The Ministry of Industries and Production has issued a formal notification ordering the permanent closure of the Utility Stores nationwide, effective 31 July.
According to the notification, all sales and procurement operations at these stores are to cease entirely from today. The decision followed a directive from the federal government to discontinue the functioning of all active Utility Stores' outlets.
In line with this directive, existing inventory at operational stores will be transferred to warehouses. Meanwhile, information technology equipment and other assets are to be auctioned transparently.
Notices had already been issued for the evacuation of rented store premises, effective August 1.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier instructed the provision of a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) for affected employees.
