(Web Desk) — The Pakistani government has approved a plan to close 33 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as part of a broader initiative to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting where the Prime Minister endorsed recommendations from a committee tasked with evaluating the feasibility of rightsizing the government.

In the first phase, 33 SOEs will either be closed, privatized, or transferred, while nine others will be merged. Additionally, 60% of vacant regular posts, potentially affecting up to 150,000 positions, will be abolished or declared redundant. Non-core services like cleaning, plumbing, and gardening will be outsourced, further reducing staff numbers, and contingency posts will also be eliminated.

To address employee concerns, a committee, including retired judges, will be formed to review grievances. Quasi-judicial powers will be granted to this committee to handle disputes related to the rightsizing process. The government will also propose amendments to the Civil Servants Act, 1973, and establish a Civil Service Reforms Committee to align with the rightsizing efforts.

The implementation of this first phase will be finalized within two weeks. The second phase will focus on entities within the ministries of Commerce, National Food Security and Research, Housing and Works, and Science and Technology.

This plan is part of the government’s larger reform agenda to reduce the public sector’s size and cost, enhance efficiency, and attract private investment.