The federal government has decided to undertake an extensive right-sizing initiative across various ministries and divisions in a sweeping reform aimed at optimizing governmental efficiency.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has outlined 23 critical goals to guide this process, which he has directed will be implemented in phases.
As part of the initiative, the premier has instructed the preparation of proposals for the second phase, which will focus on the restructuring of five key ministries. According to sources, the PM has given targets for a week to three months.
A significant move includes the creation of a digital authority in the country, with a draft law sought within a week.
In line with these reforms, several key decisions have been made:
- Health Directorate Transfer: The Directorate of Health in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will be transferred to the respective local governments.
- Ministry Mergers: Proposals have been sought in two months to merge the Ministry of Commerce and the Board of Investment with the Ministry of Industries and Production. Moreover, proposals have been sought for the privatization of five subsidiaries of the Ministry of Industries within two weeks and the potential closure of the Utility Stores Corporation in the same timeframe. It has also been proposed to bring SMEDA under the Prime Minister's Secretariat in a month.
- Universal Services Fund: Suggestions for revitalizing the Universal Services Fund have been demanded, with a performance review of the Pakistan Software Export Program to be prepared for the next three months and presented to the prime minister.
- Privatization Plans: Proposals for the privatization of several key entities, including the Pakistan Engineering Company, Republic Motors, and the State Engineering Corporation, are expected within two weeks.
The performance report of the Engineering Development Board will be submitted in a week.
Further actions include:
- Departmental Reforms: The Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) will be made autonomous under the DRAP Act 2012, with its drug price-setting powers being separated. Proposals to devolve the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the Federal Government Services Hospital Polyclinic and National Rehabilitation Institute of Medicine will be presented within one month.
- Utility Stores and Subsidies: The Utility Stores Corporation's subsidies will be transitioned to a cash transfer system for beneficiaries. Proposals for the abolition of the Utility Stores Corporation have been sought in two weeks, and for the National Fertilization Corporation in a month.
It is being said that the subsidy of the Utility Stores will be converted into cash transfers to beneficiaries, Moreover, the suggestions for right-sizing of Pakistan Gem and Jewellery will also be prepared.
