Govt launches austerity drive, cuts foreign visits

Updated at: 1912 PST, Wednesday, December 16, 2009 p ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to cut the foreign visits of President, Prime Minister and federal ministers besides abolishing some ministries and reducing the strength of the cabinet. Federal Information Minister Kamar Zaman Kaira today briefed the media about the government’s decision to launch austerity drive. He said: “ Pakistan International Airline, Pakistan Railways, Utility Stores and several other government-run organizations are facing an annual deficit of Rs52 billion. After reducing this loss, their shares will be given to private sector.” A committee will be named tomorrow (Thursday) to take measures in this regard. Kaira announced the foreign visits of President, Prime Minister and federal ministers have been cut by 40 per cent. He further said the number of ministries will also come down to 37. “The facility of performing Hajj on the state expense has been withdrawn,” he said, adding that the motorcade of Prime Minister and President will comprise of seven vehicles only. He said the federal ministers will use 1800 CC cars while provincial ministers will have the facility of using 1600 CC cars. On the demand of Punjab, the proposal of two weekly off has been put off.