Islamabad, March 12,2026: Under the visionary leadership of Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, the Senate Secretariat has announced a comprehensive set of austerity and energy conservation measures in accordance with the policy directives issued by the Federal Government, reflecting its commitment to responsible governance, fiscal discipline, and efficient utilization of national resources in light of the prevailing global and regional situation.
In pursuance of the Federal Government’s austerity and fuel conservation measures notified by the Cabinet Division, the Honorable Chairman Senate has directed the immediate implementation of a series of initiatives aimed at reducing expenditure, conserving energy, and optimizing administrative efficiency across the Secretariat.
Under the human resource management reforms, the Senate Secretariat will observe a four-day working week from Monday to Thursday, in line with the Federal Government’s policy, except during the Session Days of the Senate. Additionally, 50 percent of the staff will perform duties through physical presence in offices while the remaining 50 percent will work virtually from home on a rotational basis, ensuring continuity of official functions while reducing operational costs.
Employees working from home will remain accessible through telephone, email, WhatsApp, and other communication platforms and may be required to report to the office on short notice if necessary. These measures aim to ensure smooth functioning of the Secretariat while promoting fuel conservation and reducing daily operational expenses.
Significant energy conservation targets have also been set, including a 70 percent reduction in electricity usage through minimizing unnecessary lighting and electrical appliances, as well as a 70 percent reduction in utility expenses of cafeterias within the Secretariat. Furthermore, sessions of the Senate and meetings of committees will be scheduled before sunset to maximize energy efficiency.
As part of transport austerity measures, the Secretariat will ensure a 70 percent reduction in expenditure on official transport, with only 30 percent of transport facilities remaining operational to maintain essential services. Consequently, 70 percent of official vehicles will remain grounded during this period.
To further support the austerity drive, meetings of Senate Standing Committees will be encouraged to take place through virtual platforms, enabling Members to reduce travel, fuel consumption, and related costs. The number of meetings will also be limited to essential requirements until the situation stabilizes.
In a strong demonstration of solidarity and national responsibility, Senators have voluntarily agreed to a 25 percent reduction in their salaries and allowances for two months. Moreover, officers of the Senate Secretariat in BPS-20 and above, or those earning a monthly salary of PKR 300,000 or more, will forgo two days’ salary as part of the austerity initiative.
Additional financial discipline measures include a 20 percent reduction in the non-ERE budget for the fourth quarter of the current financial year 2025-26. All non-essential procurement activities have been discontinued with immediate effect, and only essential purchases recommended by the Senate Austerity Committee will be considered.
Furthermore, official dinners and receptions will remain suspended, except in cases involving visiting foreign delegations, which will also be organized strictly in accordance with austerity guidelines.
These measures underscore the Senate of Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s policy framework aimed at fiscal prudence, energy conservation, and national economic stability. The Senate Secretariat remains determined to contribute proactively to national efforts by adopting responsible administrative practices and setting an example of institutional accountability.
