ISLAMABAD: Highlighting current economic situation Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Ishaq Dar here directed all concerned quarters to expedite implementation of austerity measures with sincerity and true spirit without any exception.

Chairing second meeting of monitoring Committee to oversee implementation of austerity measures, according to press statement issued by Finance Ministry.

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Law and Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Advisor PM on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira, SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Mehmood Pasha and federal secretaries attended.

Meeting reviewed implementation of decisions of its first meeting on implementation of austerity measures. Committee was informed that implementation on austerity measures has already been started by respective Ministries/Divisions. It was updated on status of use of luxury vehicles and was apprised that majority of allocated vehicles have been returned back by Cabinet members.

Committee expressed concerns on non-return of remaining luxury vehicles and directed Cabinet Division for strict implementation of decision and to get back luxury vehicles within three days.

It deliberated on withdrawal of use of security vehicles and decided to implement decision in its letter and spirit. Meeting expressed serious concerns on use of SUV/Sedan Cars above 1800 cc by some officers and directed all authorities to immediate stop use of all these vehicles by government officials. Committee was also informed that Ministry of IPC has already approached provincial governments suggesting implementation of similar austerity measures in their respective provinces.

Committee also discussed working timings and decided that new timing for office work will be 7.30am to 2.30pm and upto 12.30pm on Friday starting from first of Ramadhan and will be followed in summer season as per decision of Cabinet.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 14 2023

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