PM extends austerity restrictions until June 13

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday approved an extension of business restrictions and contingency measures for offices under the government’s austerity drive until June 13, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.

The notification said the extension was approved on the recommendations of an implementation committee.

The government had introduced the austerity measures in March amid a fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel war with Iran and subsequent attacks on oil-producing Gulf states.

Under the earlier plan, educational institutions were directed to hold online classes, while government and private offices were advised to implement work-from-home arrangements until the regional situation stabilised.

The notification said a 50 per cent reduction in fuel supply to official vehicles would remain in effect, while 60 per cent of government vehicles would continue to remain off the roads.