Punjab Assembly Speaker Forgoes Salary, Announces Austerity Measures

By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has decided to forgo his salary and several official privileges as part of a nationwide austerity campaign initiated by Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Punjab.
According to a formal notification issued by the Punjab Assembly Secretariat, the Speaker has also announced that he will not avail the fuel facility for official vehicles, adopting strict austerity measures in line with the government’s cost-cutting drive.
Under the new measures, salaries and allowances of Members of the Punjab Assembly will be reduced by 25 percent for the next two months. To ensure efficient utilization of government resources, 70 percent of official vehicles of the Assembly Secretariat will remain grounded, while only 30 percent will remain operational for official duties. The use of protocol vehicle squads has also been completely banned.
As part of energy conservation efforts, it has been decided that Punjab Assembly sessions and Standing Committee meetings will be scheduled before sunset. In unavoidable circumstances, meetings may be held through virtual or online platforms, while the number of committee meetings will be reduced to the minimum possible level.
The notification further states that offices of the Punjab Assembly Secretariat will remain closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, except on days when the Assembly is in session. During the month of Ramadan, office timings will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., while after Ramadan they will revert to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To promote energy conservation, authorities have set a target of reducing electricity consumption by 70 percent, with strict instructions to switch off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances. The Secretariat has also decided to move towards a paperless working environment to reduce operational costs.
The notification adds that all new procurements in the Punjab Assembly Secretariat have been suspended immediately, except for essential day-to-day requirements at a minimal level. A previously imposed ban on the purchase of new government vehicles until June 2026 will also remain strictly enforced.
Additionally, official dinners and iftar gatherings have been prohibited, except in the case of visiting foreign delegations.
As part of the austerity drive, 80 percent of the Secretariat staff have been directed to work virtually from home. However, such employees may be required to report to the office within one hour’s notice if needed. Employees working from home will not be entitled to honoraria or sessional allowances.
The notification states that the measures may be adjusted during Assembly sessions if necessary.