Pakistan Shuts Down Utility Stores After 54 Years

Islamabad – The federal cabinet has approved the closure of the Utility Stores Corporation, ending its 54-year operation across Pakistan.

The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Following the approval, all Utility Stores Corporation employees will be laid off.

The stores had already been closed on July 31, with the Ministry of Industries and Production issuing a formal notification. The closure followed the government and board of directors’ decision to wind up operations nationwide.

Utility Stores Corporation was established in 1971 to provide affordable food and essential items to low-income communities. Initially, the network included only 20 stores acquired from the Staff Welfare Organisation. Over time, the number of stores expanded to reach every corner of the country.

At its peak, the corporation operated more than 4,000 stores nationwide. It employed around 17,000 staff members, making it a major employer in the retail sector. The stores were an important source of relief for citizens seeking low-cost essential goods.