LAHORE – The federal government has decided to shut down all utility story, where subsidised grocery items were provided to public.
Reports said the government has given the administration of Utility Stores a two-week deadline to wrap up its operation. The subsidies on items available at the Utility Stores have already been abolished.
The administration said there is growing concern among more than 11,000 employees following the news of the stores’ closures.
The Utility Stores administration has stated that they have been granted two weeks to settle financial transactions with companies.
Utility Stores Closure A Setback to Lower-Income Families
The decision has sent shockwaves across the lower-income families, who used to purchase essential goods at discounted rates from Utility Stores.
Utility Stores
Utility Stores in Pakistan are a network of government-operated retail outlets designed to provide essential goods at subsidised prices to lower-income families.
Established in the 1971, these stores aimed to offer relief from fluctuating market prices and ensure accessibility to basic necessities such as food items, toiletries, and cleaning products. Currently, 4000+ stores are operating across the country.
