The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has approved a series of fuel conservation measures aimed at reducing government expenses and tackling rising energy costs. The decisions were taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
The new policy, which will remain in effect for two months, focuses on cutting fuel consumption in government departments while ensuring that the public is not burdened.
The provincial cabinet approved the Fuel Conservation and Responsible Governance Initiative, according to Special Assistant on Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan.
The measures were introduced on the instructions of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in response to the prevailing international situation and the energy crisis.
Fuel conservation measures will be implemented for two months, after which the government will review the situation and decide whether an extension is necessary.
Govt meetings to shift fully online
One of the key decisions taken in the meeting was to make all meetings in government departments 100% virtual. The move is expected to reduce fuel consumption related to official travel and administrative operations.
In addition, the cabinet approved the introduction of a 50% work-from-home policy in government offices to further minimize fuel use and operational costs.
Fuel allowance reduced
The cabinet also approved a 25% reduction in fuel allowance for government vehicles. Officials said that when combined with earlier reductions introduced during the COVID-19 period, the total fuel allowance cut has now reached 50%.
However, police, rescue services and other law enforcement agencies have been exempted from these fuel reductions due to the nature of their duties.
VIP protocol, helicopter use
The provincial government also decided to significantly reduce the unnecessary use of VIP protocol vehicles and helicopters. Authorities stressed that reducing privileges of government officials and state institutions is necessary in difficult economic circumstances.
As part of the initiative, the cabinet approved austerity measures in government expenditures. These include a ban on unnecessary official events and government dinners, aimed at promoting frugality in public spending.
Proposal to close schools on Fridays
The cabinet also discussed a proposal to keep educational institutions closed on Fridays as a way to reduce fuel consumption. Under the proposal, virtual classes would be preferred on that day to maintain academic continuity while saving energy.
The government has also decided to ensure daily monitoring of petrol pumps across the province. Shafi Jan said strict action will be taken against hoarding or any attempt to manipulate fuel supply.
Diesel supply for farmers, wheat harvest
Despite conservation measures, the government will ensure that diesel supply remains available for farmers and wheat harvesting activities. Officials said agriculture will be protected from fuel shortages to safeguard food production.
Shafi Jan said the provincial government intends to implement the fuel conservation policy without placing additional financial pressure on the public.
The goal, he said, is to protect the economy while promoting responsible governance.
CM Sohail Afridi’s remarks
Addressing the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the government has a responsibility to protect people from the energy crisis and rising petrol prices. He emphasized that during difficult times, the first step should be to reduce privileges enjoyed by rulers and state institutions.
Afridi added that relief should be provided to citizens by reducing protocol and unnecessary government spending.
“In Pakistan, people are often asked to make sacrifices first. This attitude should change,” he said.
The chief minister also recalled that during the tenure of the party’s founding chairman, relief was provided to people and businesses even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He reaffirmed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will oppose any decision that places additional burden on the public.
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