Islamabad,(Parliament Times): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to oversee the implementation of the government’s national austerity and fuel conservation plan across all state institutions.
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Monday, the IB has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive audit and validation exercise, including an impact assessment, regarding all fuel conservation and additional austerity measures introduced by the government.
The bureau will submit weekly reports to the prime minister and the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures, the notification stated.
The prime minister had unveiled the wide-ranging austerity plan amid increasing fuel prices caused by the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East.
Addressing the nation on March 9, Shehbaz Sharif said the government had taken difficult economic and administrative decisions to manage the situation and reduce the effects of the energy crisis.
Under the plan, both federal and provincial governments will adopt austerity and simplicity to cut expenditures and conserve energy during the current economic challenges. Key measures include reducing government spending, limiting non-essential movement, and introducing a four-day working week in certain departments.
The prime minister also announced that federal cabinet members, advisers, and special assistants would forgo their salaries for the next two months, while members of parliament would face a 25 percent salary reduction during the same period.
Sources further revealed that the IB has been directed to monitor the implementation of the austerity plan within the secretariats of the National Assembly of Pakistan and the Senate of Pakistan. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against officers found violating the fuel conservation and austerity measures.
The notification assigning the IB as the monitoring authority was issued after the prime minister chaired a review meeting on the enforcement of the plan.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that economic stability and public relief remain the government’s top priorities, adding that all possible measures were being taken to provide immediate relief while ensuring long-term economic stability.
He also directed petroleum distribution companies to strictly sell fuel at government-notified prices and maintain transparency in their operations. The meeting was informed that sufficient petroleum reserves are available in the country due to timely government decisions.
Officials briefed participants on existing oil reserves, imports of petroleum products, and steps being taken to ensure uninterrupted supply across the country.
A new feature has also been introduced in the Pak App, allowing consumers to report fuel shortages or overcharging at petrol stations. Authorities said immediate action will be taken on complaints submitted through the app.
Participants at the meeting appreciated the prime minister’s decision last week not to increase petroleum prices.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar attended the meeting.