ISLAMABAD: The federal government has reportedly finalized a plan to shut down the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) by July 31, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, sources close to the matter told local media.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting held on June 28, and marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to subsidised retail operations.
As part of the phased closure plan, all USC employees will be offered a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) to facilitate their exit.
Sources confirmed that unprofitable Utility Stores will be permanently closed, while those that are still viable are likely to be handed over to private entities as part of a broader privatisation initiative.
The Privatisation Commission has been entrusted with supervising the transition, ensuring a smooth wind-down of USC operations and regularly briefing the Prime Minister on the progress.
The move is seen as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to restructure state-owned enterprises and reduce the fiscal burden on the national exchequer.
