In 2014, NS already abolished the discretionary funds!

IMF wants PIA, Steel Mills and Railway privatized. Nothing short of that will impress them.

This is a bit misleading, in most PIA flights, there is only business class or "club class". Business class or club class is 4-6 times more expensive compared to the economy class tickets in most airlines. For all the bureaucrats and staff, economy should be the only way to fly especially if the country owes so much money. Just like Imran Khan slashed the PM house staff..the same way, economy class would save the Govt lots of money.

Good Start. Now, the question is how would you improve the efficiency of the Govt Employees. The answer lies that people should not expect everything from the govt. Implement the Intellectual property law for Pakistanis. So, people become more creative and reap the benefit of their creation and new things. Promote the Pakistani franchise industry. Open 10 Science Parks within 3 months and rent the places to small companies.

Correct decisions have been taken. Abolishing the VIP culture completely should be the target of the PTI government. Austerity measures must continue to ensure that taxpayers' money is used where it serves the people. Tightening the belt is required to revive the economy and stand on our own feet. People are prepared to sacrifice and support the govt in all such moves that lead to that goal.

Tabdele agaye hai. Well done Mr Khan

Does the PM travel alone when he is traveling abroad? The support staff and the security alone probably consists of at least ten people. So how many will sit with him to provide a safe a secure space? Unless of course, we expect the PM to sit like a common traveler; just stick the headphones and watch movies. And by the time he reaches the destination he is totally exhausted. Lets not even talk about flight delays, diversions and stranded on tarmacs for hours. I am trying to make an argument that our PM has to use the special plane; domestic and internationally. The special plane, in this instance, is the safest and the most practical mode of transport.

This is not fair. Why no audit for CPEC? Is tbe new government same as the previous govt?

Good decidions

Good decisions.

Good. Business class is good enough. If our families finances get tight then we make changes to our spending habits. Government should do the same.

I am ashamed to still find VIPs moving in Karachi in covoys with security cover of many cars.It seem that the picnic is not over.At Karachi Airport there is a separate VIP entrance and similarly other places and used by all those who have connections.Time to take action and not press conferences.

it sounds like a voice in dream. Old habits die hard and government officials are known for misusing public funds. However, we agree that the leader should set the example and take accountability seriously. Best of luck to Imran and we hope that he will not just stop at words.

All drama. All this will fizzle out in three months when reality strikes IK of impending Economic crisis.

Using Club Class is still not austerity. Except for the President and Prime Minister, all others including Speaker, Ministers, Chief Justice, COAS should use Economy Class, which by itself has various classes.

As regards travel abroad by Ministers and other senior officials, they already need Prime Minister's approval, so there is nothing new here.

I am afraid these austerity measures will with the passage of time get either reverted or diluted. Moreover, these austerity measures should have been applied across the board to all institutions, civil and military otherwise these would be discriminatory in nature.

A commendable start by the new government plugging in main source of corruption, through funds distributed to party members, not spent but pocketed instead by the incumbents. The new government must take much bitter decisions on privatization of Steel Mills, PIA,Railways & WAPDA, screen out political appointees from all government departments and review their other overhead expenditures, close all private foreign exchange changing houses, introduce one window operation for domestic and foreign private investors, take steps by providing security and affordable living and internal travel facilities for boosting local and international tourism, carry out tax reforms and plug-in other venues of wastage of public money. The country needs a small but efficient and people friendly government machinery capable of delivering. Lastly it should get the freedom of information Act passed soon, providing information on all land / property transfers available on website for scrutiny of general public

This is Naya Pakistan. .

“Although earlier the office timings were 8am to 4pm, people used to come to their offices at 9am. Therefore, we have decided that the new working hours should be 9am to 5pm,”. What a logic. Now they will come at 10 am. It is better if we develop a habit of starting our working times in public and private sectors as early as possible. So that we finish the day early and save electricity at night.

Good start.

I have travelled with Army Chief in first class. What is Mr. Chaudhry talking about? They just talk, but do not walk the talk.

Let us see, how much of this decision will be implemented.

