Islamabad, July 1, 2025: The federal administration has finally set July 31 as the ultimate deadline to shut down the Utility Stores Corporation (USC), following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, sources reported.
A Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) will be extended to all USC staff members as part of the transition process. Sources mentioned that outlets running in deficit will be permanently shut, while the remaining ones will be transferred to private ownership.
This decision comes after a conclusive top-level meeting led by the Prime Minister on June 28. The Privatization Commission has been instructed to manage the complete procedure and will update the Prime Minister on the progress, sources further said.
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The Ministry of Industries is also playing a role in the plan to dissolve the government-run retail network, which has faced continuous monetary setbacks over the years.
