Pakistan abolishes 60% of vacant federal posts under right-sizing plan

The government has issued a final notification dated September 9 abolishing 60% of vacant regular posts across federal ministries and departments, as part of its right-sizing drive to reduce government expenditure and implement institutional reforms.

What does Pakistan’s right-sizing plan do?

The final notification abolishes 60% of vacant regular posts across federal ministries and departments. An implementation committee had recommended abolishing posts vacant for at least one year, while excluding vacancies caused by transfers or postings and posts meant for promotions. Financial advisers and chief accounts officers must revise or prepare vacancy rosters accordingly.

The Controller General of Accounts issued the notification, directing federal accounting offices and attached departments to implement the decision.

The notification refers to a Cabinet decision dated August 27, 2024, and recommendations contained in an Institutional Reforms report. The implementation committee had recommended abolishing posts that remained vacant for at least one year as part of the government’s right-sizing and austerity measures.

Positions vacant because of transfers or postings will not be abolished. Posts meant for promotions are also excluded from the exercise.

The abolished positions in each cadre will primarily be deducted from quotas earmarked for initial appointments or direct recruitment, according to the notification.

Financial advisers and chief accounts officers have been directed to revise or prepare their respective vacancy rosters and process promotion cases on the revised basis.

Why is Pakistan abolishing vacant federal posts?

The government is using the right-sizing plan as part of broader efforts to reduce the size and cost of the public sector and lower government expenditure.

The notification was issued with the approval of the Controller General of Accounts.

The measure also forms part of broader structural reforms being pursued by the government, including measures linked to Pakistan’s commitments under its International Monetary Fund program.