Islamabad, Pakistan — The National Assembly has joined the government’s national austerity drive by cutting salaries and allowances of all MNAs by 25 percent for the next two months and introducing strict fuel and energy conservation measures.
The Secretariat announced the decision on March 11, 2026, as part of a broader effort to reduce public expenditure and cope with the economic challenges caused by rising global oil prices and regional tensions. Only 20 percent of staff will work from the office, while 80 percent will operate on a rotational work-from-home basis. A four-day work week will also be observed except when the Assembly is in session. These steps reflect Pakistan’s collective resolve to use national resources wisely and share the burden during difficult times.
A positive signal from the top: Reduced official expenses, salary deductions for high-grade officers, and no salaries for cabinet members for 2 months. This austerity drive sends a clear message in difficult global conditions, the government is sharing the burden with citizens https://t.co/6tVsXitgk9
— Aqsa Khan (@Aqqssaa12) March 10, 2026
Key Highlights
- MNAs’ salaries and allowances reduced by 25 percent for two months.
- Only 20 percent staff to work in office; 80 percent on rotational work-from-home.
- Four-day work week to be followed except during Assembly sessions.
- Officers in BPS-20 and above or earning Rs300,000+ monthly will forgo two days’ salary.
- All non-essential procurement suspended; paperless working environment adopted.
- Foreign visits by parliamentary delegations also halted.
The measures are a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to lead by example. By voluntarily reducing their own salaries and allowances, members of the National Assembly have shown that they are ready to share the hardship with the people of Pakistan. This move sends a powerful message of unity and responsibility at a time when the country is facing external economic pressures from the Middle East conflict and record fuel price hikes.
PM Announces Austerity Measures:
1. 50% Fuel Savings=Rs57B
2. 2 month Cabinet Salary Savings=Rs25M
3. 50% Parliamentarian Savings=Rs200M
4. 2 days BS-20 Savings=Rs50M
5. 1 is unverifiable
6. Savings 2+3+4=Rs275M
7. Annual Govt Fuel Expense=Rs114B— farrukh saleem (@SaleemFarrukh) March 9, 2026
The National Assembly Secretariat notification stated that the steps are aimed at ensuring “prudent utilisation of public resources” and supporting the government’s national austerity drive.
To further cut costs, the Secretariat has suspended all non-essential purchases and shifted to a fully paperless working environment. Foreign visits by parliamentary delegations have also been stopped. Employees working from home will not receive diet allowances or overtime, and no one can leave their station without prior approval.
These practical decisions come after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled a wider austerity plan earlier this week. The National Assembly’s swift response shows that Pakistan’s institutions are working together with discipline and determination. Ordinary citizens can take heart from the fact that their elected representatives are not only asking for sacrifices but are also making them themselves.
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Pakistan has always shown strength and unity during challenging periods. The National Assembly’s decision to join the austerity drive reinforces this spirit and strengthens public confidence that the government is fully focused on protecting the national economy and the welfare of its people. The measures will remain in place for the coming months, with regular reviews to ensure they deliver the intended results while keeping essential parliamentary work uninterrupted.
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