Lockdown-like curbs in Pakistan over fuel crisis: Ban on new cars, one dish at weddings

The Pakistani government has rolled out a fresh austerity package as it seeks to conserve fuel and rein in non-essential spending amid renewed tensions in the Middle East and the disruption in the Red Sea. The measures include a complete ban on the purchase of government vehicles, a 50% reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles and a single-dish rule for marriage functions.

Pakistan had unveiled similar austerity measures back in March after the outbreak of the US-Iran war. That set of measures saw Islamabad shut schools for two weeks and cut fuel use by government officials, and pushed office workers to work from home in a bid to conserve fuel and cut government spending.

The Cabinet Division of the Pakistan government issued the notification on Thursday with the measures coming into effect immediately. Some of the restrictions, including the fuel cuts and a foreign travel ban on federal officials, will remain in force for at least three months.

Among the measures affecting the public, the Pakistan government has directed that only one dish be served at all marriage-related functions and events, according to the Karachi-based newspaper Dawn.

The notification also sets earlier closing times for several commercial establishments. Shops, markets, shopping malls, bazaars, departmental and grocery stores will have to close by 9 pm.

Wedding halls, marquees and other commercial venues hosting festive events will have to close by 10 pm, while restaurants, cafes, eateries and food outlets will be required to close by 11 pm. Takeaway and home-delivery services have been exempted from the latter restriction.

Several essential services will remain outside the time restrictions, including pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, fuel and CNG stations, electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies and call centres, Dawn reported.

PAKISTAN IMPOSES COMPLETE BAN ON NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE

The government has also imposed a complete ban on the purchase of vehicles of all types.

Karachi-based The Express Tribune reported that the restriction forms part of a broader austerity package aimed at reducing government expenditure. The notification also prohibits procurement of durable goods, with an exception for information technology-related purchases.

Both restrictions do not apply to development projects, according to the notification issued by Islamabad.

The government has simultaneously ordered a 50% reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles for three months.

However, operational vehicles belonging to the armed forces, civil armed forces, law enforcement agencies, essential services and the Federal Board of Revenue have been exempted. The fuel restriction will apply to the administrative and non-operational formations of these organisations.

THE 5% CUT IN GOVERNMENT SPENDING

According to the Cabinet Division notification reported by The Express Tribune, there will be a 5% monthly reduction in non-employee-related expenditure (Non-ERE) during the current financial year.

The measure also applies to Pakistan's foreign missions and officials posted abroad. However, expenses related to rent, educational fees and medical care will continue to be met, according to Dawn.

Development projects have again been excluded from the spending reduction.

A THREE-MONTH FOREIGN TRAVEL BAN, ECONOMY CLASS ADVICE

The government has also announced a complete ban on foreign visits and travel for three months, including obligatory visits.

According to The Express Tribune, "The notification also imposed a complete ban on foreign visits and travel for three months, including obligatory visits. In cases where foreign representation is considered compulsory or important, Pakistan's ambassador or high commissioner concerned was notified to represent the country."

There are exceptions for scholarships offered by international development partners and training or courses arranged through the Economic Affairs Division or under institutional agreements with the government.

In cases where foreign travel is unavoidable, government representatives and executives have been directed to travel in economy class.

The restrictions apply to ministers, advisers, ministers of state, special assistants to the prime minister, parliamentarians and government officials, The Express Tribune reported.

NO OFFICIAL DINNERS, SEMINARS ALSO RESTRICTED BY PAK GOVT

The austerity measures extend to official events and meetings.

Government departments have been directed to preferably organise teleconferences, except for intra-city meetings. Official seminars, training sessions and conferences funded by the government have also been prohibited.

If such events are unavoidable, departments have been told to use government-owned facilities such as auditoriums and committee rooms rather than spending on outside venues.

The Cabinet has also prohibited official dinners, with an exception for events involving foreign delegations.

The latest package comes after the Pakistani government indicated earlier this week that it was considering bringing back austerity measures introduced during an earlier fuel-conservation drive. Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had said on September 14 that the government was considering their revival amid renewed hostilities in the Middle East, Dawn reported.

Pakistan had previously introduced austerity measures in March as the Middle East conflict triggered concerns over energy supplies and rising oil prices. Some of those measures were later withdrawn, although restrictions on market timings remained in place.

The latest notification expands Islamabad's fuel-conservation push from official vehicles and government spending to business hours, foreign travel and even wedding-related spending, as Islamabad attempts to reduce fuel consumption and non-essential expenditure.

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