Urooj Niazi 
why do all utility stores in pakistan remain closed till 31st july
Pak Government Ordered Utility Store Closure by July 31.
The federal government has decided to close down the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) by 31st July 2025, after clear guidance from the Prime Minister. A high-level meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, was held on Wednesday to determine the process of the closure, which would take place as smoothly as possible, and in a transparent manner.
Govt Working on ‘Fair’ Exit Scheme for USC Employees
One of the main agenda items of this meeting involved the USC employees Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS). The committee is attempting to develop an exit scheme that will be fair to the employees and provide a manageable financial exit for the employees. They are also preparing to look at any potential legal and financial implications for this exit scheme. A subcommittee has been established and is under the Secretary of The Establishment Division. This group will include members of the Finance Division and Industries and Production Division, and is tasked to examine the structure, size, and implications of the proposed VSS and provide a report of the study within the week.
Privatization or Asset Sale also being considered
The committee has recommended that the privatization commission input its views to determine if complete privatization or asset sales of entities associated with USC would be less burdensome.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries & Production, as well as senior secretaries from ministries with jurisdiction.
After this committee meets and completes its report, the committee will finalize the report & recommendation, and provide it to the Prime Ministers’ office for consideration.
That drives consideration towards the overall strategy by the government to streamline services and cut waste.
