Karachi, March 10, 2026 – The Sindh Government on Tuesday announced a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising global petroleum prices. The measures follow a nationwide austerity initiative announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aimed at curbing government spending and conserving energy amid supply disruptions caused by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
The provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, approved multiple steps to manage resources, including:
• Schools and colleges to remain closed from March 16 to 31, with exams proceeding as scheduled.
• Government offices to observe work-from-home on Fridays, without declaring a holiday.
• 50% cut in fuel consumption of government vehicles over the next two months.
• 60% of official vehicles to remain grounded across provincial departments.
• Provincial ministers to forgo salaries and allowances for April, May, and June.
• Official travel by government staff restricted to economy class.
• Ban on purchase of new vehicles, furniture, and office refreshments.
• No government ceremonies in hotels; events restricted to official buildings.
• Grounding of Chief Minister’s official aircraft and withdrawal of discretionary security arrangements.
• Ban on official iftar dinners and government-hosted gatherings.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the measures are aimed at reducing expenditures and managing fuel resources while ensuring that essential services and economic activity continue uninterrupted.
Memon emphasized that austerity savings would be utilized for public welfare and that all officials are expected to adopt a culture of simplicity and avoid unnecessary protocol. He noted that while petroleum prices have risen sharply, the government’s measures are designed to mitigate impact on the economy and maintain support for the federation and its institutions.
Officials highlighted that schools’ exams will not be postponed, government offices will remain functional, and shop timings during upcoming Eid holidays will remain unchanged, ensuring minimal disruption to public life.
The Sindh government’s steps come as Pakistan faces fuel supply constraints following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and heightened geopolitical risks in oil-producing regions.