LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet approved the purchase of new vehicles for the superior judiciary while endorsing contributions to the prime minister’s austerity fund as part of broader cost-cutting measures.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, was held virtually, with ministers and senior officials joining remotely to reinforce the government’s austerity drive.
Earlier, the cabinet committee and the Services and General Administration Department’s transport wing had recommended procuring at least 108 luxury vehicles for cabinet members and bureaucrats at an estimated cost of Rs1.14 billion during the current financial year. However, the cabinet scaled down the proposal and approved only 10 vehicles for the higher judiciary.
Meanwhile, the provincial government announced that cabinet members, special assistants, and parliamentary secretaries would donate two months’ salaries to the austerity fund initiated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In addition, the Punjab Assembly will participate in the campaign, with lawmakers voluntarily contributing two months’ salaries and 25 percent of their allowances. Furthermore, all government officers in Grade 17 and above across the province will donate two days’ basic salary to support the initiative.
Officials said the measures reflect the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline amid economic pressures. They added that the austerity campaign aims to reduce non-essential expenditures while mobilising internal resources.
Reforms and development initiatives approved
Alongside the austerity measures, the cabinet approved several policy reforms and development schemes across key sectors.
These include initiatives in health, education, water supply, and administrative governance, designed to improve public service delivery and strengthen institutional performance across Punjab.
Authorities said the reforms would enhance efficiency and ensure better allocation of resources while addressing pressing development needs in the province.
