Chief Secretary Sindh reviews implementation of austerity, fuel conservation measures

KARACHI, Mar 11 (APP): Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah, on Wednesday chaired an important meeting of the Secretaries’ Committee to review the implementation of comprehensive austerity and fuel conservation measures approved by the Sindh Cabinet.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman Planning & Development, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Chairman Anti-Corruption Establishment, Secretaries of various departments, and all Divisional Commissioners.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the steps being taken by the provincial government to reduce expenditures and conserve fuel in light of the prevailing global and regional situation.

The Chief Secretary directed that the fuel quota for official vehicles be reduced by fifty percent for the next two months and that all non-essential government vehicles be immediately grounded. Departments were also instructed to promote carpooling to minimize fuel consumption.

The meeting was informed that the Government of Sindh has imposed a complete ban on the purchase of new government vehicles and other expensive durable items until June 2026 as part of the austerity measures. The provincial government has also decided to curtail non-essential expenditures to ensure efficient utilization of public resources.

Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah further stated that a four-day work week will be implemented across provincial government offices, with offices operating from Monday to Thursday while Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will be observed as off days. However, this policy will not apply to essential services and critical public institutions.

To further reduce travel and fuel usage, it was decided that up to fifty percent of the government workforce will be allowed to work from home on alternate days.

Secretaries and heads of departments were directed to identify eligible staff and ensure effective implementation of the work-from-home arrangement. The meeting also discussed voluntary austerity steps by senior government officials. Officers in BS-20 and above, or those drawing a monthly salary of more than Rs 300,000, may voluntarily forgo two days’ salary.

Provincial ministers and advisors have also expressed willingness to voluntarily forego salaries and allowances for a specified period as part of the austerity drive. As part of the cost-saving initiative, official Iftar dinners and formal government dinners have been banned except in the case of visiting foreign delegations. All official meetings will now be conducted through video conferencing or online platforms to minimize travel and related expenditures.

Concluding the meeting, the Chief Secretary Sindh directed all departmental secretaries and administrative heads to ensure strict implementation of the austerity and fuel conservation measures across the province.