No for PM: Only President, CJP fly ‘first class’ on Int trips

ISLAMABAD: In a move to enforce austerity, the federal government has announced a series of new regulations governing official travel. Under the new policy, only the President of Pakistan and the Chief Justice of Pakistan will be permitted to travel in First Class.

The Prime Minister, Chairman of the Senate, Speaker of the National Assembly, and Service Chiefs will now travel in Business Class rather than First Class.

Federal ministers, members of parliament, secretaries, and other government officials will be restricted to economic class. All official flights must be booked with the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

During parliamentary sessions, members of parliament are barred from travelling abroad. Furthermore, ministers, advisors, and additional secretaries will require the Prime Minister’s explicit approval for any international travel.

Government officials are also prohibited from staying in five-star hotels during foreign trips and from taking supporting staff with them.

Grade 20 officers must obtain permission from their minister, while Grade 19 officers need authorisation from their secretary for overseas travel.

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The Cabinet Division has issued detailed instructions under the new austerity policy, which also includes a ban on travel to Taiwan or any contact with the country.