Islamabad: The federal government has announced an austerity drive in response to the rising prices of petroleum products.
According to the notification issued by the federal government regarding the austerity drive, shops, markets, and shopping malls in Islamabad will close at 9:00 PM. Wedding halls, marquees, and other commercial activities will shut down by 10:00 PM, while all hotels, restaurants, and cafes will close at 11:00 PM. The austerity drive has been set for a duration of three months.
The notification grants exemptions to pharmacies, laboratories, clinics, hospitals, *tandoors*, and petrol pumps. Fifty percent of government vehicles will be grounded, and a decision has been made to reduce fuel supplies for government vehicles by 50 percent; however, vehicles used for essential services and FBR operations are exempt from this fuel reduction.
A complete ban has been imposed on the purchase of all types of new vehicles. Furthermore, there is a total ban on purchasing durable goods for government institutions, with the exception of IT equipment.
