The Federal Government has announced major austerity and fuel conservation measures with immediate effect for the next three months.
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The federal austerity measures September 2026 were issued through a Cabinet Division notification dated September 17. These steps aim to reduce government expenditure across all departments and ministries.
Official vehicle fuel provision will be reduced by fifty percent for three months. This excludes operational vehicles of Armed Forces, Civil Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, Essential Services, and FBR.
A five percent reduction in the Non-ERE Budget for FY 2026-27 has also been ordered. Deductions will be made on a monthly basis, and the measure will apply to foreign missions as well.
The government has imposed a complete ban has been imposed on the purchase of all types of vehicles for official use. The federal austerity measures September 2026 also prohibit buying all durables except IT procurements.
Both bans do not apply to development projects, according to the notification. Foreign visits and travel have been banned for three months, even obligatory ones.
Ministers, Advisors, Ministers of State, and Special Assistants must travel in economy class if visits are unavoidable. Meetings will be held through teleconferencing except intra-city gatherings.
No official dinners will be hosted except for visiting foreign delegations. All government-funded seminars, trainings, and conferences are prohibited.
Market and Business Timings (All Days of the Week)
The Cabinet Division’s notification of June 19, 2026, regarding market closing timings will continue to remain applicable. These timings apply to all days of the week:
| Business/Commercial Establishment | Closing Time |
| Shops, markets, shopping malls, and bazaars | 9:00 PM |
| Departmental, grocery, general, and kiryana stores | 9:00 PM |
| Marriage halls, marquees, and festive event venues | 10:00 PM |
| Restaurants, cafes, eateries, and food outlets | 11:00 PM |
| Standalone fruit and vegetable shops | 11:00 PM |
Takeaway and home delivery services are exempt from these closing timings. The single-dish rule will apply to all marriage-related functions and events. This measure aims to reduce food waste and unnecessary expenditure.
Office Timings and Working Days
Government offices will continue to operate on their regular schedule. Meetings will preferably be held through teleconferencing except for intra-city meetings.
Official venues such as auditoriums, committee rooms, and other facilities shall be used for unavoidable events.
The notification states that provincial and regional governments may consider adopting similar measures. Requests for exemption from any of these measures may be considered on a case-to-case basis.
The Committee for Monitoring and Implementation will submit recommendations for the Prime Minister’s approval.
The Cabinet Secretary, Kamran Ali Afzal, signed the notification. Copies have been forwarded to all federal ministers, advisors, secretaries, and provincial chief secretaries. The measures take effect immediately and will remain in force for three months.
