Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced a comprehensive fourteen-point austerity plan to tackle economic severity stemming from war in the region. He made the announcement in his televised address to the nation after chairing a meeting on austerity measures.According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister stated that to avoid extra fuel consumption, fifty percent of staff from all public and private sector institutes will work from home, except for essential services departments. There will be four working days, except for banks, industries, and agriculture sectors. Additionally, there will be a total ban on iftaar parties and dinners, with online and video link modes prioritized for meetings.The Prime Minister announced that schools will remain closed from the end of this week for the next two weeks, while higher educational institutes will shift to online classes. He also announced a fifty percent reduction in the fuel quota for public sector institutes for the next two months, ex cept for ambulances and public-use buses. Sixty percent of transport used in government offices will also be closed for the next two months.Furthermore, the Prime Minister announced a reduction of twenty percent in expenditure for all government institutions, excluding salaries, and banned the procurement of transport, air conditioners, or other items. He declared that no cabinet members will draw a salary for the next two months and that there will be a twenty-five percent deduction in the salaries of Members of Parliament. A deduction of two-day salary will also be made from the pay of officers above grade 20, with the amount used to provide relief to the common man.The Prime Minister also declared a ban on unnecessary official foreign tours of Federal cabinet members, provincial Chief Ministers, or Governors, except for those inevitable for national interest. As part of the austerity scheme, seminars and conferences will be held in government buildings instead of hotels.On the occasion, the Prime Min ister warned hoarders and other mafias of strict action if they try to exploit the economic situation. He acknowledged that the regional situation and war have affected the country's hard-gained economic stability but assured that the government is making every effort to prevent burdening the common man.The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to national unity, fraternity, and responsibility in a world of changing alliances and new challenges. He briefed the nation about his engagements with the leadership of brotherly regional countries and said Pakistan has reaffirmed its solidarity with these nations.