IB assigned to enforce austerity plan across state offices

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assigned the Intelligence Bureau a formal oversight role in monitoring the federal government’s austerity and fuel-conservation plan. According to Geo News, the move is intended to ensure compliance across ministries, departments and other public institutions.

Under the Cabinet Division notification, the IB will carry out audits, validation and impact assessments of the measures introduced to cut official fuel use and enforce broader budget-saving steps. Sources said the bureau will also keep watch on implementation inside the National Assembly and Senate secretariats.

Officials have indicated that action will be taken against officers found violating the policy. The development reflects Islamabad’s push to tighten expenditure controls as Pakistan manages economic pressure linked to regional instability and rising energy costs.