National Assembly announces austerity measures, cuts MNAs’ salaries by 25pc

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly of Pakistan Secretariat has introduced wide-ranging austerity and fuel conservation measures aimed at ensuring prudent utilisation of public resources, reducing energy consumption, and supporting the government’s national drive to curb expenditures amid ongoing economic and regional challenges.

According to an official notification issued on Wednesday, the measures include a 25 per cent reduction in the salaries and allowances of all Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) for a period of two months as part of the broader austerity policy.

Under the new arrangements, only 20 per cent of the Secretariat’s staff will perform duties in person, while the remaining 80 per cent will work virtually from home through a rotational roster.

The notification stated that employees working remotely would remain accessible through telephone, email, WhatsApp and other communication tools and must report to the office within one hour if instructed by their reporting officers.

It further clarified that employees working from home would not be entitled to diet allowances or overtime, and no employee would be allowed to leave their station without prior approval from the competent authority.

In addition, the Secretariat will implement a four-day work week, in line with the government’s recent announcement, except when the National Assembly is in session.

As part of the financial restraint measures, officers of the Secretariat in BPS-20 and above, or those drawing a monthly salary of Rs300,000 or more, will contribute two days’ salary to the national exchequer.

The notification also announced the suspension of all procurement activities with immediate effect, except for essential day-to-day requirements, which will be maintained at the minimum level.

To reduce administrative costs, the Secretariat said it would transition towards a paperless working environment, while foreign visits by parliamentary delegations have also been suspended under the austerity policy.

Energy and Fuel Conservation

As part of energy conservation measures, the Secretariat aims to achieve a 70 per cent reduction in electricity consumption by switching off unnecessary lights and limiting the use of electrical appliances.

It added that a 70 per cent reduction in utility bills of cafeterias operating within the Secretariat would also be ensured.

Furthermore, sessions of the National Assembly and meetings of parliamentary committees will be scheduled before sunset to minimise electricity consumption.

The Secretariat said it would also rely more on energy produced under the Green Parliament Project to meet its power requirements while reducing dependence on the national grid.

To curb fuel usage and operational costs, the Secretariat decided to enforce a 70 per cent reduction in official transport, meaning only 30 per cent of transport facilities will remain operational for essential duties, while the remaining vehicles will remain grounded.

Standing committees will also be encouraged to hold meetings virtually to reduce travel and fuel consumption, while the number of meetings will be kept to the minimum necessary until the situation stabilises.

Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the steps reflected the Secretariat’s commitment to supporting the government’s austerity campaign and ensuring responsible use of public resources.

The development comes after the federal government announced nationwide austerity measures in response to the global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Earlier this week, the federal cabinet announced a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles—with exemptions for operational vehicles such as ambulances and public buses—for the next two months.

Cabinet members also decided to forgo their salaries and allowances during the same period as part of the government’s austerity drive.