By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced sweeping austerity measures to tackle the ongoing petroleum crisis, including suspending official fuel for provincial ministers.
According to an official statement, fuel facilities for provincial ministers have been stopped until the petroleum crisis ends, while fuel allowances for government officers’ vehicles have been immediately reduced by 50 per cent.
The chief minister has also imposed restrictions on protocol vehicles accompanying ministers and senior officials. Under the new directive, only one vehicle will be allowed for essential security with ministers and top officials.
As part of emergency measures, the provincial government has introduced a work-from-home policy in government offices. Only essential staff will attend offices, while the rest of the employees will work remotely.
The government has also announced the closure of schools, colleges and universities across Punjab from March 10 to March 31, although examinations will continue as scheduled. Educational institutions will be allowed to conduct online classes during this period.
Authorities have banned official outdoor events and postponed the annual Horse and Cattle Show cultural festival in Lahore.
To monitor petroleum supplies, the chief minister has ordered the formation of District Petroleum Monitoring Committees across the province. The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has also been tasked with developing a track-and-trace system for petroleum products.
District administrations, police, the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) and other departments will assist in developing and implementing the system.
The chief minister directed authorities to strictly monitor transport fares and take legal action against operators charging excessive fares.
She also urged the public to avoid unnecessary outdoor events, late-night shopping and hoarding of essential commodities during the crisis.
Maryam Nawaz praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for taking “courageous decisions” during what she described as a difficult national crisis.
She warned that anyone attempting to exploit the situation for profit would be dealt with “with an iron hand”, adding that nations overcome difficult times through unity, patience and wisdom.
