ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Cabinet has decided to make public the record of Toshakhana gifts as well as to voluntarily surrender their salaries, use of luxury vehicles, and allowances as per the austerity plan of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
While announcing the decision at a News Conference after the Federal Cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that it will save Rs 200 billion to bring economic stability in the Country.
The prime minister said that all members of the Federal Cabinet have voluntarily surrendered their salaries and perks and privileges under the austerity plan.
Shahbaz Sharif said that the Cabinet Members will pay their electricity, gas and other utility bills themselves and no one of them will use luxury cars. He said that a Committee headed by the Interior Minister will decide about giving security cars to any high official.
The prime minister said that the import of luxury items and vehicles will be completed banned till June next year.
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While giving further details of the austerity plan, the prime minister said that no cabinet member or other high official will use five star hotels for stay during foreign tours.
The prime minister said that all ministries, departments and divisions will cut 15 percent of their expenditures.
Shahbaz Sharif said that online and video link meetings will be encouraged to avoid travel expenditures for this purpose.
The prime minister said that offices will open at 7:30 in the morning during summer to save electricity.
Under the austerity plan, there will be single dish rule for weddings and other gatherings.
The prime minister said that government houses occupied by retired officers will be vacated and this land will be used for homeless people. He said that government officers will not be given more than one plot.
The prime minister also announced to send a letter to the President Dr. Arif Alvi on behalf of the Federal Cabinet that the Office of the President has nothing to do with the announcement of date for elections in provinces.
While answering a question, the prime minister said that the Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pays his expenditure from his own pocket.
Regarding a question about size of the Federal Cabinet, he said that the coalition partners are seriously pondering upon this and a good news will come soon in this regard.
