Lahore: Pakistan is tightening its belt as a worsening fuel crunch puts mounting pressure on the country’s energy system. In a sweeping package of austerity measures, the government has slashed fuel allocations for official vehicles, restricted foreign travel by senior officials and ordered businesses and event venues to close earlier.

In one of the most striking measures, weddings have also come under restrictions, with the government ordering that only one dish be served at wedding events.

The measures, announced by Pakistan’s Cabinet Division on September 17, come amid concerns over fuel prices and energy supplies linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Under the new restrictions, wedding halls and other event venues must close by 10pm, while restaurants, cafes and food outlets must shut by 11pm. Takeaway and home-delivery services have been exempted.

Government spending put on the chopping block

The government has also moved to impose sharp cuts on official expenditure.

Fuel allocations for government vehicles will be halved for three months, while federal departments have been prohibited from purchasing new vehicles.

The austerity drive further bars the purchase of durable goods, apart from IT equipment, and orders a 5% reduction in expenditure during the 2026-27 financial year, excluding employee-related costs.

However, the fuel cuts will not apply to operational vehicles used by the armed forces, civil armed forces, law enforcement agencies, essential services and the Federal Board of Revenue. Their administrative and non-operational vehicles will remain covered by the restrictions.

Ministers, MPs and officials face travel curbs

Pakistan has also put a three-month brake on foreign travel by ministers, advisers, parliamentarians and government officials.

Scholarships and certain training programmes have been exempted. Pakistan’s diplomatic missions will also be permitted to represent the country at foreign events where attendance is considered essential.

Officials have been instructed to rely on teleconferencing wherever possible, as the government seeks to curb travel and other expenses.

Government-funded seminars, conferences and training programmes have also been suspended, while official dinners have been banned.

The measures underline the extent of the spending restrictions being introduced as Pakistan confronts mounting pressure over fuel supplies, energy costs and government expenditure.