Following Pak PWD, PM Shehbaz decides to abolish five ministries

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a plan to abolish five federal ministries incurring billions in losses to Pakistan and the exchequer.

According to sources, PM Shehbaz Sharif has accelerated the austerity plan in tough economic conditions and the Institutional Reforms Cell established by the Prime Minister has started work on the matter.

The ministries that are likely to be abolished included Information Technology, Kashmir Affairs, Science and Technology, Industry and Production, and Health Services, the sources privy to the development said.

Recommendations have been sought from five federal ministries in a week. The source said that the Prime Minister has also sought the role of ministries that have been gone to the provinces.

The Prime Minister’s Office has asked the ministries for an explanation of eight points and the relevant federal ministries started working on providing recommendations.

Last month, the Prime Minister vowed to abolish all institutions, ministries, and departments that have become a burden on the exchequer, saying that this move alone will save taxpayers billions of rupees and put the country on the path of prosperity.

For that, PM Shehbaz ordered the closure of the Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD), amidst government efforts to reduce expenditures and streamline operations.