Utility Stores employees’ protest enters second week

ISLAMABAD: The protest by Utility Store employees in Islamabad has entered its second week, with workers from all three unions standing united against the federal government’s decision to shut down the Utility Stores Corporation.

The sit-in, which began last week, is a response to the closure announcement, and employees have vowed to continue their demonstration until their demands are met. The final round of negotiations between the government and the protesting workers is expected to take place today, as both sides look for a resolution. The government’s decision to close the Utility Stores Corporation was made on August 16, following a meeting chaired by the prime minister. This move was part of a larger plan to abolish 28 departments across five ministries in a bid to reduce administrative costs and streamline operations.

The closure of the Utility Stores Corporation also led to the termination of Rs50 billion subsidy for the stores, which had been a key support mechanism for providing essential goods at reduced prices to low-income families. Federal Minister for Industry and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, explained that the restructuring of the Utility Stores was part of a broader effort to simplify the tax system and restore investor confidence in the country. He acknowledged concerns over the effectiveness of the subsidy program, noting that it was not reaching its intended beneficiaries due to mismanagement and the involvement of certain employees and officials.