Cosmetic changes. How about real reforms to Increase tax collections?

One fails to comprehend the logic behind change in office timing. Will this increase efficiency in the working of government officials?

Secondly matching timings with the corporate sector will result in mad rush of traffic on roads.

Thirdly with school timing at 8 AM , it was convenient for parents to drop their children before going to office.

Fourthly throughout the civilized world day light saving is made to save on energy/fuel , with so much daylight in our part of the world instead of making use of it we are wasting it.

Lastly with winter approaching when sunset is around 5.PM the office goers will reach home around 5.30 / 6 PM when it will be dark , so at what time will the parents go out for grocery and take children out for recreational activities?

I think some brainstorming need to be done before execution of such unilateral decisions.

Well done IK.

Shame on PTI for retaining two weekly holidays

Excellent. We love the new Leader in House

Change is here. Well done PTI and IK

ZABARDAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For now PTI is heavily focusing on cost cutting which is good, however, they need to work a a lot on local production and exports along with allowing foreign firms to outsource to Pakistan so that a lot of income can be generated locally and with cost cutting measures included to them , Pakistan's financial strength will surely boost.

@Aamir that is interesting comment. For the sake of transparency PTI govt should comment on this!

It is pertinent to note that the govt. makes a distinction in first class and business class. Since Airlines don't offer first class in Pakistan, so it is banned. But the business class is infact not banned and govt. officials can use them as usual.

@Amjad Durrani Engineer USA I must say good suggestions. Please include therein Audit of all government agencies by a reputable audit firm. In USA all civic departments budget and suited accounts are available. In Canada as an example, the government tells a property taxpayer how their tax money was used e.g. On police, public library, fire dept,school in the area etc. they announce budget and provide a transparent cash outflow in the whole year! Please please do that immediately

Very welcome moves by the new government. But being a sceptic I remember same kind of moves by AAP party of Kejriwal after winning Delhi elections. Hope IK doesn't end same way like Kejriwal.

so nothing has changed really in the first week of naya pakistan

While landing at Pakistan airports we find VIPs culture all around. Government officials (Low ranking)in uniform are standing before immigration with name plates of the passengers for Providing VIP treatment.Also their is announcement on airport that some specified passengers to contact CAA desk.Instead there must be some official service at the airport to look after who are in emergency to leave airport early or aged but after paying reasonable charges as " Marhaba" service in Dubai.

Misplaced priorities!! These cost cuttings are frivolous and somewhat "playing to the gallery". These steps will slowly fade off as officials and politicians will find ways out. Would have been better if government came out with targeted figures they wish to save by these measures. Moreover, flying economy class in PIA will rob off revenues of the already troubled national carrier. Then again government will need to fund to keep it afloat. Kejriwal did exactly same when he came to power in Delhi but today most of those steps have been rolled back and his 80% of core team has departed from his party.

@Aamir That means he has still used 51 Billion rupees which he was not even authorized to use if we take your statement true.

The strict implementation of working hours at all Government offices and departments must be enforced. This will ensure productivity of all and save time.

@khan better send everyone in a cargo plane. What do you think?

well done.

Excellent Mr Prime Minister

A welcome move should be followed by all politicians including Indians... They spend money so lavishly like they are new kings....a single minister farries with a caravan of cars , jeeps and all the facilities ine can think of.

Five day work week is good. The worst thing you can do is to take extreme measures which burn people out and which can't be sustained long term. Far more sensible to make sustainable changes which become the norm.

Anyone who has tried extreme diets for weight loss will understand.

superficial statements, don't expect anything better from them

Some of these actions are a bit of an over reaction. Whilst as a poor country we will save some money but we also cannot afford our leadership to be delayed at airports and standing in lines instead of being in country and running it. We need to apply some common sense otherwise there will be the usual U-turns.

This Govt has a very positive intention to serve its people. Pakistani should allow Govt to work and don't be so critical in coming days if Few of promised things aren't met on time. As long as as intentions are good and they are honest for their jobs you guys should be satisfied. Slowly, your country will take a progressive shape.

