Islamabad: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif while directing to reduce government expenses, enhance the efficiency of government departments and accelerate the pace of implementation of reforms agenda has said remarkable improvement be brought in performance of government institutions through modern technology, better training and effective administrative reforms.
has directed the authorities concerned to accelerate the implementation of the government’s right-sizing measures to improve efficiency. A detailed briefing was given on reform steps in review meeting related to right sizing and improving the efficiency of the federal government held under PM in Islamabad.
He said that elimination of unnecessary post and positions are included in important points of government reform agenda. The Prime Minister said the performance of government institutions should be significantly improved through the use of modern technology and enhanced training.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that, under the right-sizing initiative, the Utility Stores Corporation, the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD) and the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) have already been closed, resulting in savings for the national exchequer.
He directed that a third-party audit be conducted of the posts abolished and institutions closed under the right-sizing policy to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Prime Minister also instructed the Right-Sizing Committee to finalize its remaining recommendations within one month. The meeting was informed that the right-sizing initiative has reduced the ratio of civil government expenditure to GDP and that vacant posts in various ministries and government departments have been abolished.
It was further informed that proposals are being prepared for the right-sizing of state-owned enterprises and autonomous bodies. It was also told that the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines and First Women Bank Limited has been completed, while steps are also being taken to privatize several other state-owned enterprises.
PM emphasized that reform process should continue to harmonize government structure with modern requirements so that better facilities could be provided to people and effective utilization of national resources could be ensured. .
The meeting was attended by Planning minister Ahsan Iqbal , finance minister Aurangzeb, minister for climate change Dr Musaddaq Masud Malik , state minister Bilal Azhar Kiyani Advisor to prime minister on privatization Muhammad Ali and senior officers of respective institutions.