Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has initiated a significant government restructuring effort, announcing the abolition of five key ministries and departments. This decision is part of a broader “rightsizing” initiative being undertaken by the Institutional Reforms Cell, established by the prime minister.
Sources reveal that recommendations have been requested from five federal ministries within a week. The affected ministries include Information Technology, Kashmir Affairs, Safeguard, Industries and Production, and Health Services.
In addition, PM Shehbaz has directed the formation of a committee comprising Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Member of National Assembly Bilal Azhar Kiani to clarify the roles of provincial ministries.
The federal cabinet has formally approved the abolition of the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives. This approval encompasses the entire restructuring plan for the ministry.
The PM has also called for immediate relief on electricity bills and accelerated work on solar tube wells. The cabinet also approved advertisements for medicines on TV, radio, and print media.
He highlighted that while Pakistan’s exports are currently valued at $30 billion, the country faces a daunting task of repaying $75 billion in debt over the next three years.