Austerity measures: KP govt bans new posts

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance department has prohibited the creation of posts, the purchase of vehicles, participation in overseas training programmes and workshops, and the conduct of seminars in five-star hotels.

“There will be a complete ban on the creation of posts, excluding completed development projects. Besides, there will also be a ban on the purchase of vehicles except ambulances, earthmoving machinery, fire trucks, tractors, trucks, buses, passenger vans, prisoners vans, motorcycles, water bowser trucks, recovery and rescue vehicles, and rescue and lifesaving boats,” a letter issued by finance department read.

The department has implemented several measures aimed at curtailing unnecessary expenses and ensuring accountability in the use of provincial funds. These include prohibiting government employees from participating in overseas workshops, seminars, and training programs funded by the province. Additionally, seminars and workshops held in luxury hotels have been banned.

Furthermore, the department has enforced a ban on foreign medical treatment covered by provincial funds and has tightened regulations regarding the extension of project employees’ contracts. Extensions will only be permitted if justified by relevant administrative departments and approved through consultation with the department.

Moreover, all administrative secretaries and heads of autonomous bodies are required to convene regular meetings of departmental accounts committees to facilitate internal audits within their respective departments.