PM Shehbaz restores fuel, operational perks, rolls back austerity measures

The federal government has withdrawn a number of fuel-saving restrictions imposed on public sector operations, confirms a notification issued by the relevant officials

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-June 20th, 2026) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the rollback of several austerity measures previously introduced to reduce energy consumption and control government expenditure.

An official notification issued by the Cabinet Division said that the Federal government has withdrawn a number of fuel-saving restrictions imposed on public sector operations.

Under the revised directives, the weekly Friday holiday for government employees has been abolished, while officers will once again be entitled to full fuel allowances. The government has also restored the use of approximately 60 percent of official vehicles for administrative purposes.

However, restrictions on business hours for commercial activities will remain unchanged.

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As per the notification, shops, markets and shopping malls will continue to close at 9pm. Marriage halls will be required to conclude events by 10pm, while restaurants and cafes will shut down by 11pm. Home delivery and takeaway services have been exempted from the restriction.

Essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, laboratories, bakeries, milk shops and tandoors, will continue to operate without time limitations. Similarly, petrol pumps, CNG stations, electric vehicle charging points, gyms, sports clubs, IT companies and call centres will remain operational as per routine schedules.

The notification further stated that other austerity measures introduced prior to March 9, 2026 will continue to remain in force.