The measures include a complete ban on the purchase of government vehicles and a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles.
Islamabad shut schools for two weeks and introduced several measures to cut fuel use, including work-from-home for officer workers.
Some of the curbs, including a ban on foreign travel for federal officials, will be in effect for at least three months.
3-Month Curbs On Foreign Travel, One-Dish Rule For Marriage EventsPakistan has introduced a three-month ban on foreign travel.
The Pakistan government has ordered a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles for three months.
News world Ban On Car Purchase, One-Dish Rule For Weddings: Pakistan Rolls Out Lockdown-Like Curbs Amid Fuel Crisis
Ban On Car Purchase, One-Dish Rule For Weddings: Pakistan Rolls Out Lockdown-Like Curbs Amid Fuel Crisis
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Last Updated: September 18, 2026, 15:43 IST
Tensions in West Asia have escalated dramatically, with the Iran-backed Houthis seizing control over several islands along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
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Pakistan rolls out lockdown-like curbs to cut fuel usage (Image for representation: REUTERS)
The Pakistani government has introduced a new austerity package, seeking to conserve fuel and avoid non-essential spending amid renewed tensions in West Asia coupled with the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
The measures include a complete ban on the purchase of government vehicles and a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles. The government has also rolled out a single-dish rule for marriage functions.
Tensions in West Asia have escalated dramatically, with the Iran-backed Houthis seizing control over several islands along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the most significant waterways globally.
In the Strait of Hormuz, a Togo-flagged tanker was struck, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) saying it attempted an “illegal passage" through the waterway.
Pakistan had rolled out similar austerity measures back in March after the US-Israeli war on Iran broke out. Islamabad shut schools for two weeks and introduced several measures to cut fuel use, including work-from-home for officer workers.
The Cabinet Division of the Pakistan government released the notification on Thursday, September 17, with the measures coming into effect immediately. Some of the curbs, including a ban on foreign travel for federal officials, will be in effect for at least three months.
3-Month Curbs On Foreign Travel, One-Dish Rule For Marriage Events
Pakistan has introduced a three-month ban on foreign travel. In cases of emergency, ministers, advisers, and officials will fly economy class, according to Samaa TV.
The government has directed that only one dish be served at all marriage-related functions, aiming to cut oil consumption, Dawn reported. According to the notification, shops, markets, shopping malls, departmental and grocery stores will have to be shut by 9 PM.
The Pakistan administration has directed that wedding halls, marquees, and other commercial venues be closed by 10 PM, while restaurants, cafes, and food outlets, be shut by 11 PM.
According to Dawn, several essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, fuel and CNG stations, have been kept outside the time restrictions.
The restrictions are a part of government’s plan to reduce expenditure in the wake of fresh turmoil in West Asia.
The Pakistan government has ordered a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles for three months. However, operational vehicles belonging to the armed forces, civil armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and essential services have been kept out of the curbs.
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Quick Answers Powered by Ask News18 What austerity measures did Pakistan introduce amid the fuel crisis? Pakistan rolled out a new austerity package that includes a complete ban on purchasing government vehicles, a 50 percent cut in fuel allocations for official vehicles, a single-dish rule for weddings, and a three-month ban on foreign travel for federal officials. What are the new closing times for markets and restaurants in Pakistan? Under the new government directives, shops, markets, shopping malls, and grocery stores must close by 9 PM. Wedding halls and commercial venues are required to shut by 10 PM, while restaurants, cafes, and food outlets must close by 11 PM. Which essential services are exempt from Pakistan's new time restrictions? Several essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and fuel and CNG stations, have been exempted from the new commercial closing time restrictions. Powered by Ask News18
About the Author Meemansa Shekhawat Sub-editor A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re... Read More
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First Published: September 18, 2026, 15:43 IST
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