Government to Abolish IT Ministry and Four Others by July 30

In a move to enhance administrative efficiency, the federal government of Pakistan has decided to dissolve five key ministries, including the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications. This decision is part of a broader effort to streamline government operations and reduce bureaucratic overhead.

Government sources have confirmed that a detailed proposal has been prepared to eliminate the ministries of IT and Telecom, Industry and Production, Health, Kashmir Affairs, and SAFRON. The proposed changes are expected to be implemented by July 30, marking a major reorganization of the government’s structure.

The future of the employees working in these ministries is a significant concern. To address this, various suggestions have been proposed. One of the primary options is to offer a golden handshake package, providing financial compensation to the affected employees to ease their transition.

Another proposal involves integrating the employees of the dissolved ministries into other existing ministries. This approach aims to retain their valuable skills and experience within the government, ensuring that their expertise continues to benefit public administration.

Additionally, there is a proposal to place the affected employees into a surplus pool. This pool would serve as a temporary placement from which employees can be reassigned to various departments as needed. This flexible solution helps to manage the workforce effectively while maintaining operational efficiency.

The Institutional Reforms Cell has prepared these proposals in collaboration with the relevant ministries. The aim is to optimize government operations by eliminating redundancies and improving resource allocation. As part of the reform process, the government will consult with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the compensation packages for the affected employees, ensuring that the reforms are financially sustainable and align with international standards.

A comprehensive briefing will be provided to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who will make the final decision on the proposals. The briefing will cover all aspects of the planned reforms, including the dissolution of the ministries and the future of the employees. The goal is to finalize the decision by July 30.

This restructuring effort is part of a broader initiative by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to rightsize the government. The Institutional Reforms Cell was tasked with preparing a report on rightsizing within a week, reflecting the urgency and importance of this project. The reforms are seen as a necessary step towards making the government more efficient and responsive to the needs of the public.