Islamabad, March 11,2026: On the directions of the Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the National Assembly Secretariat has implemented comprehensive austerity and fuel conservation measures aimed at ensuring prudent utilization of public resources, reducing energy consumption, and supporting the Federal Government’s national austerity drive.
In this regard, the National Assembly Secretariat has issued a formal notification in line with the austerity measures announced by the Government of Pakistan under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Under the new policy, only 20 percent of the staff will perform duties through physical presence at their respective workplaces, while 80 percent of employees will work virtually from home through a rotational duty roster prepared by the HRM Wing. Employees working from home will remain available through telephone, email, WhatsApp, and other communication tools, and will be required to report to the office within one hour’s notice if directed by their reporting officers. Home-based employees will not be entitled to diet allowance or overtime charges, and no employee will be permitted to leave the station without prior approval of the competent authority.
The National Assembly Secretariat will observe a four-day working week in accordance with the Federal Government’s policy, except during the Session Days of the National Assembly.
As part of energy conservation efforts, the Secretariat aims to achieve 70 percent reduction in electricity consumption by switching off unnecessary lights and minimizing the use of electrical appliances. A 70 percent reduction in utility bills of cafeterias within the Secretariat will also be ensured.
Furthermore, sessions of the National Assembly and meetings of parliamentary committees will be scheduled before sunset to conserve electricity. The Secretariat will also utilize energy generated through the Green Parliament Project (1 MW) to meet its requirements while minimizing reliance on the national grid.
To reduce fuel consumption and operational expenditures, the Secretariat has decided to ensure a 70 percent reduction in official transport usage, with only 30 percent of transport facilities remaining operational for essential functions. Consequently, 70 percent of official vehicles will remain grounded.
Meetings of Standing Committees will be encouraged to take place through virtual or online modes, for reducing travel and fuel costs. In addition, the number of meetings will be limited to the bare minimum until the situation normalizes.
As part of broader austerity measures, a 25 percent reduction in the salaries and allowances of all Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) will be implemented for a period of two months.
Officers of the National Assembly Secretariat in BPS-20 and above (or equivalent), or those drawing a monthly salary of PKR 300,000 or more, will forgo two days’ salary as a contribution to the national exchequer.
The Secretariat has also decided that all types of procurement will remain suspended with immediate effect, except for essential day-to-day requirements, which will be kept at the minimum level. To further reduce administrative costs, the National Assembly Secretariat will adopt a paperless working environment.
In addition, foreign visits of parliamentary delegations have been suspended as part of the austerity policy.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that these measures reflect the National Assembly Secretariat’s commitment to supporting the Government’s austerity campaign and ensuring responsible use of public resources during the prevailing economic and regional challenges.
