The federal government has finalised a Rs20 billion Ramazan relief package, under which financial assistance will be directly transferred to nearly four million eligible individuals during the holy month. Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain informed the Senate that provincial governments are also set to implement similar cash transfer models for Ramazan relief.
Addressing concerns raised by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senators Shahdat Awan and Sherry Rehman, Hussain dismissed speculation regarding the closure of Utility Stores Corporation (USC). He clarified that the entity is undergoing restructuring through privatisation to enhance efficiency and service delivery rather than being shut down.
The debate also extended to the government’s rightsizing initiative, targeting 43 ministries and 400 attached departments, which is set to be completed by June 30, 2025.
Senators criticised the move, fearing job losses, but Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the plan, asserting that employee rights would be safeguarded.
He emphasised that the restructuring aims to cut non-development expenditures and redirect resources towards economic growth, which could lead to more private-sector employment opportunities.
During the session, the Societies Registration Amendment Ordinance 2024 was presented in the Senate.
