ADVERTISEMENTAccording to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the impact of fuel price fluctuations and the implementation of government austerity measures. It added that the savings generated through the austerity measures would be used "only for public relief". In addition, the next two months' salaries of cabinet members, ministers, advisers and special assistants would also be "used as savings for public welfare". "The complete ban on foreign visits of government officers, ministers, ministers of state and special assistants will remain in place," the statement said, quoting the prime minister. Petroleum prices were raised by Rs 55 per litre last Friday, prompting the government to introduce several austerity measures to curb fuel consumption.

Source: The Telegraph March 14, 2026 21:27 UTC