Sindh Police told to cut fuel use by 33pc under austerity measures

KARACHI: The Sindh Police has been instructed to reduce petroleum consumption by 33 per cent in all its units as part of the provincial government’s austerity campaign.

According to official directions issued by Inspector General of Police Sindh Javed Alam Odho, immediate steps have been ordered to curb fuel-related spending across the force. The instructions were addressed to additional IGs, DIGs, SSPs, SPs and AIGs for implementation.

The order covers all police units and offices, with one stated exception: routine patrol operations carried out by police stations will not fall under the restriction.

Officials have been asked to draw up fuel consumption plans in line with operational requirements and assigned responsibilities. The notification also requires all units, except police stations, to bring down their monthly expenditure by 33 per cent during the fourth quarter.

The directive says any unit exceeding its allocated fuel credit limit will face strict disciplinary action. It adds that responsibility in such cases will rest with the heads of units as well as motor transport officers.

Under the instructions, all units have also been told to submit revised fuel management plans within three days to ensure compliance with the cost-control policy.

Cost-cutting measures

The move comes under a wider austerity drive launched by the Sindh government. In this context, the police department has been directed to significantly lower petroleum expenses while maintaining operational planning based on official needs.

The notification makes clear that the reduction is to be enforced across the department’s formations and offices, while preserving routine patrolling at police station level from the cut.

It further underlines accountability for implementation, warning that violations of the prescribed fuel limits could trigger disciplinary proceedings. The revised planning requirement within three days appears aimed at ensuring that each unit adjusts its fuel use in accordance with the new ceiling.

The instructions, as outlined in the official order, place the responsibility for compliance on senior field and administrative officers, alongside transport officials managing vehicle fuel use.