On Monday, the federal government, facing financial difficulties, mandated new travel rules for officials including the president, prime minister, chief justice, military chiefs, and bureaucrats to reduce expenses.
The directive requires the president and the chief justice to travel in first class, while the prime minister, various chairpersons, ministers, military chiefs, and other high-ranking officials must use business class. Lower-ranking government employees are to travel in economy class.
Foreign trips are to be limited to essential visits, with economy class being the standard. Non-essential trips funded by the government need approval from an austerity committee established by the Ministry of Finance. The policy also discourages luxury accommodation and foreign travel with support staff, urging the use of local mission staff instead.
Teleconferencing is preferred for both essential and non-essential international meetings. Higher officials need the prime minister’s approval for overseas travel, while those below grade 20 require consent from their respective minister or secretary. Groups larger than three must obtain permission through the Foreign Office.
All foreign travel details must be reported to the Foreign Affairs Division and Pakistani missions. For the foreign ministry, trips with over five members need the prime minister’s approval. Concurrent foreign travel of ministry heads is restricted, with exceptions only in special cases.
Pakistan’s embassies are encouraged to represent the country at international meetings, with the Foreign Ministry coordinating these activities. Travel restrictions are imposed on cabinet members, with specific exemptions for the foreign and commerce ministers. All international trips involving financial institutions must have clearance from the Economic Affairs Division.
Guidelines for non-funded government workshops are to be developed, and personal solicitations for travel by government officials are prohibited. Certain officials, including National Security Committee members and provincial governors, cannot accept travel offers from foreign entities, except from UN agencies or the OIC.
Travel requests must be submitted to the prime minister two weeks in advance, detailing costs and providing a history of previous foreign travels.
