PM Shehbaz Sharif Orders Faster Right-Sizing Reforms, Calls for Elimination of Redundant Government Posts and Institutions
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to accelerate the federal government’s right-sizing and reform agenda, emphasizing the need to enhance institutional efficiency through modern technology, improved training, and the elimination of unnecessary posts and organizations.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review progress on the government’s right-sizing initiatives, the prime minister was briefed by the Right-Sizing Committee on the implementation of ongoing reforms across various ministries and departments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that abolishing redundant positions and offices is a key component of the government’s reform agenda aimed at improving governance and reducing public expenditure. He directed that all posts and institutions abolished under the right-sizing programme be subjected to an independent third-party audit to ensure transparency in the process.
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that the Utility Stores Corporation, the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD), and PASSCO have already been closed under the reform measures, helping to reduce the financial burden on the national exchequer.
The meeting was also informed that the right-sizing initiatives have contributed to reducing the ratio of civil government expenditures to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while vacant positions across various ministries and government departments have also been abolished.
Officials stated that proposals are currently being prepared regarding the right-sizing of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and autonomous bodies as part of the broader reform programme.
According to the briefing, the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and First Women Bank Limited has been completed, while efforts are underway to privatize several other state-owned enterprises.
The prime minister directed the Right-Sizing Committee to finalize its remaining recommendations within one month and further expedite the implementation of reform measures aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of government institutions.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Dr. Musadik Malik, Adviser on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and senior officials from relevant government departments.
