ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government is set to finalize the abolition of five ministries, including the Ministries of Information Technology, Industry and Production, Health, Kashmir Affairs, and States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), by July 30, according to sources cited in news reports.
Sources indicate that discussions are ongoing regarding the future of employees from these abolished ministries, with several proposals under consideration. These proposals include offering a golden handshake package for retiring employees, integrating them into other ministries, or placing them in the surplus pool.
The Institutional Reforms Cell, in collaboration with relevant ministries, has drafted these proposals, which will also be discussed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The final decision will be made following a briefing to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the matter, sources added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz had directed the abolition of these ministries and requested a plan from the concerned ministries. They have since been working on providing recommendations as per the PM’s directive.
Sources further stated that the decision to abolish these ministries aligns with demands from Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who has advocated for such reforms. In his inaugural address after assuming the PM’s Office, he emphasized the closure of ministries and government departments that have become burdens rather than serving the nation and its people.
