Government grounds wheels to tighten belt

Fuel costs, spending concerns prompt massive reduction across 47 departments

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon briefing the media on the provincial cabinet's decisions. 10 March. Photo: Screengrab (YOUTUBE)

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.

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