Prime Minister orders shutdown of Pakistan Public Works Department amidst corruption crackdown

By Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: In a bold move to tackle corruption and inefficiency, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the immediate winding up of the Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD). The Secretary of Housing and Works has been instructed to prepare a detailed plan for the department’s closure in consultation with the Minister for Housing and Works, to be presented within a week.
Establishment of Winding-Up Committee: A committee comprising the Minister of Housing and Works, Secretary of Housing and Works, Secretaries of Finance, Planning, and Law Divisions, Senior Joint Secretary (Admin), and DG Pak PWD will oversee the process.
According to PM’s orders, a comprehensive audit will evaluate ongoing projects, assets, liabilities, and personnel to inform the winding-up plan, adding, timelines, critical tasks, and responsibilities will be outlined, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and clear communication with stakeholders. High-priority projects will be fast-tracked or transferred to provincial governments. Low-priority projects will be assessed for expedited completion or termination.
Real estate and properties will be transferred or sold, and equipment reallocated or auctioned. Outstanding debts will be settled, contractors paid, and receivables collected, revealed in an official documents. According to documents, staff will be redeployed, and severance packages provided as necessary maintenance functions will be transferred to appropriate bodies, and technical advisory roles reassigned. Regional offices and the headquarters in Islamabad will be gradually shut down, with records archived properly. Official sources said a final report detailing the winding-up process and lessons learned will be prepared, with all important documents archived. Significant amendments to the Rules of Business 1973 and General Financial Rules (GFR) are required, involving extensive consultations and time. Completing or transferring ongoing projects and ensuring uninterrupted maintenance services are major challenges, officials added. The officials were of the view that disbanding Pak PWD could disrupt numerous Public Sector Development Projects (PSDP) and derail progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Managing the transition for over 2,700 regular staff and 4,000 contractual workers, along with proper management of pensions and benefits, is monumental.
It was discussed that there shall be focus on restructuring and addressing inefficiencies rather than winding up the department. Some of the government functionaries argued to Implement gradual reforms to improve operational efficiency and engage with all stakeholders to develop a sustainable approach to improving Pak PWD operations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized zero tolerance for corruption, inefficiency, and incompetence. His decision to abolish Pak PWD is aimed at eradicating systemic corruption and fostering a more dedicated and efficient bureaucracy. The directive seeks to ensure high-quality public service delivery and improved standards across government operations.
This decisive action marks a significant step towards addressing the deep-rooted issues within the public works sector and showcases the government’s commitment to reform and transparency.