M Extends Nationwide Austerity Measures Amid Regional Tensions as Constitutional Amendment Speculation Grows
By Sardar Burhan :
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered the extension of a nationwide austerity drive until June 13, citing continued instability in the Middle East and concerns over its economic impact on Pakistan.
The decision came as political circles in Islamabad were also abuzz with speculation over a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment, prompting a high-level meeting between the prime minister and President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency.
Senior government figures attended the meeting, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the proposed constitutional package could involve a significant rollback of the 18th Amendment introduced in 2010 by the PPP-led government. The reported proposal may seek to transfer subjects such as health, education, population welfare, and mines and minerals back to the federal government, effectively restoring elements of the abolished concurrent legislative list.
However, insiders said President Zardari was reluctant to move forward with any constitutional changes before the announcement of the federal budget, expected on June 8. Parliamentary officials noted that once the budget debate begins, new legislation cannot be introduced until the process concludes.
An official statement issued by the Presidency made no reference to the reported amendment proposal. Instead, it said the president and prime minister discussed the country’s overall political and economic situation, developments in Afghanistan, and the evolving regional security environment.
The meeting also paid tribute to those killed during Marka-i-Haq and praised the operational readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces. President Zardari stressed the need to provide maximum relief to citizens despite rising regional tensions, supply chain disruptions and economic pressures linked to the Middle East conflict.
He directed the government to take steps to control inflation, ensure the availability of essential goods and reduce the burden on ordinary citizens.
Separately, the Cabinet Division issued a notification confirming the extension of austerity measures recommended by the committee on fuel conservation and expenditure control.
Under the extended measures, fuel allocations for official vehicles will remain reduced by 50 per cent, except for operational vehicles such as ambulances and public transport buses. The government will also continue grounding 60 per cent of official vehicles and maintain restrictions on foreign travel by ministers and government officials unless visits are deemed essential in the national interest.
The notification added that previously announced austerity and fuel-saving measures would remain in force for the periods already specified, while those without a deadline would continue until further notice.
Among the existing restrictions is the four-day working week for government offices from Monday to Thursday, although the arrangement does not apply to banks, hospitals, agriculture, industry or emergency services.
Last month, the government also extended fuel subsidies for motorcyclists and public transport operators for an additional month as part of relief measures introduced to offset the effects of rising global oil prices triggered by conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
About Author
