QUETTA: In response to the current global and regional economic challenges, the Balochistan government has announced a sweeping set of austerity and fuel conservation measures. The new policies, detailed in a notification from the Services and General Administration Department, will take immediate effect across all provincial departments, autonomous bodies, and government institutions.
The primary goal of the initiative is to reduce government expenditure and conserve energy. Key measures include a 50% reduction in fuel supply for government vehicles for the next two months. Furthermore, 60% of the provincial government’s vehicle fleet will be taken off the road during this period, and carpooling will be actively promoted.
In a significant move towards fiscal responsibility, cabinet ministers, advisors, and parliamentary secretaries will voluntarily forfeit their salaries and allowances for two months. Members of the Provincial Assembly will also see a voluntary 25% reduction in their salaries and privileges for the same duration. Additionally, government officers of Grade 20 and above, who draw a monthly salary of three lakh rupees or more, have been asked to voluntarily give up two days’ pay.
Spending and Travel Restrictions
The notification imposes a 20% cut in the non-development (non-ERA) budget for the final quarter of the current financial year 2025-26. A complete ban has been placed on the purchase of new vehicles and other durable items until June 2026, with exceptions only permitted upon approval from the newly formed Austerity Committee.
Official foreign travel has been strictly curtailed for cabinet members, advisors, parliamentary secretaries, and government officers. Where travel is essential, it will be restricted to economy class. The ban on physical meetings remains in place, mandating that all official business be conducted online or via virtual platforms. Official dinners are also banned, except for events hosting foreign delegations.
Workplace and Public Life Changes
To further conserve fuel, 50% of staff in government institutions will work from home on a rotational basis. A four-day work week will be implemented across government offices, though this will not apply to banking and other essential services. The provincial government has also urged private institutions to adopt similar measures.
The education sector will see spring holidays in all schools, colleges, and universities until March 23, 2026, though scheduled examinations will continue uninterrupted.
Other notable measures include setting the speed limit on highways between 65 to 80 km/h to improve fuel efficiency. In an effort to curb lavish spending, wedding ceremonies will be limited to 200 guests, and hosts are instructed to serve only one dish.