Is there ever was or is a first class in PIA!!! the only airline option available to ministers!!! What do they think!!!! Are we all fools

This is one of many changes that public wanted to see that will save tax payers money. Well done PTI, get all looted money back and spend on education, health care, security and providing clean water and job opportunities to all people - this is expected from IK and his dedicated team.

But he continued to use the funds

Guys, listen to what IK said. He said to provide your ideas and suggestions if you feel something is going on wrong. My advise to you is. 1. Find the problems and pen it down on a paper. 2. Provide the resolution to the problem. 3. Also mention what is pros and cons of your resolution. 4. Send it to the concerned ministry. I personally feel that IK government has provided you the best opportunity to express your problems. Use your smart phones and be smart. Believe me it's still not too late to mend your ways.

Well nice catchy decisions for media consumption. Nothing tangible for the people.

Salam Sir:

Someone has commented below the PML N also stopped discretionary funding in 2014. Please clarify if that was not the case. Your clarification will help people understand better that PTI is not just trying to malign a party which is not in power and as such may not be able to defend!

Saving is the main concern of the new government.,

Normally, we have seen since 1988 that whenever the ruling civilian government tries to bring changes in the bureaucracy, something bad starts to happen to the government from media, civil intellectuals, establishment and judiciary. People have lot of expectations from PTI.

@khan Not sure of it completely but it is more difficult to provide security in the Economy class area. They will have to get too many Air marshalls around the PM taking up the nearby seats which when combined will cost even more than the business class.

@Aamir so from where did he use 65 billion? see the reports where it is clearly mentioned NS used 65 billions as discretionary funds

These austerity measures are well commendable acts. But below is my humble suggestion:

Strict accountability process must be started as soon as possible in which all politicians, bureaucrats, Senior ranking officers/consultants be questioned how were they become able to obtain properties worth hundreds of millions of rupees and leading a lavish life by comparing their sources of income.

If proven guilty; cases should be registered against them and property may kindly be seized. Thank you

Imran Khan is an ideal example who never used first class services while he was an MNA in the last term. Why would he have used the service of first class of a passenger plane with so many passengers when he could have travelled in a chartered plane, also he used government helicopter (instead of first class) for KPK travel. I love the change.

@khaled this is global standards the world over.

If you lived in the artic zone countries where there's no day light for 6 months of the year - people still go about their business. So time for all of us to wake up to realities.

Work-shirking is deep in our habits. It will make no difference whether you start at 8 or nine. The common public would have got much relief if the original 6-day work-week was restored. Two holidays are in vogue in rich countries and only they can afford it. Our 5-day work week has not saved electricity or other expenses and was adopted in fact for the luxury of high government functionaries and has escalated common peoples' troubles. The business air class costs 6 times the economy class and the much costlier first class is available only on a few international companies, so the business class should only be allowed to the president, PM, CJ, and COAS, and they should be the only ones given VIP treatment anywhere. These suggested measures would save a lot of money.

Any one not following these orders? How will he be dealt with, that remains to be seen?

Go fly high Imran Khan. You will win Pakistan the world cup of politics.

And this is a compliment from your hardcore critic.

OMG. now who will travel first class in Pakistan?? PIA and other airlines operating from Pakistan has to scrap the class altogether..

Who are you trying to fool?? There is no first class already. Try economy if you want to really change something.

Shouldn’t our planes fly first? Our planes are made of paper and run on rubber bands. First let’s get our airlines in order. Tickets don’t matter

When these VVIPs travel the whole buisness class will be reserved and will be treated as first class.

This will save enough money to payoff our debts.

The govt can only do so much. What Pakistan needs is the direction. But it is up to people to follow that path. If the new govt introduced anti corruption measures but people keep paying bribes for expediency we cannot hold govt responsible for that. The right path is normally more difficult to walk upon. If people keep going to currency exchange shops to get 50 paisa more instead of the bank, it is people who are responsible for harming their country.

@Aamir still managed to spend about 50 million $ dollar.

@Reality check You must be a fool I guess then. The ban is on any government employees or leaders to use any first class service on tax payers funds whether it is PIA or other airlines.

