Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Saturday that government departments and institutions causing billions in losses would be closed down following a committee review.
In his address to the nation, the prime minister emphasized that the government’s primary duty was to cut unnecessary expenses and shut down non-essential departments like the Pakistan Public Works Department, notorious for corruption. He mentioned that a ministerial committee is working on identifying such redundant ministries and departments, promising positive results within two months.
“I believe this step will save billions,” he stated.
Shehbaz Sharif also said that organizations causing significant financial losses would be privatized to recover those amounts. The government, he added, had committed to reducing expenses and embracing austerity, focusing on promoting private sector investment rather than establishing government-run businesses.
He recounted how the coalition government of the Pakistan Democratic Movement took control in April 2022 and prevented the country from defaulting. He praised the coalition leaders and allies, including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Fazlur Rehman, for their contributions.
“Today, Pakistan is gradually overcoming economic challenges and moving towards development and prosperity,” he said.
He acknowledged that the path ahead is challenging and requires sacrifices from both elites and government officials. “The entire nation is watching to see how we will end economic difficulties and bring about a revolution of prosperity,” he concluded.
