Government Announces Closure of Utility Stores Across Pakistan from Today

Islamabad: The government has announced the closure of all utility stores across the country starting today, **August 31**, on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs **Tariq Fazal Chaudhry**, addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside officials of the Utility Stores Corporation, confirmed the decision.

He stated that although the Utility Stores Corporation played an important role in Pakistan’s economy since its establishment in **1971**, persistent financial losses made it unsustainable. *“Despite all efforts, the losses could not be reduced, and therefore, in line with the Prime Minister’s instructions, the Utility Stores Corporation is being closed from today,”* he said.

Chaudhry revealed that the corporation employs **11,614 workers**, for whom a **Rs. 28 billion severance package** has been prepared. He assured that both permanent and contractual employees will receive benefits under this package.

The minister further added that the assets of the Utility Stores Corporation will be auctioned nationwide and stressed that the rights of employees have been fully protected.