PIA has different class of passengers there is no rocket science or a difficult task that you PIA cannot provide. Some wealth individuals may to travel first class, but in general previous government level staff used to abuse the tax payers money.

good move by PTI.indian ministers shall also follow same.

@Nasir A. Are you serious. Do you have any sense?

A plane cannot leave the airport untill all have boarded. Standing in queues help society to behave and follow good conduct of daily life.

This government is taking all actions possible smasl or large, difficult or common sense to change our country, society, mentality and good improved reputation of our people international.

Whatever small or large amounts of tax that can be saved could then be used on education, health and poor people etc.

ZABARDAST!!!! These quotas & "Discretionay Development funds" of MNA, MPA & Ministers were very ominous amount of money as they were believed and actually used to be the compensation of what the candidates spent in election campaign or donations to party fund. No parliamentarian ever spent this amount in their area's development. This step shall prove to be the first nail in the coffin of our anti-democratic system of our sham democracy. The ECP is failed to curb the manace of using politics as big business. I congratulate the new govt for this very BOLD step toward correction of electoral system.

9 am is too late, best part of the day is gone. There is no logic, many women work these days, they have to return home and take care of children and many other chores.There should have been a national debate before the unilateral decision.

@Socrates I agree

"......its fare is said to be three-hundred times higher than the business/club class." Is this a typo or did the minister actually say that? This would mean that if business class is a $1000 then first class would be $300,000. Where do they get these numbers from?

It is informed that there is no First class in PIA aircrafts. PIA and many other airlines have only Club and Economy class.

@M1 Jamal . Karachi and Sindh are not under PTI rule. Do you think PPP waderas are going to stop their abuse of power just because Imran Khan is the PM? Only ruthless accountability will show visible results in Sindh.

I do hope if they understand that just because a person is a government employee this doesn’t make them a slave. If they remove the Saturday holiday this will mean another day of work which should also mean an extra day of full pay. Otherwise the employees are actually receiving a pay decrease working more hours for the same pay.

The government should also order an investigation into massive irregularities in the administrative and financial matters in our missions abroad.

Keep it simple. Fly only where PIA goes :p That should cut down international travel by 95% :D

All other countries should be dealt with through conference calls. The world has changed, its strange one still needs to meet in person to conduct matters of regular policy or bi lateral negotiations.

Save foreign missions for only national security purposes where secrecy and secure channels are required.

So govt offices had a five day week. And the new cabinet now says they will continue to have a five day week. Wow.

@Najum These white elephants need to be privatized. Government should not be in steel or air travel business!!

The PM was and is right for the abolishing the Saturday holiday. At present the timing are 8 hours a day or 5 days 9 to 5 but there is 1 hour break. While before cancelling Saturday as working day there was also same daily hours. So this is a luxury. At time the argument was forwarded that due to load shedding. That the fact is that what ever the timing be the govt servants are not starting their duty in the offices except in courts May be in hospitals. Secondly there is no direction to move the file from every servants table within a time. So still this decision to keep the Saturday non working day shall be a luxury and giving one day leave per week.at list they can star with alternate Saturday to evaluate the system. The most important is that the govt servants do come and starts working rather first take breakfast going to bathrooms and then only seats on their table if hey do not start in conversations with their colleagues.

I didn't understand the govt. working hour theory.

@Aamir then what was NS distributing in his pre-election jalsas at various places in Pakistan? Either he was lying or using another way to give post-facto approvals through rubber stamping by National Assembly where PML-N had enough majority to pass laws comfortably.

Good hope they stick to decisions and step emulated in South Asia!

Very good. Naya Pakistan is already looking better one day at a time. Thank you Fawad for the good news.

As far as Rawalpindi metro is concerned, I found it a very useful mode of transport in the twin cities where such public conveyance was non-existent.

The Karachi Green metro should be completed urgently with half of it almost complete and the need is to open it. Otherwise, colossal funds are in danger of being wasted. The new government should take note and ensure that such projects are long-lived and no future governments should destroy them in name of politics.