Economist Kaiser Bengali has stated that the government should prioritize controlling financial deficits, suggesting that the closure of certain institutions could save up to Rs30 billion.

While speaking at a press conference in Karachi, the economist said that he resigned from the High-Powered Committee for Rightsizing, tasked with restructuring the federal government.

“The burden of this restructuring is disproportionately falling on low-income segments of society,” he said and added that there were a total of 40 divisions and it was recommended to make decisions on five divisions at a time, proposing interviews with the heads of subordinate institutions.

He pointed out that there were only three institutions focused on population control and despite their presence, the issue remains unaddressed. Bengali criticised the existence of the Pakistan Gems and Jewelry Company and the Pakistan Gems and Jewelers Authority, arguing that instead of being closed, these should be placed under the Ministry of Petroleum, a move he found perplexing.

Bengali has expressed disappointment over the government’s apparent lack of interest in reducing expenditures. He noted that the committee has only recommended the closure of one out of the 70 identified government institutions, which he finds concerning. The committee proposed privatising 17 commercial entities while recommending the retention of 52 government organizations.