Science Ministry Cuts 200+ Jobs in Restructuring Drive

In a sweeping decision by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), over 200 jobs are being eliminated as part of a major restructuring plan. The move, backed by the Rightsizing Committee, targets inefficiencies across multiple organizations. The Council for Works and Housing Research (CWHR) and the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST) are set to be dissolved entirely, retaining only core experts.

The Pakistan Council for Renewable Energy Technology (PCRET) may be shut down unless merged with institutions like National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) or National University of Technology (NUTECH). The National Institute of Electronics (NIE) faces a similar fate, pending integration with another suitable entity. STEDEC, a state-run corporation with minimal impact over four decades, will be closed.

Drastic changes are also expected at the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (Ministry of Sci. & Tech., Govt. of Pakistan) (PSQCA), which will focus solely on standard-setting, move to digital processes, and cut its workforce by 50%. The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) is eyeing a 20-25% reduction through digital transformation.

Universities like NUST, NUTECH, and COMSATS University Islamabad will remain intact but must become financially independent. The Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), PASTIC, and Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) are also under review, with high performance and funding targets set to justify their continuation.

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