In a recent session, the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, greenlit the proposal to abolish the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak-PWD) based on the Ministry of Housing and Works’ recommendation. This initiative not only paves the way for the establishment of the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company to oversee federal development projects but also ensures a more efficient and effective management of these projects. The seamless transfer of provincial development projects to relevant provincial institutions under federal supervision is a step towards a more streamlined and coordinated approach to development. The restructuring plan also involves the creation of the Asset and Facility Management Company, which will take over maintenance and repair functions previously handled by Pak PWD, thereby improving the quality and timeliness of these services.
One of the crucial aspects of the plan is the transition of over 7,000 Pak PWD employees to appropriate ministries, along with the introduction of a ‘Golden Handshake Scheme’ for eligible staff members. This scheme, designed to provide a dignified exit for long-serving employees, offers a lump sum payment and extended benefits. Additionally, the digitization of property records across all Pak PWD branches nationwide was mandated. The federal cabinet set a two-week deadline for the completion of the transition process.
Furthermore, the cabinet received a progress update on the efforts to downsize the federal government, particularly regarding subsidiary closures within various ministries. The committee overseeing this task is expected to produce proposals for review by the cabinet in early August.
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In tandem with these decisions, the cabinet agreed to extend the validity of Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for 1.45 million legally residing Afghan refugees by an additional year, demonstrating the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of these refugees. Additionally, the transfer of the Federal Lodge No II building in Peshawar to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for office purposes was approved, furthering the government’s efforts to provide necessary resources for the smooth functioning of the ECP.
Moreover, the cabinet endorsed the reassignment of accountant members from the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue benches back to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) along with the appointment of nominated officers to the tribunal. In a similar vein, appointments and administrative changes were made in key government institutions and medical colleges based on ministry recommendations.
The Prime Minister also mandated an investigation into the compliance status of Bahawalpur Medical College, which faced de-accreditation by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). A committee was formed to evaluate the PMDC and propose third-party audit mechanisms for review in the next cabinet meeting.
Additionally, the meeting sanctioned several medication advertisements aimed at raising public awareness about health issues and approved the appointment of directors to the K-Electric’s Board of Directors. The Prime Minister emphasized the prompt activation of inactive boards within state institutions by appointing competent professionals.
Lastly, the cabinet ratified decisions from recent meetings which included matters related to government-owned enterprises, underlining the comprehensive agenda addressed in the session.
