ISLAMABAD: The federal government has launched an extensive right-sizing initiative aimed at optimizing efficiency across various ministries and divisions. This sweeping reform, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is guided by 23 critical goals that will be implemented in phases.
As part of this initiative, the Prime Minister has directed the preparation of proposals for the second phase, which will focus on restructuring five key ministries. The timeline for these reforms ranges from one week to three months.
One of the significant moves under this plan is the creation of a digital authority, with a draft law expected within a week.
Key Decisions Include:
- Health Directorate Transfer: The Directorate of Health in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will be transferred to the respective local governments.
- Ministry Mergers: Proposals have been requested within two months to merge the Ministry of Commerce and the Board of Investment with the Ministry of Industries and Production. Additionally, proposals for the privatization of five subsidiaries of the Ministry of Industries and the potential closure of the Utility Stores Corporation are expected within two weeks. The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) may also be brought under the Prime Minister’s Secretariat within a month.
- Universal Services Fund: Suggestions to revitalize the Universal Services Fund have been demanded, along with a performance review of the Pakistan Software Export Program, which is to be presented within the next three months.
- Privatization Plans: Proposals for the privatization of key entities, including the Pakistan Engineering Company, Republic Motors, and the State Engineering Corporation, are anticipated within two weeks. The performance report of the Engineering Development Board is also expected within a week.
Further Actions Include:
- Departmental Reforms: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will become autonomous under the DRAP Act 2012, with its drug price-setting powers separated. Proposals to devolve the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the Federal Government Services Hospital Polyclinic, and the National Rehabilitation Institute of Medicine will be presented within a month.
- Utility Stores and Subsidies: The subsidies provided by the Utility Stores Corporation will be transitioned to a cash transfer system for beneficiaries. Proposals for the abolition of the Utility Stores Corporation are expected within two weeks, and for the National Fertilization Corporation within a month.
These reforms are part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations, ensuring better service delivery and resource management across the country.
