LOWER DIR: The closure of utility stores across Pakistan has sparked serious concern among citizens of Lower Dir, particularly among low-income families who rely heavily on these outlets for subsidised essential goods.
Residents and store employees alike are expressing anxiety over the socioeconomic consequences of such a decision. Utility stores, operated under the government’s Utility Stores Corporation (USC), have long served as a lifeline for underprivileged communities by providing essential commodities—such as flour, sugar, ghee, pulses, and rice—at reduced prices. With inflation already burdening the average household, many fear that the removal of this support system will push vulnerable families further into economic hardship.
In interviews with Pakhtun Digital, locals in Lower Dir voiced their strong reservations over the impending shutdowns. They stressed that utility stores were the only source where they could purchase household items at affordable rates. Many expressed concern over how they would manage their monthly expenses without access to subsidised goods.
A local resident, Mohammad Rafiq, said that for families like his, utility stores were a blessing amid rising market prices. “If these stores are shut down, where will we go? Private shops are unaffordable for most of us. This is not just a store issue—it’s a matter of survival,” he lamented. Beyond public inconvenience, another alarming consequence of the closures is the fate of the employees working at these stores. According to estimates, thousands of workers across the country, including a significant number in Lower Dir, would be rendered jobless. Many of these employees have been working for years, some even decades, and are now facing an uncertain future with no clear alternative employment options.
Store staff who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were deeply distressed. “We are not just losing jobs; we are losing our livelihoods. The government must reconsider this decision and either continue the stores or ensure alternative employment,” one worker said.
Local social and political activists have also begun to raise their voices, urging the federal government to review the decision. They argue that at a time when inflation is at record highs and purchasing power is declining, eliminating a vital public welfare system like the utility stores would be irresponsible and damaging. Observers say that while reform within the Utility Stores Corporation may be necessary to address inefficiencies, outright closure is not a sustainable solution.
They call for improved oversight, transparency, and funding rather than dismantling an institution that benefits millions. As the future of utility stores hangs in the balance, the people of Lower Dir are hoping that their voices will be heard and that authorities will take steps to protect both the economic interests of the public and the jobs of those who serve them.
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