ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the People’s Labour Bureau have strongly condemned the federal government’s decision to shut down Utility Stores across the country, calling it a betrayal of parliamentary commitments and a direct attack on the livelihood of thousands of workers.
In a press conference held at the PPP Central Secretariat, Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed, a member of PPP’s Central Executive Committee and in-charge of the People’s Labour Bureau, along with Central Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan, lashed out at the government’s “cruel and illogical” move. They said that despite assurances made on the floor of Parliament to PPP MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and others, a federal minister had announced the complete closure of Utility Stores by August 31.
Thousands of Families Affected, Government Accused of Breaking Promises
Chaudhry Manzoor criticized the government’s handling of public sector institutions, stating,
“They announce closures first and think later about what to do next.”
He recalled similar past actions, including the shutdown of Pakistan Steel Mills — which, according to him, resulted in a loss of Rs 500 billion and the unemployment of thousands of workers. He also mentioned the closure of Pak PWD, whose employees have been unpaid for months, and the alleged attempts to “swallow” PIA.
He termed the decision to close Utility Stores as part of a broader anti-labor and anti-people policy, stating:
“These stores were the only means for providing affordable essential goods to the public, especially in flood-affected areas where they ensured swift and transparent relief.”
He rejected claims that Utility Stores were running in losses and alleged that the government was deliberately devaluing their assets to sell them off cheaply.
“The buildings alone are worth over Rs 100 billion, but are being valued at just Rs 10 billion to sell off to cronies,” he added.
Calls for Relief Measures for Flood Victims
Chaudhry Manzoor demanded that based on Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and NADRA data, flood-affected citizens should be given at least Rs 100,000 per person in cash transfers to help them rebuild their lives.
He accused the government of diverting attention from real issues by raising distractions like dam construction.
“People need relief today — not debates about future projects,” he said.
A Conspiracy to Erase Bhutto’s Legacy?
Speaking at the event, Nadeem Afzal Chan said the only crime of the Utility Stores and Steel Mills was that they were founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and hence are being deliberately targeted.
“This is part of a conspiracy to erase the legacy of the PPP,” he alleged.
He criticized the government’s “double standards,” saying:
“On one hand, national institutions are being privatized, while on the other, state-run Metro and Orange Train projects are being promoted.”
Chan also raised concerns over RODA (Ravi Urban Development Authority), claiming it was created by PTI for political and financial interests, and is now being defended by the PML-N. He demanded an impartial inquiry into the authority’s operations and land acquisitions.
Flood Mismanagement and Public Demands
Rejecting the narrative that dams could have prevented the recent floods, Chan said:
“None of the rivers that caused flooding have dams. Floods are natural disasters. What’s needed is better management and timely action — not false narratives.”
He demanded that flood-hit regions be declared disaster-affected areas and that electricity bills be waived for all residents in those localities.
