Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain has refuted claims that the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) is facing closure.

During a meeting with USC’s Managing Director and the Secretary for Industries and Production, he assured that there are no plans to shut down the USC.

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Instead, the government is considering restructuring options, including a new subsidy mechanism for greater transparency.

Tanveer emphasized that protecting government employees’ interests is a priority, and any restructuring will involve consultations with all stakeholders. He stated that no unilateral decisions will be made regarding the USC’s future.

Following these assurances, USC employees ended their sit-in protest, which had been taking place since August 26 at D Chowk due to fears of the USC’s closure. Authorities had previously sealed off the area to control the protest.

Established in 1971, the USC operates around 4,000 stores across the country, providing essential goods at discounted prices.