Pak PWD abolition a step towards removing rot eating our system 'like cancer': PM

• PM says committed to building efficient bureaucracy.
• He says it is crucial for raising standards of governance.
• Decision creates unrest amongst 7,000 employees.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reiterating zero tolerance for corruption, inefficiency, and incompetence, said Tuesday that his decision to abolish the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD) was a step towards removing the rot that was eating the system like a cancer from within.

He was referring to his government’s decision to abolish the Pak PWD due to years-long poor performance and corruption, as well as the department’s failure to achieve its objectives.

"I am fully committed to building a more honest, dedicated and efficient bureaucracy that will deliver high quality public service and raise standards of governance," the prime minister wrote on his X timeline, a day after he issued the directives in a high-level meeting on Monday.

In the meeting, the prime minister was apprised of a report compiled by a committee headed by Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Jahanzeb Khan, which recommended for abolition of certain government entities and the merger of others.

The prime minister directed the committee for finalisation of further recommendations.

The decision to abolish Pak PWD, one of the oldest government departments, created unrest amongst 7,000 employees who are uncertain about their future, The News reported.

As per the publication, the government will work out a plan to adjust them in other departments or relieve them.