Utility Stores Corporation (USC) stores opened throughout Pakistan on Friday after staying shut for over two weeks. The federal government had in the past threatened to shut down the operations of the cash-strapped state enterprise, an action that led to a protest by thousands of its employees. But the Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, said that these stores were not closed forever but have been restructured for better business functioning.
The spokesman of USC has confirmed that all the outlets are now open and the available items including the groceries that are basic needs of the people such as soft drinks and cooking oil are available at lower prices for the convenience of the public. The reopening is expected to be of great help and benefit to consumers, especially during times of economic hardships.
The shutting down was declared by the federal government on August 23rd with orders to shut down the service within two weeks. USC, a state-owned company that was established in 1975, operates over 4,000 stores across the country selling cheap and basic goods. It is also among the government enterprises that the government has plans to privatize in the future.
The question about the future of USC came up in the Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production. During the discussion, Industries Secretary Saif Anjum pointed out that the cabinet has not reached a consensus on the full closure of the department or its control to the provincial authorities showing that the process is still in progress.
 stores opened throughout Pakistan on Friday after staying shut for over two weeks. The federal government had in the past threatened to shut down the operations of the cash-strapped state enterprise, an action that led to a protest by thousands of its employees. But the Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, said that these stores were not closed forever but have been restructured for better business functioning.){kind=link}