Govt to enhance job rightsizing initiative

ISLAMABAD: In a major move to streamline government operations, the federal government has decided to abolish 30,968 public sector positions under its ongoing rightsizing initiative.

Authorities have also planned to eliminate another 7,724 jobs in the near future, according to media reports

During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance under the chairmanship of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Cabinet Secretary briefed members  stating that most of the eliminated posts fall under Grade 1.

The government has already cut 7,305 Grade 1 jobs, with plans to abolish another 4,253. The downsizing drive has affected various pay scales, including top-tier positions.

The government has removed two positions each in Grades 21 and 22 along with 36 posts in Grade 20, and 99 in Grade 19. Authorities intend to cut 71 more positions in Grade 19.

In mid-level grades, officials have already abolished 203 jobs in Grade 18, with 36 more on the chopping block, while 760 positions in Grade 17 have been eliminated, and 58 more are expected to be eliminated.

The government reports that these measures have already saved the national exchequer PKR 30 billion, with additional savings anticipated as more positions are phased out.

In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the abolition of the“son quota”, a long-standing policy that allowed the appointment of a family member—usually a son—of a deceased government employee under the Prime Minister’s Assistance Package.

Officials said the Prime Minister’s decision aligns with a recent Supreme Court ruling, prompting the Establishment Division to issue directives to all ministries and divisions for immediate implementation. The revised policy bars the recruitment of deceased employees’ family members in government service.