Pakistan PM bans red carpets at official events to promote austerity.
In a bid to cut unnecessary government expenditure, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has imposed a ban on the use of red carpets at official functions. As per reports, the PM has issued directives to the Cabinet Division. Red carpets will no longer be rolled out for federal ministers and senior officials during official visits and events.
The PM took this decision after expressing displeasure over using red carpets to welcome government delegates. As per the new guidelines, red carpets can only be placed as part of diplomatic protocol for foreign dignitaries.
The move is being viewed as a symbolic step that aims to redirect public resources to more pressing areas. By eliminating lavish displays, the government hopes to save significant funds.
Last week, PM Shehbaz Sharif and cabinet members had voluntarily decided to forego their salaries and perks as part of the government’s austerity drive. The PM has prioritized austerity, given the country’s struggling economy.
Pakistan is under a strict IMF bailout program to overcome its mounting debt crisis. Experts say such cost-cutting exercises can boost investor confidence and public finances in the long run.
The announcement comes just days after Pakistan reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF over the disbursal of the final loan tranche. With depleting forex reserves, the government seems committed to reining in expenditure at all levels of governance.
