ISLAMABAD: Amid a severe fuel and economic crisis triggered by Middle East tensions, PM Shehbaz Sharif has approved 5-30% salary cuts for employees of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and autonomous bodies. The austerity measures include a total ban on the purchase of new vehicles and furniture. Additionally, 60% of government vehicles will be grounded, and fuel quotas for officials have been slashed by 50%. Cabinet members will also forgo their salaries for two months to support public relief funds.