Islamabad/IBNS: With an aim to cut down expenditures by 15 percent, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday issued instructions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to cut the number of foreign missions and reduce their offices, staff, and other measures.

“The prime minister is pleased to direct that a well-considered proposal/ plan in this respect may please be submitted to this office within two weeks positively,” a directive issued by the Pak PM Office reads.

According to reports, this official communication titled “Rationalisation of Foreign Mission Abroad” states that in view of the ongoing economic constraints and the consequent need for fiscal consolidation and control of external deficit, the prime minister was pleased to constitute a National Austerity Committee (NAC).

The NAC has recommended, inter-alia, that the expenditure on Pakistan Missions abroad may be reduced by 15 percent, reports said.

“This may be achieved by curtailing the number of Foreign Missions, reduction in the number of officers and staff posted there and other suitable measures,” it stated.