ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication of Pakistan clarified on Sunday that there are no directives to abolish the ministry or its associated departments, following misleading reports in certain sections of the media, APP reported.
Reacting to these reports, the ministry termed them “distorted and fabricated,” asserting that the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, along with its various departments, will continue to operate as usual.
“It is to clarify that the ‘Committee on the Right Sizing of the Federal Government’ has sought recommendations for right-sizing the attached departments from the respective ministries and there is no directive to abolish the said ministries,” the ministry stated.
The clarification comes amidst speculation and confusion sparked by media reports suggesting the possible abolition of certain ministries as part of government austerity measures.
Last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had emphasized the need for austerity and announced the immediate closure of the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD) due to long-standing issues of poor performance and corruption. The Pak PWD was responsible for executing federally funded projects and managing government lands.
“In his address to the nation on June 15, he stated that it was the government’s priority to implement austerity measures and shut down ministries that are not serving their intended purpose,” the ministry recalled.
The Prime Minister had further indicated the formation of a ministerial committee to oversee these efforts, aimed at streamlining government operations and reducing unnecessary expenditures.
“In the next two to three months, I will come in front of you with a better message,” Prime Minister Shehbaz had announced. “I believe it will be a significant step towards cutting expenses and saving funds.”
