ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to permanently shut down all Utility Stores across the country starting July 10.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that all employees be offered Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) packages as part of the exit plan.
According to reports, the prime minister has ordered that all workers be provided with voluntary exit packages, bringing an end to the Utility Stores Corporation (USC).
The decision was finalised in a top-level meeting led by the USC Managing Director. It was decided that all active stores will begin winding up operations from July 3 onwards.
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Existing stocks will be moved to central warehouses, where they will be redistributed to private retailers under official supervision.
The meeting also decided that all IT equipment from stores and offices will be returned. Items from store shelves and other assets will be sold through a transparent auction process.
Store owners of rented properties will be given notices to vacate by August 1. Authorities will also assess and evaluate the remaining inventory.
The decision to shut down utility stores comes months after the government announced in March 2025 the closure of 1,700 loss-making stores.