Business Desk 
Jul 02, 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government is officially set to shut down its public retail sector, the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) by July 10, 2025.
With this move, a large number of employees are likely to be affected, and the voluntary separation scheme (VSS) package approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will apply to all the affected employees.
The decision was made 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.
Utility stores to be closed by July 10
The federal cabinet in January this year had announced its decision to halt operations of the state-run retail chain.
On the other hand, according to the June 30 meeting's minutes, essential staff will be retained temporarily to manage the affairs post-closure.
"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 inventory software "Oddo" will be made after July 1.
The USC has instructed all zonal and regional managers to oversee the shutdown process. Stock from stores will be shifted to warehouses and returned to vendors under supervision.
Moreover, IT equipment, racks, and fixtures will be reclaimed from all store locations, including USC headquarters and zonal offices.
Notices will be issued to vacate rented store premises by August 1, 2025. A dedicated closure operations department will also be constituted to oversee the entire process.
