Government rightsizing efforts received fresh momentum on Tuesday after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to accelerate reforms across federal institutions. Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister stressed that reducing unnecessary government expenditure and improving efficiency through technology, training and structural reforms remain top priorities.
The prime minister instructed the Rightsizing Committee to complete its remaining recommendations within one month. He said eliminating redundant posts is a key part of the government’s reform agenda and will help create a leaner, more efficient public sector while ensuring better use of national resources.
To enhance transparency and accountability, PM Shehbaz ordered an independent third-party audit of all departments and positions abolished under the rightsizing process. The audit is expected to verify the implementation of reforms and ensure that the downsizing measures have been carried out according to approved policies.
Officials informed the meeting that vacant posts across several ministries and government departments have already been eliminated. They also reported that the reforms have reduced the ratio of civil government expenditure relative to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), reflecting progress in controlling public spending.
The meeting was also told that the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and First Women Bank Limited (FWBL) has been completed. Officials added that the government is moving ahead with plans to privatize several other state-owned enterprises as part of its broader economic reform programme.
Participants further informed the prime minister that proposals for the rightsizing of autonomous bodies and additional state-owned enterprises are in the final stages of preparation. The government believes these reforms will improve governance, strengthen institutional performance and reduce the financial burden on the national exchequer.
The review meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including Federal Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Dr Musadik Malik, along with Adviser on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior officials. The government says the rightsizing initiative will continue as part of its long-term public sector reform strategy.
