The federal government has ordered a one-dish limit for all marriage-related functions and events under a new austerity package aimed at cutting public spending and conserving fuel.
The Cabinet Division issued the notification on September 17, with the measures taking effect immediately.
The government has also banned official dinners, except those arranged for visiting foreign delegations.
Government-funded seminars, training sessions and conferences have also been prohibited. Where such events are unavoidable, they must be held at government facilities such as auditoriums and committee rooms.
Official Vehicle Fuel Cut by 50%
Fuel allocations for official vehicles will be reduced by 50 percent for three months.
Operational vehicles of the Armed Forces, Civil Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies, essential services and the Federal Board of Revenue are exempt from the cut.
However, administrative and non-operational vehicles of these organizations will remain subject to the reduction.
The government has also ordered a 5 percent monthly reduction in Non-ERE budgetary spending for FY2026-27.
The spending cut also applies to foreign missions, although expenses related to rent, education fees and medical care will continue to be covered.
The purchase of vehicles and durable goods has been banned. IT-related purchases are exempt from the restriction on durable goods.
Development projects are exempt from the fuel cut, Non-ERE budget reduction and the bans on vehicle and durable goods purchases.
Foreign Travel Banned for Three Months
Official foreign travel has also been banned for three months, with specific exceptions.
The exceptions include scholarships offered by international development partners and training or courses arranged through the Economic Affairs Division or under government-to-government institutional agreements.
Pakistan’s ambassadors and high commissioners will represent the country at obligatory and important international events.
Where foreign travel is unavoidable, specified ministers, advisers, parliamentarians and government officials will have to travel in economy class.
Requests for exemptions will be reviewed individually by the designated monitoring committee and sent to the prime minister for approval.
