Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:34pm on 17 Sep 2026,Thursday International
Pakistan has introduced sweeping austerity measures to conserve fuel and curb non-essential spending amid renewed Middle East tensions and disruption in the Red Sea. The measures include a complete ban on government vehicle purchases, a 50% reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles and a single-dish rule for marriage functions. The government has also imposed restrictions resembling Covid-era curbs, including limits on new vehicle purchases, foreign travel restrictions and market closures by 9 pm. The measures come as Pakistan faces a deepening fuel crisis, with motorists lining up at petrol stations. The government is seeking to conserve fuel and control spending as regional conflict continues to disrupt energy and shipping routes. (PC: Reuters)
