Federal Cabinet Implements Austerity Policy: Restrictions Imposed on Foreign Travel

All details regarding foreign tours must be compiled and submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within a 15-day period.

Islamabad: In line with the decisions of the federal cabinet, the government has implemented an austerity policy aimed at curbing unnecessary expenditure and promoting fiscal responsibility. As part of this policy, restrictions have been imposed on official foreign travel for government officials, with the Five-Star Hotel Policy being enforced to regulate stays abroad.

Under this policy, government officials are directed to refrain from staying in five-star hotels during official visits abroad. Instead, teleconferencing is encouraged as a preferred mode of communication for overseas engagements.

Furthermore, all official tours of federal ministers, state ministers, advisors, secretaries, additional secretaries, and division heads require prior approval from the Prime Minister’s Office. Approval for delegations comprising officers of Grade 20 or above and three members will be sought from the respective minister.

Additionally, detailed information regarding all foreign tours must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within 15 days, including engagements with countries with which Pakistan does not have diplomatic relations.

In a simultaneous move, restrictions have been imposed on foreign travel for ministers and secretaries simultaneously. Exceptions to this rule will require approval from the Prime Minister, with presidential and chief justice travels being authorized for first-class accommodations.

During National Assembly and Senate sessions, cabinet members are instructed to refrain from both domestic and international travel, ensuring their presence in parliamentary proceedings.

All details regarding foreign tours must be compiled and submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within a 15-day period. Contacts with countries with which Pakistan lacks diplomatic relations are to be avoided.

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This austerity measure reflects the government’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and prudent spending of public funds. By curbing unnecessary foreign travel and promoting teleconferencing, the government aims to streamline operations and allocate resources more efficiently for the benefit of the nation.

SC orders re-polling in Balochistan’s PB-50 constituency

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered re-polling on PB-50 Qilla Abdullah constituency of Balochistan Assembly.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa conducted the hearing on the petition of Awami National Party’s (ANP) Zamurd Khan.

The apex court gave its verdict with the mutual consent of all political parties including the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Earlier, the court annulled the ECP’s order to hold re-polling at six polling stations and directed the electoral watchdog to conduct fresh voting in the entire constituency as per the law.

ANP’s Zamurd Khan contended that the turnout at many polling stations of the constituency remained very low and therefore fresh elections must be ordered in PB-50.