ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered authorities to close down the Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD) due to “poor performance and corruption” over the years.

The department has 7,000 employees, whose fate hangs in the balance after the PM’s decision, but an official, on condition of anonymity, said they would move the courts against this decision.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz issued these directives during a meeting held on reducing government expenditures. During the meeting, the prime minister observed that the PWD as a department had failed to achieve its objectives and asked for alternate mechanisms for the development projects which were tasked to this department.

It has been learnt that the government is also seriously considering winding up many other government departments which have become a liability. The National Engi­neering Services of Pakistan, the National Construction, and the National Accountability Bureau might fall under the axe as per the proposed plan.

To reduce the expenditures, the prime minister was briefed about a report compiled by a committee headed by the planning commi­ssion deputy chairman.

The committee had recommended the abolishment of some government entities and the merger of others. The PM directed the committee to finalise its recommendations.

It has been learnt that after deciding to abolish PWD, the Ministry of Housing and Works has been directed to come up with a plan after consultations regarding the 7,000-plus PWD employees within one week.