The government has decided to continue its austerity and energy conservation policies, with a high-level committee recommending that the existing measures remain in force until June 30. The decision came during a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, where officials reviewed the implementation of current restrictions and assessed requests submitted by various ministries and divisions.
During the meeting, the committee examined several proposals seeking exemptions from the ongoing austerity framework. However, after evaluating operational requirements and resource management priorities, members agreed that extending the measures would help maintain fiscal discipline and support national efforts to reduce energy consumption. The recommendation reflects the government’s continued focus on efficient use of public resources.
As a result, the energy-saving guidelines already in place will remain applicable across government departments and other sectors covered under the policy. Officials believe that maintaining these conservation measures can contribute to lowering energy demand while supporting broader efforts to manage the country’s resources more effectively during the current period.
Meanwhile, the committee approved extended operating hours for kiryana and grocery stores, allowing them to remain open until 10 pm. The move aims to balance public convenience with energy conservation goals, ensuring that citizens continue to have access to essential goods while the government pursues its wider austerity agenda.
In addition, Ishaq Dar announced that consular services provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to operate on Fridays. The decision is expected to benefit citizens seeking documentation and other consular assistance, ensuring uninterrupted access to important services despite the continuation of government spending controls and conservation measures.
Officials said the committee will continue monitoring the implementation of the austerity plan and review operational needs across ministries and divisions. The proposed extension until June 30 signals the government’s determination to maintain resource-saving policies while making targeted adjustments to support public needs and essential services.