Government Weighs Closure of Utility Stores Nationwide, Says Production Ministry
Government Considers Shutting Down Utility Stores Across the Country, Says Production Ministry
Government Weighs Closure of Utility Stores Nationwide, Says Production Ministry On Friday, the Secretary of the Ministry for Industries and Production (MoIP) announced that the government is considering the closure of all utility stores nationwide. This potential move is part of a broader initiative to streamline federal government ministries and associated institutions.
The decision, which was discussed during a meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on August 16, includes plans for the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) to be privatized in phases, with the USC slated for privatization in the first phase. The USC, a state-owned enterprise, operates chain stores across the country, offering essential commodities at subsidized prices lower than those in the open market.
During a Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production meeting, Senator Saifullah Niazi raised concerns about whether the government intends to proceed with closing the utility stores.
