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PM's Decision to Abolish PWD Leaves 7,000 Employees in Limbo, Sparks Legal Battle
7,000 PWD employees face uncertainty after PM Shehbaz's decision to abolish the department to reduce government expenditures. Legal action is being considered.
ND
by News Desk
2024-06-04
PM's Decision to Abolish PWD Leaves 7,000 Employees in Limbo, Sparks Legal Battle

The future of 7,000 Public Works Department (PWD) employees hangs in the balance following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's decision to abolish the department in a bid to reduce government expenditures. An official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the employees would seek legal recourse against this decision.

 

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz issued these directives during a meeting focused on reducing government expenditures. The prime minister noted that the PWD had failed to achieve its objectives and called for alternative mechanisms to handle the development projects assigned to this department.

 

The meeting included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, PM’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Jehanzeb Khan, and other relevant officials.

 

Reports suggest that the government is also considering winding up other departments that have become financial liabilities, including the National Engineering Services of Pakistan, the National Construction, and the National Accountability Bureau.

 

During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on a report by a committee led by the Planning Commission deputy chairman, which recommended the abolition of some government entities and the merger of others. The PM directed the committee to finalize its recommendations.

 

Following the decision to abolish the PWD, the Ministry of Housing and Works has been tasked with devising a plan for the 7,000-plus PWD employees within one week.

 

A senior PWD official, speaking to Dawn, emphasized that the department has "constitutional cover" and cannot be shut down through an ordinance alone. "At least a two-thirds majority is required to shut down PWD," the official added, noting that PWD employees have decided to move courts against the decision.

 

The official further highlighted that the PWD is the custodian of most government properties and buildings, responsible for maintenance and executing development and infrastructure projects across Pakistan. Currently, the PWD is managing development works worth Rs60 billion nationwide.

 

The abolition of the PWD raises concerns about the future management of state properties and buildings, as no other government department currently oversees these responsibilities.
Tagged:

Pakistan

ShehbazSharif

GovernmentReform

PWD

PublicWorks
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