Islamabad, July 18, 2024: The government of Pakistan is set to finalize the abolishment of five ministries, including the Ministries of Information Technology (IT), Industry and Production, Health, Kashmir Affairs, and States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), by July 30.
According to sources, discussions are ongoing regarding the future of the employees from these abolished ministries, with various proposals under consideration. These proposals include a golden handshake package for employees nearing retirement, absorption into other ministries, and inclusion in the surplus pool.
The Institutional Reforms Cell, in collaboration with the relevant ministries, has prepared these proposals. Sources noted that the proposed packages will also be discussed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
A final decision will be made after Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif is briefed on the matter, sources added.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz had decided to abolish five federal ministries and requested a plan from the relevant ministries. These ministries began working on recommendations as directed by PM Shehbaz for the abolition process.
Sources further mentioned that the decision to abolish these ministries was influenced by the demands of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who has advocated for the elimination of certain federal ministries.
In his maiden address to the nation after assuming the PM’s office, PM Shehbaz noted that ministries and government departments that had become a burden on the country and its people, rather than serving them, would be shut down.
