Tensions in West Asia have escalated dramatically, with the Iran-backed Houthis seizing control over several islands along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
The Pakistani government has introduced a new austerity package, seeking to conserve fuel and avoid non-essential spending amid renewed tensions in West Asia coupled with the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
The measures include a complete ban on the purchase of government vehicles and a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles. The government has also rolled out a single-dish rule for marriage functions.
Tensions in West Asia have escalated dramatically, with the Iran-backed Houthis seizing control over several islands along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the most significant waterways globally.
In the Strait of Hormuz, a Togo-flagged tanker was struck, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) saying it attempted an “illegal passage” through the waterway.
Pakistan had rolled out similar austerity measures back in March after the US-Israeli war on Iran broke out. Islamabad shut schools for two weeks and introduced several measures to cut fuel use, including work-from-home for officer workers.
The Cabinet Division of the Pakistan government released the notification on Thursday, September 17, with the measures coming into effect immediately. Some of the curbs, including a ban on foreign travel for federal officials, will be in effect for at least three months.
3-Month Curbs On Foreign Travel, One-Dish Rule For Marriage Events
Pakistan has introduced a three-month ban on foreign travel. In cases of emergency, ministers, advisers, and officials will fly economy class, according to Samaa TV.
The government has directed that only one dish be served at all marriage-related functions, aiming to cut oil consumption, Dawn reported. According to the notification, shops, markets, shopping malls, departmental and grocery stores will have to be shut by 9 PM.
The Pakistan administration has directed that wedding halls, marquees, and other commercial venues be closed by 10 PM, while restaurants, cafes, and food outlets, be shut by 11 PM.
According to Dawn, several essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, fuel and CNG stations, have been kept outside the time restrictions.