Significant cuts are ordered in the Presidency’s operating budget
Former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Senate President Yousuf Raza Gilani has announced “wide-ranging austerity measures”, projecting a reduction of over 50 per cent in the remaining budgetary utilization of the Senate Secretariat for the current fiscal year, resulting in an estimated savings of Rs 700-750 crore.
The President chaired a high-level meeting at the Senate Secretariat to review and implement austerity measures in light of the prevailing economic situation, focusing on significant cuts in Senate expenditures, beginning with substantial reductions in the budget of the Office of the President.
Taking a top-down approach to fiscal discipline, Gilani indicated that austerity measures must start at the highest level.
Consequently, significant cuts have been ordered in the operating budget of the Office of the President, setting a precedent for all departments to follow.
Gilani issued directives for the immediate implementation of austerity measures across the Secretariat. These include a complete ban on foreign travel, a 50 percent reduction in POL (petrol, oil and lubricants) consumption, the immobilization of 60 percent of official vehicles, a strict ban on non-essential purchases and the implementation of salary deductions or contributions in line with government policy.
In addition, administrative arrangements for human resource management have been introduced, including rotation-based pick-up and delivery facilities aimed at minimizing operational costs and reducing fuel consumption.
Any future acquisitions will be subject to review and approval by a dedicated Senate Austerity Committee.
As a result of these measures, the Senate Secretariat expects to reduce more than 50 per cent of its remaining budget utilization for the current fiscal year, resulting in estimated savings of Rs 700-750 crore.
Gilani emphasized that public office is a sacred trust that requires the highest standards of financial prudence.
