Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif banned the use of the red carpet at official events on Sunday to cut down expenditure. The reports say that the red carpets will no longer be laid out for federal ministers or government officials at official events except foreign diplomats.
The government aims to save funds and encourage a more practical and responsible approach by eliminating the use of red carpets by cutting down unnecessary expenditures in the cash-strapped nation. From now on the red carpets will be reserved exclusively for diplomatic receptions.
In response to this, the Prime Minister Sharif itself and his Cabinet Ministers have also voluntarily decided to forego their salaries and perks, as part of the governments effort to manage finances and to promote austerity in the debt-ridden country. Last Month, Sharif stated that austerity measures were the government’s effort top priority.
Pakistan PM emphasized that his government is planning to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for additional support amidst the country’s economic and financial challenges. This move follows a staff level agreement with the IMF for the disbursement of the final tranche 1.1 billion US Dollars.
Earlier, Asif Ali Zardari decided against taking salary and perks, owing to economic challenges being faced by the country.
Considering the practicality of the situation, the shift will refocus official events on their substantive content and purpose, rather than on ceremonial and symbolic gestures. By prioritizing simplicity and austerity, the government aims to set a new standard for official ceremonies and events, aligning with its broader agenda of fostering accountability, transparency and responsible governance.
