Intelligence Bureau to Submit Report of Government’s War-Time Austerity Measures, and Implementation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked the Intelligence Bureau (IB) with conducting a comprehensive third-party audit and monitoring report on the implementation of national austerity measures. The directive, issued during a high-level review meeting on Tuesday, is part of the federal government’s emergency response to the global oil crisis triggered by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war.

The PMO confirmed that the IB will maintain “vigilant oversight” to prevent the misuse of official vehicles and ensure strict compliance with the newly mandated fuel quotas across all government departments.

The IB Monitoring Framework

To ensure transparency and “zero tolerance” for irregularities, the Intelligence Bureau has been integrated into the fuel management chain:

• Audit & Surveillance: The IB will monitor the 50% reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles and identify any “irregularities” in consumption patterns.

• Vehicle Misuse: A notification has been issued for the IB to track the unauthorized use of official transport, with regular update reports submitted directly to the Prime Minister.

• Supply Chain Proactivity: PM Shehbaz has instructed Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to optimize petroleum import supply chains to mitigate the impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure.

Civil Service & Cabinet Contributions

The government is leading by example to reduce the fiscal burden during the energy emergency:

• Voluntary Salary Foregone: Cabinet members have voluntarily foregone their salaries to contribute to the national exchequer.

• E-Office Transition: The IT Ministry has established “special connectivity” arrangements to facilitate an e-office facility, allowing government departments to maintain productivity while working remotely.

• Staffing Adjustments: Under the March 10 directives, 50% of public sector staff are now working from home, with exceptions only for essential services.

National Stocks: Fuel and Medicine

Despite the volatility in global energy markets, the meeting provided a status report on national reserves:

• Petroleum Stocks: The meeting was informed that the country currently holds “adequate” petroleum stocks to meet immediate needs.

• Medical Supplies: Officials confirmed that an “adequate stock of medicines” is being maintained to ensure national health security during the regional conflict.

• Emergency Readiness: The PM emphasized that “all relevant institutions should remain ready for emergency measures until the situation improves.”

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Public Relief and Future Steps

While austerity is focused on the public sector, the Prime Minister chaired a consultative session on Monday to finalize “further relief measures” for the general public, who are facing high fuel prices. The PM indicated that work is underway to expand these measures as the regional security situation evolves.