In a major move to trim down government expenses, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&nbsp;has implemented a ban on the use of red carpets at government events, reserving them exclusively for diplomatic receptions, as reported by ANI.

This measure is&nbsp;part of a&nbsp;broader initiative&nbsp;to reduce&nbsp;financial strain in the economically crippled&nbsp;country.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed his discontent over the widespread use of red carpets during visits by federal ministers and senior officials at government functions.

As a result, the Cabinet Division has announced a directive in accordance with the Prime Minister's wishes, strictly banning&nbsp;the rolling out&nbsp;of red carpets at official events.

As per the notification issued by the Cabinet Division, the Prime Minister has explicitly instructed that red carpets shall no longer adorn the paths of federal ministers and government dignitaries during official gatherings.

However, they will remain permissible solely for diplomatic purposes.

Beyond its symbolic connotations, the decision to ban red carpets is Pakistan's&nbsp;effort to cut down unnecessary expenditures and redirect financial resources towards urgent areas of governance.&nbsp;

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<h2>Decision to forego salaries, perks</h2>

This move follows recent decisions by Prime Minister Sharif and members of the Cabinet to voluntarily forego their salaries and perks. Sharif has repeatedly said that austerity is the most important concern for his administration, especially in light of Pakistan's dire economic situation.

Also watch |&nbsp;Rescued Pakistani crew thanks Indian Navy

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In a recent development, Prime Minister Sharif announced plans to approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for another programme.&nbsp;This decision comes shortly after the country reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF regarding the disbursement of the final tranche of USD 1.1 billion.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major move to trim down government expenses, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has implemented a ban on the use of red carpets at government events, reserving them exclusively for diplomatic receptions, as reported by ANI.

In a major move to trim down government expenses, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has implemented a ban on the use of red carpets at government events, reserving them exclusively for diplomatic receptions, as reported by ANI. This measure is part of a broader initiative to reduce financial strain in the economically crippled country. Prime Minister Sharif expressed his discontent over the widespread use of red carpets during visits by federal ministers and senior officials at government functions. As a result, the Cabinet Division has announced a directive in accordance with the Prime Minister's wishes, strictly banning the rolling out of red carpets at official events. As per the notification issued by the Cabinet Division, the Prime Minister has explicitly instructed that red carpets shall no longer adorn the paths of federal ministers and government dignitaries during official gatherings. However, they will remain permissible solely for diplomatic purposes. Beyond its symbolic connotations, the decision to ban red carpets is Pakistan's effort to cut down unnecessary expenditures and redirect financial resources towards urgent areas of governance. Also read | Pakistan to hike petrol prices again. Here’s how much it will cost now Decision to forego salaries, perks This move follows recent decisions by Prime Minister Sharif and members of the Cabinet to voluntarily forego their salaries and perks. Sharif has repeatedly said that austerity is the most important concern for his administration, especially in light of Pakistan's dire economic situation. Also watch | Rescued Pakistani crew thanks Indian Navy In a recent development, Prime Minister Sharif announced plans to approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for another programme. This decision comes shortly after the country reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF regarding the disbursement of the final tranche of USD 1.1 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak enforces red carpet ban at official events to cut expenses amid economic crisis

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the finance ministry of the country is lacking funds for conducting elections, reported ARY News.

The revelation was made by Asif while speaking to the international media during a joint press conference along with the country's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

As per ARY News, Khawaja Asif&nbsp;also&nbsp;criticised PTI chief Imran Khan and claimed that the allegation of an assassination attempt levelled by the latter was a lie.

Former army chief General Qamar Javaid Bajwa's tenure was first extended by Khan and now he is blaming Bajwa, the defence minister said.

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The defence minister said that Imran also blamed the United States for his ouster. The minister further said that the provincial assemblies were dissolved unconstitutionally by Khan, however, through a vote of no confidence he was ousted from his seat constitutionally and now he is not willing to appear before the courts.

Asif further blamed the PTI chairman for imprisoning the leaders of PML-N during his tenure. He stated that he was jailed during the three-year tenure of Khan and his party leaders also had to face court trials in fake cases.

Asif added that everyday crises are being created by Khan but those are being tackled by the government and soon Pakistan will resolve all the crises.

He added that a false narrative was made by the former prime minister about the US conspiracy but due to the interference of the Supreme Court, the country was saved from a constitutional crisis.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan appealed that judges look into the constitutional violations that have taken place because of the general elections' postponement, reported ARY News.

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While speaking to PTI workers and supporters through a video link, Khan said that the rule of law is the nation's fundamental right.

Appealing to judges to take notice of the moves of the government, he said that Pakistan is passing through a decisive phase.

The PTI chief added that the constitution was attacked by "the ruling mafia". He asked who will guarantee that the general elections will be held on October 8.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the finance ministry of the country is lacking funds for conducting elections, reported ARY News. The revelation was made by Asif while speaking to the international media during a joint press conference along with the country's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the finance ministry of the country is lacking funds for conducting elections, reported ARY News. The revelation was made by Asif while speaking to the international media during a joint press conference along with the country's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. As per ARY News, Khawaja Asif also criticised PTI chief Imran Khan and claimed that the allegation of an assassination attempt levelled by the latter was a lie. Former army chief General Qamar Javaid Bajwa's tenure was first extended by Khan and now he is blaming Bajwa, the defence minister said. ALSO READ | Pakistan: IMF asks govt to explain its fuel-pricing scheme before signing loan deal The defence minister said that Imran also blamed the United States for his ouster. The minister further said that the provincial assemblies were dissolved unconstitutionally by Khan, however, through a vote of no confidence he was ousted from his seat constitutionally and now he is not willing to appear before the courts. Asif further blamed the PTI chairman for imprisoning the leaders of PML-N during his tenure. He stated that he was jailed during the three-year tenure of Khan and his party leaders also had to face court trials in fake cases. Asif added that everyday crises are being created by Khan but those are being tackled by the government and soon Pakistan will resolve all the crises. He added that a false narrative was made by the former prime minister about the US conspiracy but due to the interference of the Supreme Court, the country was saved from a constitutional crisis. Meanwhile, Imran Khan appealed that judges look into the constitutional violations that have taken place because of the general elections' postponement, reported ARY News. WATCH | Gravitas: 'No more easy money', Saudi Arabia refuses to bailout Pakistan While speaking to PTI workers and supporters through a video link, Khan said that the rule of law is the nation's fundamental right. Appealing to judges to take notice of the moves of the government, he said that Pakistan is passing through a decisive phase. The PTI chief added that the constitution was attacked by "the ruling mafia". He asked who will guarantee that the general elections will be held on October 8. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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