Austerity Campaign: Punjab Assembly members’ salaries and allowances reduced by 25% for two months; decision to adopt paperless working issued, notification released.
Punjab Assembly has launched an austerity campaign aimed at reducing government spending and promoting efficiency in its operations. As part of this initiative, the salaries and allowances of assembly members have been temporarily reduced by 25% for a period of two months. Officials stated that this step is intended to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and set an example for other government departments and public institutions to follow. The move has been formally notified through an official government notification, making it legally binding for all concerned.
In addition to the salary cuts, the assembly has decided to adopt paperless working methods. This includes digitizing official correspondence, documentation, and internal workflows, reducing reliance on physical paperwork. Officials highlighted that this approach will not only save costs on printing and stationery but also improve operational efficiency, transparency, and record-keeping.
The austerity measures have been welcomed by many political analysts and citizens as a positive step toward fiscal discipline. However, some critics argue that such measures are largely symbolic unless paired with broader reforms in governance and public expenditure. Overall, the campaign reflects a growing trend among government bodies in Pakistan to adopt cost-saving measures while integrating modern, technology-driven practices in administrative operations.
