Karachi (March 10, 2026): The Founder and Chairman of Saylani Welfare International Trust, Maulana Muhammad Bashir Farooqi Qadri, has welcomed the austerity measures announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aimed at saving national resources and reducing fuel consumption. However, he stated that these measures are insufficient given the current economic challenges facing the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Maulana Bashir Farooqi said that the 25% reduction in the salaries of Members of Parliament is far too little, and suggested that it should be increased to at least 75% so that policymakers can better understand the financial hardships faced by the common people.
He said that Saylani Welfare, which already supports 20,000 deserving families every month, is also providing free education, healthcare, food, clean drinking water, and other essential services to approximately 450,000 underprivileged individuals daily. According to him, these realities allow Saylani to closely understand the severe social and economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens—hardships that many in the elite circles may not fully comprehend.
Highlighting the worsening economic situation, he noted that Pakistan has been struggling with economic difficulties for decades, and the recent rise in inflation has made life even more difficult for the average citizen. Thousands of laborers rely on motorcycles as their primary means of transportation to factories, offices, and workplaces, and rising fuel costs have placed an additional burden on them.
In response to these challenges, Saylani Welfare has announced a relief initiative for motorcycle-riding factory and office workers. Under this initiative, Rs. 2,500 per motorcycle will be provided as a relief fund during the month of Ramadan until Eid to help ease their transportation and livelihood expenses.
The assistance will be distributed based on verified lists submitted by responsible representatives of companies or organizations employing these workers, ensuring that the support reaches deserving individuals.
Maulana Bashir Farooqi further emphasized that the government must focus on making life easier for the working class, rather than merely announcing symbolic reductions in privileges. He urged policymakers to implement substantial cuts in the benefits and luxuries enjoyed by the elite, and to introduce meaningful measures that genuinely support struggling citizens.
He added that millions of people living below the poverty line are now struggling to secure even two meals a day. Drawing a historical lesson, he referenced the story from Surah Yusuf, where during a severe famine the ruler of the time chose to restrain himself and reduce his own consumption so that the nation could follow his example.
He expressed hope that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with his cabinet and senior government officials, will set similar examples of sacrifice and leadership, creating a legacy that will inspire the nation and be remembered in history.
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