ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday emphasised that privatising loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs) is a top priority of his government, calling the recent “successful” privatisation of 75 percent of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) shares the first step towards achieving this goal.
While chairing a meeting on Privatisation Commission affairs, the PM directed that reforms in the Privatisation Commission be expedited. In a briefing to the PM, the Privatisation Commission officials stated that the process of privatising electricity distribution companies would be divided into two phases.
The PM said the best talent from the private sector and the market should be appointed to the Privatisation Commission, adding that all appointments should be made in a completely transparent manner.
He also directed the Privatisation Commission to digitise its processes and stressed that its projects should undergo a third-party audit by an internationally recognised firm. Additionally, the PM instructed the commission to improve its public relations and marketing departments.
During the briefing, the Privatisation Commission informed the PM about ongoing reforms.
The officials said the commission plans to recruit advisors from the market in finance, human resources, law, information technology, and media management. Consultants will also be appointed for strategy, policy, transactions, and power sectors, they added.
The foundation of these reforms is based on strategic discipline, strong governance, institutional capacity improvement, and transparent communication with stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Federal Minister for Power Division Awais Laghari, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, and other senior government officials.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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