ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to lay off nearly 4,000 permanent employees of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) through a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) before proceeding with its privatisation. The regular employees will be transferred to the federal government’s surplus pool prior to the privatisation process.
The decision was made during a meeting of the USC Board of Directors, chaired by Federal Secretary for Industries Saif Anjum. A four-member committee was formed to finalize the VSS package, with representatives from the Privatisation Commission and Ministry of Finance also in attendance.
The meeting revealed that the USC will be shut down by July 30, 2025. Earlier, a closure plan was issued on June 30, 2025, directing the suspension of all USC operations nationwide from July 1. Despite initial protests from employees, USC management later clarified that the closure notification was a misunderstanding. However, the board reaffirmed the closure plan, with vendors and suppliers instructed to retrieve their goods by July 10, 2025. Additionally, rented buildings used for utility stores will be vacated by August 1, 2025.
A two-year audit report is expected by August, and a detailed report on USC’s assets and their valuations is being prepared to facilitate the privatisation process.
