ISLAMABAD – PTI has decided to form an Austerity Committee that wouldsuggest ways and means to reduce the government related non-developmentexpenditure of the incoming prime minister and cabinet members.

In his victory speech on July 26, Imran had said that his party wouldintroduce austerity as one the basic pillar of PTI governance model.

Pledging to protect the public money, the party chairman said the PTIgovernment “will introduce austerity at all levels”.

“I will feel ashamed even if I think of living in a luxurious mansioncalled the PM House in a country where half of the population lives inabject poverty,” he added.

Imran announced that state facilities such as the PM House and governorhouses would be converted into public facilities.

“We will choose a place somewhere in Minister’s Enclave for the residenceof the PM,” Imran told reporters. All state guest houses at hill stationswill be opened for the public to generate funds, he added.

“I promise that the PTI government will change the culture of using publicmoney to maintain lavish lifestyles by the ruling elite. No one but us, thepeople, will steer Pakistan out of financial crisis,” he said.

Imran went on to say that citizens would start paying taxes once they learnthat their money would be spent on their welfare. “I will simplify my ownlifestyle. I will remain just as I am even after assuming power.”

PTI is currently in talks with various political parties for support toform the government in the Centre and Punjab.

According to unofficial results announced by the Election Commission ofPakistan (ECP) on Saturday, Imran Khan’s party has emerged victorious inWednesday’s polls by winning 116 of the 270 National Assembly seats.Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’sParty (PPP) have bagged 64 and 43 seats respectively.

At least 12,570 candidates contested for 577 provincial and 272 nationalassemblies in Wednesday’s polls. Other than the independent candidates,there are as many as 106 political parties whose candidates faced offothers in their respective constituencies.