In light of a decision taken by the federal cabinet on institutional reforms, the Controller General of Pakistan Accounts (CGPA) has abolished 60 percent of vacant posts. The cabinet, in view of a report presented by the Implementation Committee on Institutional Reforms, approved the abolition of posts in government institutions that have been lying vacant for the last one year, with the objective of rightsizing and observing austerity.

The CGPA has issued a notification for the abolition of 60 percent of vacant posts in light of the cabinet decision taken on August 27 this year. The notification, however, said the posts to be abolished will not include those vacant due to transfers and postings, or positions meant for promotion.

Accordingly, for the purpose of implementing the cabinet decision regarding the abolition of posts, the posts abolished in each cadre shall be debited primarily from the quota earmarked for initial appointment or direct recruitment as per vacancy rosters, the notification said. The move is aimed at reducing unnecessary expenditures and curtailing the size of government machinery.

Financial experts have welcomed the step as a positive measure toward fiscal discipline, noting that sustained structural reforms are essential to ease pressure on the national exchequer. Further departments are expected to follow suit in the coming weeks to align with the broader federal austerity agenda.