The federal government has decided to discontinue operations for five ministries, institutions, and corporations that deal with provincial matters.
Following Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s directives, the Cabinet Division has formally notified the affected ministries and issued performances for the necessary transitions. The Institutional Reforms Wing of the Cabinet Division has set a deadline of July 12 for these ministries to respond and submit proposals for reducing their operational scale and expenses.
The announcement details plans to shift most public sector operations to private management or public-private partnerships, aiming for greater efficiency and reduced governmental overhead. This move signifies a major shift in managing provincial affairs, emphasizing the government’s commitment to streamline operations and leverage private sector efficiencies.
Dissolution of the Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD)
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has initiated the dissolution of the Pakistan Public Works Department, highlighting the necessity of safeguarding the interests of the employees during this transition. He assured that projects under the PWD would continue, with completion ensured by federal and provincial agencies. Furthermore, the government plans to engage international-standard private companies for future public construction and maintenance projects, ensuring high-quality infrastructure development.
Strategic Developments and Future Plans
During a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, strategies for dissolving PWD and transition plans for its replacement were discussed. The government has decided that no future funding will be allocated to PWD in upcoming budgets. Instead, the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company will be established to oversee and complete all ongoing PWD projects. Additionally, provincial projects will be transferred to respective provincial authorities for completion under federal oversight.
Employee Transition Strategy
The PWD staff will be segmented into two groups for the transition process. Lower-level employees will be reassigned to relevant ministries, ensuring continued employment and the use of expertise. Senior staff will be offered a respectful exit from service, with provisions made for their welfare. A crucial meeting is scheduled in the Prime Minister’s office in two weeks, where further details and reports on the transition will be presented.
Established in 1854 by Lord Dalhousie and later rebranded as Pak PWD in 1947, the department has been instrumental in building infrastructure for the newly formed Pakistan, including housing for refugees and key public buildings.
Since 1968 Islamabad was designated the federal capital, PWD has been responsible for numerous significant construction projects within the city, including government residences and federal offices. The department, with a workforce of 6,610, also supports investigative agencies and verifies reserves for oil marketing companies, highlighting its broad operational scope.
