PM directs fast-track implementation of government’s right-sizing measures

ISLAMABAD, July 28 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Tuesday, directed relevant authorities to accelerate the implementation of right-sizing measures to enhance the performance and effectiveness of the government.

He also directed the right-sizing committee to finalize its remaining recommendations within one month.

The prime minister chaired a high-level meeting to review progress on the federal government’s right-sizing initiative aimed at improving efficiency of the Federal Government, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The prime minister emphasized that the adoption of modern technology and improved training programmes would significantly enhance the efficiency of public sector institutions.

He stressed that abolition of unnecessary posts and positions remained a key component of the government’s reform agenda.

The meeting was attended by Ministers; Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, Adviser to the PM on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials from relevant government institutions.

The prime minister noted that, under the right-sizing initiative, the Utility Stores Corporation, Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD) and the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) had already been closed, resulting in savings for the national exchequer.

He further asked for an independent third-party audit of the institutions closed and positions abolished under the right-sizing measures.

During the meeting, the committee briefed participants on the progress made under the reform initiative.

The officials informed that the measures taken so far had reduced the ratio of federal government expenditure to GDP while vacant position across various ministries and government departments had been abolished.

The meeting was further informed that proposals were being furnished for the right-sizing of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and autonomous bodies.

Officials also apprised that the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and First Women Bank Limited had been completed, while steps were afoot to privatize several other state-owned enterprises.