Public sector: PPP’s Labour Bureau slams abolishment of vacancies

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in-charge Labour Bureau Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmad has strongly criticized the Punjab government’s decision to abolish tens of thousands of public sector vacancies, warning that the move could trigger widespread economic and social instability.

He condemned the elimination of 37,314 posts across five provincial departments, describing it as a “precursor to anarchy.” In a statement, he said the decision comes at a time when the country is already grappling with severe economic challenges.

He argued that rising inflation—blamed on policies influenced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)—along with the lingering impact of devastating floods, has crippled the national economy. Adding to the pressure is the expected return of unemployed workers from Gulf countries due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which could further strain Pakistan’s job market.

According to Ahmad, the Punjab government has approved the abolition of over 30,000 vacancies in the education department, 5,199 in the agriculture sector, and thousands more in other departments. He said the move effectively shuts the door on employment opportunities for educated youth.

The PPP leader urged the ruling authorities to halt what he described as wasteful spending on self-promotion campaigns, warning that public anger could intensify if corrective measures are not taken. He said the party would not hesitate to protest the decision in the assembly, in the courts, and on the streets.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026