Govt tightens purse strings on official trips

Ministers, parliamentarians barred from foreign trips using govt funds without prior approval

ISLAMABAD:

In a bid to tighten its belt, the federal cabinet has introduced stringent measures restricting foreign trips funded by the government, seeking to tighten purse strings on jet-setting.

The decision, issued by the Cabinet Division, comes as part of broader austerity policies aimed at curbing unnecessary expenditures. The measures are aimed at promoting fiscal responsibility and optimising governmental resources in the face of economic challenges.

Under the new directives, federal ministers, parliamentarians, and government officials are barred from undertaking foreign trips using government funds without prior approval.

Official visits of federal ministers, ministers of state, advisers, and assistants now require explicit authorisation from the Prime Minister's Office. However, simultaneous travel of both ministers and their deputies may be permitted under exceptional circumstances, subject to prime ministerial consent.

Similarly, a significant aspect of the austerity policy is the ban on luxury accommodation during official foreign visits. Government officials are instructed to opt for cost-effective alternatives such as teleconferencing whenever feasible.

Furthermore, senior officers of 20th grade or above, as well as deputation teams of three members, must seek clearance from the relevant minister before planning any overseas travel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been designated as the central authority for monitoring and oversight of all foreign trips. All details regarding such visits must be promptly submitted to the ministry within 15 days of return, according to the directives.

In addition, a strict prohibition has been placed on contacts with countries lacking diplomatic ties with Pakistan.

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Exceptions to the austerity measures include exemptions for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce.

Moreover, high-ranking officials such as the president and the chief justice of Pakistan are entitled to first-class travel accommodations.

In terms of travel class, distinctions have been made based on the official hierarchy. While the prime minister, chairman of the Senate, and speaker of the National Assembly are authorised to travel business class, the foreign minister, federal ministers, and ministers of state are also accorded similar privileges.

To ensure legislative efficiency, cabinet members are advised to refrain from foreign and domestic travel during National Assembly and Senate sessions.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the National Assembly also opted to embrace austerity measures in alignment with the government's policy.

Sources within the National Assembly revealed that over 40 employees previously stationed at the Speaker House have been reassigned to duties within the National Assembly.

Speaking on the matter, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said there has been a reduction in staff for leaner operations.

In addition, he also stressed the need to decrease the number of security vehicles.

The NA speaker has returned six security vehicles and requested a comprehensive breakdown of all expenses incurred by the Speaker House and office throughout the current fiscal year.