In a major cost-cutting initiative, the federal government has abolished 30,968 public sector positions and announced plans to eliminate another 7,724 posts in upcoming phases.

As per the Cabinet Secretary’s briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, the reductions largely target Grade 1 positions, with 7,305 already removed and 4,253 more to follow. High-grade positions are also impacted, including two posts each in Grades 21 and 22, along with 36 in Grade 20 and 99 in Grade 19, with further cuts planned in Grade 19 jobs. Grades 17 and 18 have seen substantial reductions, with 760 and 203 posts abolished respectively, and additional cuts in the pipeline.

These workforce reductions have already saved Rs. 30 billion for the national treasury, with expectations for further financial benefits as more cuts are implemented.

In addition to job eliminations, the government has discontinued the “son quota,” a policy allowing government positions to be granted to the family member of an employee who passed away during service. Revised instructions have been issued by the Establishment Division to all ministries and divisions for enforcement of the policy changes.

This move highlights the government’s focus on fiscal discipline while addressing inefficiencies within the public sector.