings have also been banned.

The prime minister said seminars and conferences should be held at government premises instead of hotels, subject to approval by a designated committee.

The plan also introduces temporary changes to work arrangements. In both public and private sectors, except for essential services, 50 percent of staff will work from home. Offices will operate four days a week to reduce commuting and fuel consumption, although banks will remain open under existing schedules.

The work-from-home policy and additional weekly holiday will not apply to the industrial and agricultural sectors.

In the education sector, schools will observe two weeks of vacation, while higher education institutions will immediately shift to online classes.

Sharif linked the measures to escalating regional instability and its impact on global energy markets. He noted that crude oil prices in international markets had surged from about $60 per barrel to over $100 within a short period.

The prime minister expressed concern about the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including casualties and displacement, while reiterating Pakistan’s call for diplomatic solutions.

He also condemned Israeli attacks on Iran and expressed condolences over the reported martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, while reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with several Muslim countries affected by regional tensions.

Sharif emphasized that Pakistan is facing multiple challenges, including security concerns along its western border. He praised the country’s armed forces, led by Syed Asim Munir, for safeguarding national security and sovereignty.

Despite global economic pressures, the prime minister said the government is working to stabilize the economy and minimize the burden on ordinary citizens.

He acknowledged that the recent fuel price increase was a difficult decision but insisted it was necessary under prevailing circumstances. “My heart did not want to burden the poor, but my mind said there was no alternative,” he said.

Sharif also warned hoarders and illegal profiteers against manipulating fuel prices, directing provincial authorities to take strict action against violators.

Calling for national unity, the prime minister urged wealthy citizens to support vulnerable segments of society during the current economic challenges.

“Pakistan has overcome difficult moments in the past through collective resolve,” he said, adding that the spirit of sacrifice and solidarity highlighted during the holy month of Ramadan should guide the nation through the crisis.