Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to accelerate the dissolution of the Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD), as reported on July 1.
According to the details, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to protect the interests of PWD employees throughout the dissolution process. He assured that ongoing PWD projects will be completed by relevant federal and provincial departments, while future government construction and repair works will be entrusted to private companies adhering to international standards. PM Shehbaz has mandated PWD’s dissolution and suggested setting up an asset management firm to take charge of its holdings. He stressed the importance of fully digitizing PWD’s asset records, citing concerns about the economic strain caused by inefficient institutions draining public funds.
The decision to dissolve PWD is part of a broader initiative by the government to modernize Pakistan’s infrastructure development processes. By transitioning to a setup that involves private companies with international standards, the government aims to improve the efficiency, quality, and transparency of construction and repair works. This move is expected to bring about a significant transformation in the way public works are managed, ensuring better utilization of resources and enhanced project delivery.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive includes a clear plan to protect PWD employees during the transition. Measures will be taken to ensure that the employees’ rights are safeguarded and that they are either absorbed into other government departments or provided with appropriate compensation packages. This aspect of the plan underscores the government’s commitment to a fair and responsible dissolution process.
Ongoing projects currently handled by PWD will not be abandoned. Instead, these projects will be transferred to relevant federal and provincial departments to ensure their timely completion. This approach is designed to prevent any disruption in the progress of essential infrastructure projects, thereby avoiding potential setbacks in public service delivery.
Looking forward, the involvement of private companies in government construction and repair works is a strategic decision aimed at leveraging the expertise and efficiency of the private sector. These companies are expected to bring advanced techniques, higher standards of quality, and better project management practices, which will contribute to more robust and sustainable infrastructure development in Pakistan.
Additionally, the formation of an asset management company is a critical component of the plan. This company will be responsible for overseeing the assets previously managed by PWD, ensuring their proper maintenance and utilization. The Prime Minister has emphasized the need for full digitization of PWD’s asset records, which will enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and improve asset management efficiency.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has highlighted the economic burden posed by inefficient institutions like PWD. By dissolving such entities and adopting modern practices, the government aims to alleviate this burden and redirect public funds toward more productive and efficient uses. This decision reflects a broader strategy to reform public sector operations, reduce waste, and enhance overall governance.
The directive by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to dissolve the Pakistan Public Works Department and replace it with a modern setup marks a significant step towards improving Pakistan’s infrastructure development processes. By ensuring the protection of PWD employees, completing ongoing projects, involving private companies, and forming an asset management company with digitized records, the government is laying the foundation for a more efficient and transparent public works system. This move is expected to bring about long-term benefits for Pakistan’s economy and public service infrastructure.
