Islamabad, May 5, 2025: In a major shake-up under the federal government’s rightsizing push, the Ministry of Science and Technology has slashed 201 posts across two key departments — a move aimed at tightening operations and cutting redundancy.
This strategic downsizing targets the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and the National Metrology Institute of Pakistan (NMIP), reshaping how these agencies function moving forward.
According to official notifications, 174 posts at PSQCA have been abolished — with 61 cut immediately and 113 marked as “dying cadre” that will phase out as current employees retire or leave.
These cuts range across the board, affecting senior management (Grade-19) down to technical and clerical roles (Grade-1), including 4 Grade-19 directors, 31 Grade-18 officers, 36 Grade-17 positions, and 10 Grade-14 roles.
At NMIP, 27 posts have been trimmed — 11 removed outright and 16 tagged as dying cadre. The affected positions include three Grade-18, five Grade-17, and other technical-support roles between Grades 5 and 15.
Why It Matters:
This move aligns with the federal cabinet’s directive to slash 60% of vacant positions across ministries, targeting leaner government structures.
By identifying and eliminating non-essential roles, the Ministry of Science and Technology aims to streamline workflows, reduce bureaucratic layers, and improve efficiency — a shift that experts say is long overdue in Pakistan’s often bloated public sector.
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Analysts warn, however, that while cutting redundant posts may ease the wage burden, it’s crucial to balance this with retaining specialized technical talent critical for innovation and national standards.
“Efficiency shouldn’t come at the cost of expertise,” says Dr. Sarah Qureshi, a governance specialist. “Without the right talent mix, these agencies risk underperforming in areas vital to Pakistan’s economic growth.”
What’s your take on this government overhaul? Should Pakistan focus more on rightsizing or on upskilling its public workforce? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation on reshaping the future of governance!
