KARACHI: In a significant move to tackle the energy crisis and reduce the burden on the national exchequer, the Sindh government has announced a series of aggressive austerity measures, including a three-month salary waiver by provincial cabinet members.
Key Decisions for Fuel Conservation
Provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon briefed the media, stating that the Sindh government is fully aligned with the federal government’s strategies to combat fuel and energy shortages. To lead by example, all members of the Sindh Cabinet will forego their salaries for the next three months. Furthermore, a mandatory “Work From Home” policy has been introduced for Fridays to significantly reduce fuel consumption, while a large fleet of government vehicles has been officially grounded to cut down on non-essential expenditure.
Support for Federal Directives
Minister Memon emphasized that Sindh stands ready to support any further federal decisions, including a potential lockdown if deemed necessary to conserve energy. He stated that the government is taking every possible step to secure fuel reserves and prioritize public needs, and these measures will remain in place until the situation is fully stabilized.
Focus on Public Relief and Economy
The Senior Provincial Minister highlighted that the primary goal is to prevent a total energy collapse and keep inflation in check. Important decisions regarding public transport are being finalized to ensure citizens face minimal disruption. The government has also appealed to the private sector and the general public to adopt “Work From Home” practices where possible, stressing that energy conservation is a collective responsibility.
The Sindh government reaffirmed its commitment to providing full cooperation to the federation to ensure the country navigates through the current economic and energy challenges effectively.