The federal government has decided to close all Utility Stores across Pakistan, as confirmed by the secretary of industries and production ministry during a Senate Standing Committee meeting. The decision is part of the government’s strategy to exit non-essential business operations and streamline its functions.
The Utility Store management has been given two weeks to wind up operations, and the subsidy on items available at the stores has already ended. Over 11,000 employees, including 6,000 permanent staff, are affected by the closure.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sought recommendations for an alternative system to replace Utility Stores. The government is exploring options to reassign affected employees to other institutions.
The Senate Standing Committee on Industry and Production has taken strict notice of the decision and sought details on the statement of the industries secretary. Committee Chairman Senator Aoun Abbas Bappi expressed concern over the government’s decision, citing uncertainty about the fate of thousands of employees.
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