The federal government has ordered the closure of all Utility Stores Corporation (USC) outlets across Pakistan, ending a 54-year-old state-run retail chain that provided affordable essentials to millions of low-income households.

The decision, finalized on July 31, 2025, has left over 11,000 employees jobless, sparking widespread concern about economic fallout and worker welfare.

The Ministry of Industries and Production issued a circular to all USC zonal managers, halting the sale and purchase of goods effective immediately.

Remaining inventory, including food and non-food items, is being shifted to warehouses for auction or redistribution under government supervision.

The move follows a high-level meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the closure as part of a broader privatization agenda to curb financial losses.