Massive Cutbacks Loom for NTC, PSEB and Ignite in Govt’s Downsizing Drive

The government has started a downsizing drive, targeting major departments under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), including the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and Ignite. Sources within the ministry confirm that extensive reforms are being planned to restructure these entities for improved efficiency and performance. The MoITT has hired international consultancy firm Alvarez & Marsal to lead the evaluation and restructuring process. The firm has started its work and is expected to submit recommendations focusing on institutional reforms, streamlining functions, and eliminating redundancies within these departments. A significant downsizing of NTC is under consideration, with internal sources suggesting that its overall size may be reduced by as much as 50%. Similar structural changes are expected at PSEB and Ignite, aimed at aligning their operations with core mandates and reducing unnecessary expenditures. These changes are also expected to encourage greater financial independence among the departments. According to officials, the objective of this restructuring is not only to cut costs but also to enhance service delivery and improve the strategic output of these bodies in Pakistan’s digital economy. The reforms are part of the broader government agenda to modernize public institutions and make them more responsive to evolving technological and economic demands. The scope of rightsizing may extend beyond NTC, PSEB, and Ignite, as the ministry considers further structural changes across other affiliated organizations. Authorities believe that once implemented, these reforms will boost institutional performance and contribute to the long-term growth of Pakistan’s IT and telecom sectors.