ISLAMABAD – The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) is expected to approve a special financial package worth Rs27 billion for the employees of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) during its meeting today (Tuesday).
The Ministry of Industries has prepared the proposal and will present it before the committee. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will chair the session, which is scheduled to discuss a four-point agenda.
According to sources, the proposed USC ECC Rs27bn package aims to provide financial support to employees affected by the closure of utility stores. The federal government had earlier decided to shut down all stores across Pakistan by 31 July 2025. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on 28 June.
The Ministry of Industries and Production had already issued a notification to end all sales and purchase operations at the stores. This marked the complete shutdown of the corporation, which had provided subsidized goods to citizens for decades.
Besides the utility stores package, today’s ECC agenda also includes an Rs11 billion technical supplementary grant for the state-run television broadcaster. The committee will review refinery upgrades under the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023 and take up tariff matters related to the White Pipeline project from Thallian to Taru Jabba. A proposal to provide relief in the Captive Transition Levy for electricity consumers is also listed for discussion.
The closure of utility stores has affected thousands of employees nationwide. The financial package is seen as a step to ease their transition and provide compensation. It also reflects the government’s attempt to manage liabilities while moving toward privatization and financial restructuring.
The ECC’s approval of this package will mark a critical step in settling dues and ensuring relief for both workers and vendors connected to the Utility Stores Corporation.
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