Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed that privatising loss-making state-owned enterprises remains a central priority of his government. He described the sale of 75 percent shares of Pakistan International Airlines as only the “first drop of rain”, indicating that wider and deeper structural reforms are planned.
Chairing a meeting of the Privatisation Commission, the prime minister urged officials to speed up reforms and strengthen the commission by bringing in market-based expertise. He directed that experienced professionals from the private sector be inducted in key fields such as finance, human resources, law, information technology and media management. He stressed that all appointments must be made transparently and on merit.
Shehbaz Sharif also called for the complete digitisation of the Privatisation Commission and ordered third-party audits of privatisation projects by internationally reputed firms. He underlined the importance of improving public relations and marketing functions to build confidence among investors and other stakeholders.
Officials briefed the prime minister on ongoing reforms, noting that market advisers would be hired for strategic roles, while specialised consultants would be engaged for policy, transactions and the power sector. They explained that the reform framework rests on strong governance, institutional capacity, strategic discipline and clear communication.
The meeting was also informed that power distribution companies will be privatised in two phases. In the first phase, IESCO, GEPCO and FESCO will be divested, followed by HESCO and SEPCO in the second phase.
Senior ministers and officials attended the meeting, signalling strong political backing for the government’s privatisation agenda.
