ISLAMABAD – The federal government is considering shutting down utility stores across Pakistan, where essential goods are sold at subsidized rates to support low-income families.
This potential move was confirmed by the Secretary of Industry and Production during a Senate standing committee meeting, indicating that the closure is part of the government’s broader rightsizing initiative.
Decisions made by the Rightsizing Committee will be submitted to the federal cabinet for final approval. The Secretary of Industries further stated that the Ministry of Industry and Production will develop an action plan to implement the closures, along with a compensation package for affected employees. The government is pursuing this strategy as part of its efforts to privatize state-owned enterprises amid ongoing financial challenges.
Utility Stores General Manager Inayatullah Dula also confirmed that the government is actively considering this measure, and a formal plan is in the works.
