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State-owned enterprises ordered to freeze hiring and promotions following pre-election surge in appointments

The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) has instructed state-owned enterprises to freeze staff promotions and suspend new recruitment, except for essential operational roles. To further curb expenditure and manage cash flow amid economic uncertainties stemming from Middle East tensions, companies have also been directed to minimize overtime pay and halt all non-essential overseas official travel and training programs.