PWD dissolution: no new projects will be assigned to the department

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday to discuss the dissolution of the Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD) and explore alternative arrangements.

During the meeting, officials presented a detailed briefing on the plan to dissolve PWD, address ongoing projects, and transition construction and repair work to private companies.

It was revealed that all current PWD projects would be completed by the relevant federal and provincial departments. Moving forward, no new projects would be assigned to the PWD, with construction and repair tasks to be outsourced to private companies meeting international standards.

Prime Minister Sharif emphasised the need to protect the interests of PWD employees throughout the dissolution process. He instructed the formulation of a comprehensive and practical plan to ensure their welfare and directed that the closure of PWD be expedited under his direct supervision.

Additionally, the Prime Minister ordered the establishment of an asset management company to oversee PWD’s assets and digitise its records for better management and transparency.

The meeting was attended by several key figures, including Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Ahsan Iqbal, and Ahad Khan Cheema, as well as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Jehanzeb Khan and other relevant officials.

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