Utility Stores Corporation (USC) outlets across Pakistan have reopened on Friday, following a two-week closure. The shutdown had sparked protests by thousands of employees after the federal government initially announced plans to close the loss-making state enterprise.
Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, had previously clarified that the utility stores were not being shut down, but rather the government was “restructuring” the corporation.
A spokesperson for USC confirmed that all outlets have fully resumed operations nationwide, providing essential grocery items such as soft drinks and cooking oil at discounted rates to facilitate the public.
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The stores were initially ordered to cease operations by August 23, as part of a federal government decision to close the corporation. However, the matter of closure was also raised in a Senate Standing Committee meeting, where it was clarified that the decision was still under review by the cabinet.
USC, a state-owned enterprise with over 4,000 outlets, plays a vital role in offering discounted daily commodities. It remains listed among federal entities slated for privatization, though its future is still uncertain.
