Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has implemented sweeping austerity measures within the Senate Secretariat, resulting in projected savings of Rs. 700 to 750 million during the current fiscal year. Chairing a high-level meeting, the Chairman directed that fiscal discipline must begin from the top, ordering significant reductions in expenditures of his own office to set a precedent for all departments. The measures include a complete ban on foreign travel, a 50 percent reduction in POL consumption, grounding of 60 percent of official vehicles, and a strict prohibition on non-essential procurements. Salary deductions and contributions have also been introduced in line with government policy. Additionally, new administrative arrangements such as rotation-based pick-and-drop facilities for staff have been initiated to minimize operational costs. All future procurements will require approval from a dedicated Senate Austerity Committee. As a result, the Secretariat expects to cut more than 50 percent of its remaining budgetary utilization. Chairman Gilani emphasized that public office is a sacred trust, underscoring the importance of transparency, accountability, and financial discipline in governance. APP
