Chairman Senate announces austerity measures to save Rs 700–750 million

ISLAMABAD, Mar 17 (APP): Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has announced wide-ranging austerity measures, projecting a reduction of more than 50 percent in the Senate Secretariat’s remaining budgetary utilization for the current fiscal year, translating into estimated savings of Rs 700 to 750 million.

The Chairman presided over 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 Chairman’s Office.

Adopting a top-down approach to fiscal discipline, the Chairman directed that austerity measures must begin at the highest level.

Accordingly, significant cuts have been ordered in the operational budget of the Chairman’s Office, setting a precedent for all departments to follow.

He issued comprehensive directives for the immediate enforcement 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 grounding of 60 percent of official vehicles, a strict ban on non-essential procurements, and the implementation of salary deductions or contributions in line with government policy.

Additionally, administrative arrangements have been introduced for human resource management, including rotation-based pick-and-drop facilities aimed at minimizing operational costs and reducing fuel consumption.

Any future procurement 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 percent of its remaining budgetary utilization for the current fiscal year, resulting in estimated savings of Rs 700 to 750 million.

Gilani emphasized that public office is a sacred trust requiring the highest standards of financial prudence. He underscored that transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline must remain the guiding principles in all administrative and financial matters of the Secretariat.

He added that austerity is not merely a policy directive but a collective national responsibility, directing all wings of the

Secretariat to ensure strict compliance in order to promote efficiency, responsible governance, and public confidence in state institutions.