The federal government has issued a rejoinder to economist Dr Kaiser Bengali’s criticism of its ‘rightsizing’ plans, saying the the statement seems to be a result of lack of proper communication or understanding.

“[Dr Bengali’s] observations on the recently approved recommendations of the Committee reflect a lack of communication or their proper appreciation,” the government said in a statement.

The statement from the government comes after the economist resigned after slamming the rightsizing plans. Bengali said that the government’s approach to cost-cutting, stating that it was laying off lower-level employees instead of officers.

“All government positions in BS-1 to BS-22 are being rightsized, not just positions in BS-1 to 16,” the statement said.

“The estimated 60,000 positions that may be rendered surplus as a result of the exercise also include positions in BS-17 to BS-22.”

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The statement further said that out of six ministries considered in the plan so far, one of these Ministries has been approved to be abolished, while two others are being merged, which means that “at least two BS-22 and several positions in BS-17 to 21 will be abolished.”

“The Rightsizing Committing is reviewing Ministries, Attached Departments, Autonomous Bodies and State-Owned Enterprises against the clear,” the statement added.

The federal government has vowed to cut expenditures to improve the economy since taking office.

But Dr Bengali has expressed concerns over how the government handled the economy.