Abdul Ahmad

Utility Stores Corporation Pakistan

Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan operates chain stores throughout Pakistan that provide basic commodities to general public at rates which are lower than the open market. Utility Stores Corporation is a semi-autonomous Corporation governed by a Board of Directors and headed by a Managing Director. Utility Stores Corporation was established in July 1971, by taking over 20 retail outlets from the Staff Welfare Organization. Passing through various stages of expansion and reorganization, the Corporation at present is operating 6000 stores throughout the Country Major functions • Provision of large varieties of goods to consumers at lower prices under one roof • Bulk procurement at the time of harvesting, so as to pass rebate to the consumers • Bulk breaking and packing of essential commodities in small packs at USC warehouses • Large network of warehouses – 63 warehouses and 5,800 outlets throughout the country • Penetration to rural areas through opening of outlets at Union Council level. More than 60% stores are in the rural areas • Contribution to the National Exchequer through various types of taxes. USC is one of the largest Tax Payers in the country. • Uniform prices throughout the country • Support to the agro-based industrial sector • Creation of direct and indirect employment and poverty reduction • Provision of essential commodities to consumers at reduced prices at the time of shortage through subsidized operation Special role • Food security during crisis. USC provided quick packages during natural calamities of October 2005, and during the floods. • Intervention in market through sales of subsidized items • Government relief packages, e.g. Ramzan package • Market intelligence