Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of Utility Stores employees led by All Pakistan Workers Alliance Secretary General Syed Arif Hussain Shah. The delegation briefed the minister on the potential impacts of the planned shutdown, expressing concerns over the livelihoods of thousands of employees.

Assuring his full support, Khursheed Shah said, “The PPP stands firmly with the employees of Utility Stores and will not allow their economic murder.” He emphasised that closing the corporation would directly hurt low-income families who rely on subsidised essential goods.

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Calling the decision “a breach of parliamentary promises,” Shah said the matter had already been raised at the highest political level. He confirmed that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had conveyed his concerns to the prime minister.

Shah further stated that once the finance minister returns to the country, the issue will be taken up with the relevant government committee to press for a reversal of the decision.

The PPP has demanded that the government immediately withdraw the closure plan, stressing that it would not only deprive poor citizens of affordable goods but also leave thousands of workers jobless.