Austerity Campaign: Protect the Poor, Rich Must Sacrifice – PM Shehbaz Sharif
Islamabad (April 2, 2026) — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has stated that in the face of economic challenges caused by the ongoing regional conflict and war-like situation, the government is intensifying its austerity drive. He emphasized that the poor must be protected while the rich and government officials will have to make sacrifices.The Prime…
Islamabad (April 2, 2026) — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has stated that in the face of economic challenges caused by the ongoing regional conflict and war-like situation, the government is intensifying its austerity drive. He emphasized that the poor must be protected while the rich and government officials will have to make sacrifices.
The Prime Minister announced a relief package worth Rs139 billion under the austerity campaign. Key measures include grounding a large number of official vehicles, voluntary salary cuts by ministers and lawmakers, and strict reduction in non-essential expenditures.
According to the PM, federal and provincial cabinet members will forgo their salaries for two months, while members of the National and Provincial Assemblies will also not draw salaries for two months. Around 60% of government vehicles have been grounded, and fuel supply to official vehicles has been reduced by 50%.
Addressing the nation, PM Shehbaz Sharif said: “Due to the war, we are facing economic difficulties. The austerity campaign is not limited to the government; the entire nation must adopt it. We have to protect the poor and the rich will have to make sacrifices.”
He added that savings from these austerity measures will be redirected towards providing relief and protection to the vulnerable segments of society.
The government has appealed to the private sector and general public to fully support the austerity drive during these challenging times.
