ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to shut down its public retail sector, the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) by July 10, 2025, with a voluntary separation scheme (VSS) package approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for all affected employees. The decision was formalized during a high-level meeting held on June 30 at the USC head office in Islamabad, chaired by the Managing Director of USC and attended by senior officials, including the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production and several general managers.
According to the meeting minutes available with The News, essential staff will be retained temporarily to manage the affairs post-closure. A comprehensive VSS package will be developed for USC employees, and the record of all fixed assets will be compiled before the complete shutdown.
“All utility stores will cease operations by July 2, 2025,” stated the minutes, adding that a final decision regarding the closure of operations on the inv
