The Utility Stores Corporation has laid off hundreds of security guards as part of its cost-cutting measures, sources told Raised By Numbers. The corporation has terminated its contract with the security company providing these guards.

The corporation has assured that its daily wage, permanent, and contract employees will be protected during this transition. Over 500 security guards have already been relieved of their duties, as per sources.

In addition to this, the Utility Stores Corporation has decided to discontinue the services of sweepers, loaders, and packing laborers. Sources added that the work previously done by guards, loaders, and packing laborers will now be carried out by daily wage workers.

These steps are expected to significantly reduce the corporation’s additional expenses, saving millions of rupees, according to sources within the Utility Stores Corporation.

Last month, reports emerged that the federal government had decided to close Utility Stores. However, following protests by the corporation’s employees, the government reversed its stance, stating that no such plan is currently being considered.

Earlier this week, Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, reiterated that there are no plans to shut down the Utility Stores. He mentioned that various options for restructuring the Utility Stores Corporation are being explored.