Pakistan, July 16 -- The federal government has decided to shut down the Utility Stores Corporation (USC)-its flagship public retail chain-by July 31, 2025, marking a major shift in its economic reform and privatisation drive. The move was confirmed during a high-level meeting chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division.

The meeting was held to review progress on the planned closure and privatisation of USC, a state-run entity that has long served as a subsidised retail network across Pakistan. The committee, formed by the Prime Minister, has been tasked with ensuring a transparent and orderly shutdown, including the creation of a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) for USC employees.

Committee members d...