By Sumavaya Iqbal 
In a significant move towards administrative efficiency, the federal government of Pakistan has announced plans to dissolve five major ministries, including the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications. This decision is part of a broader strategy to streamline government functions and reduce redundancies.
Sources within the government have disclosed that a comprehensive plan has been developed to abolish the ministries of IT and Telecom, Industry and Production, Health, Kashmir Affairs, and SAFRON. The proposed dissolution is set to be finalized by July 30, marking a significant shift in the administrative framework of the government.
One of the critical issues arising from this decision is the future of the employees currently working in these ministries. To address this, several options have been proposed. The first suggestion involves offering a golden handshake package to the affected employees. This package would provide financial support to help them transition out of their current roles smoothly.
Another proposed solution is to reassign the employees to other existing ministries. This approach aims to retain the valuable skills and experience of the workforce within the government, ensuring continuity and minimizing the impact on the employees’ careers.
Additionally, there is a proposal to place the affected employees into a surplus pool. This pool would act as a temporary holding area where employees can be reassigned to different departments as needed. This flexible solution aims to manage the workforce effectively while maintaining operational efficiency.
The Institutional Reforms Cell has been instrumental in drafting these proposals, working in collaboration with the relevant ministries. The reforms are designed to optimize government operations and eliminate inefficiencies. As part of this process, the government will consult with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to discuss the compensation packages for the affected employees, ensuring that the reforms are financially sustainable and meet international standards.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be briefed on the proposals, with a final decision expected after his review. According to sources, the briefing will cover all aspects of the proposed reforms, including the dissolution of the ministries and the future of the employees. The aim is to finalize the decision by July 30.
This initiative is part of a larger strategy led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to rightsize the government. The Institutional Reforms Cell was tasked with preparing a report on rightsizing within a week, highlighting the urgency and importance of this project. The reforms are seen as a crucial step towards enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of the government, ensuring that it can better serve the needs of the public.