Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday chaired a meeting of the Rightsizing Sub-Committee, where a decision was taken to accelerate the process of restructuring and rightsizing the federal government.

The meeting reviewed progress on the eight stages of the rightsizing exercise. Officials briefed the committee that the first four stages had moved forward following approval by the federal cabinet, while recommendations for the fifth and sixth stages had been forwarded to the relevant authorities.

Work on the seventh and eighth stages is also underway, the meeting was informed.

The committee called for a clear action plan and fixed timelines to ensure the timely implementation of approved rightsizing measures.

Aurangzeb said the objective of rightsizing was not merely to reduce the size of the government but to improve efficiency, productivity and service delivery, reduce expenditure and enhance overall government performance.

He stressed that permanent savings resulting from approved rightsizing measures should be clearly identified. The financial impact of the exercise should also be fully incorporated into the national budget and the medium-term fiscal framework, he directed.

The meeting also reviewed the responsibilities and functions of the federal government and considered more than 150 institutional arrangements as part of the exercise.

The committee discussed options for improving performance by transferring certain functions and powers within government affairs and increasing private-sector participation where appropriate.

It was emphasized that government resources should be focused on essential functions. The workload and activities of institutions would be analyzed to determine their appropriate structure, responsibilities and staffing requirements.

The meeting noted that the rightsizing criteria would go beyond simply reducing the number of government institutions or employees. Greater emphasis would be placed on efficiency, productivity and improved public service delivery.

Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik stressed the need for clearly defined responsibilities to translate approved recommendations into practical measures.

The committee directed that progress on the rightsizing agenda be continuously monitored and that implementation of approved measures be ensured within the prescribed timelines.

Aurangzeb said sustainable improvements in government performance, financial management and the effective utilization of public resources remained the central objectives of the rightsizing initiative.