Government grounds wheels to tighten belt

Fuel costs, spending concerns prompt massive reduction across 47 departments

KARACHI:

The Sindh Cabinet's subcommittee on austerity has ordered that 60% of government vehicles across multiple departments be taken off the roads, in a move aimed at reducing fuel consumption and government expendi-tures.

Chairman of the subcommittee and Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that out of a total of 2,837 vehicles in more than 47 de-partments, 1,524 vehicles have been taken off the roads. The affected de-partments include health, finance, school education, energy, and anti-corruption.

He added that in some departments, the reduction has exceeded 65 per cent, while all vehicles in the Inter-Provincial Coordination Department have been completely grounded. The decision was taken in view of rising fuel costs, with the aim of significantly reducing government expendi-tures.

Sharjeel said the move is intended to lower energy consumption, cut pub-lic spending, and ensure efficient utilisation of resources. He emphasised that the provincial government is strictly implementing its austerity poli-cy in the national interest.

He further noted that these measures will not only reduce expenses but also improve the management of government resources, resulting in sav-ings of millions of rupees in fuel costs.

All departments have been directed to fully comply with the policy, while essential and emergency vehicles will continue to remain opera-tional as needed.