Discos privatisation: govt seeks Turkish help

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has sought participation of experienced and reputable international private-sector investors in the bidding process for the privatisation of its Power Distribution Companies (Discos), and sees Turkiye’s involvement as particularly significant due to its extensive experience in the sector.

This was stated by Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, during a meeting on Tuesday with Turkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar.

The federal minister appreciated the Turkish government for facilitating study opportunities for Pakistan’s power-sector experts, enabling them to examine Turkiye’s largely privatised and efficient power model.

Discos’ sell off: ‘Turkish model’ under consideration

He said Pakistan will soon offer its first three Discos for privatisation and that an Expression of Interest (EOI) for investors is ready for issuance. Acknowledging the strengths of the Turkish model, Sardar Awais Leghari called for closer collaboration between officials and institutions of the two countries during the privatisation process. He specifically highlighted Turkiye’s successful implementation of the concession model.

He also emphasised the need for Turkish support in training human resources from Pakistan’s power-sector organisations.

The federal minister briefed his counterpart on ongoing reforms and the investment opportunities within Pakistan’s power-sector entities. He added that the Power Division is developing an Integrated Energy Plan for the country and seeks Turkiye’s assistance, given its proven success in long-term energy planning.

The Turkish Energy minister expressed gratitude for the warm reception and noted that Turkish investors are closely monitoring Pakistan’s power-sector privatisation process. He expressed the hope that Turkish participation would be substantial.

Agreeing to organise road shows in Turkiye, he offered to use the Turkish Investment Forum for this purpose and assured full cooperation. He added that Pakistan’s power market is of great importance, noting that Turkiye is already a major investor in sectors such as mining, which is closely linked to the power industry. Previously, both sides agreed to continue arrangements for a technical assistance visit by TEDAS to Pakistan regarding power distribution, operations, and maintenance.

Pakistan also shared the composition of sub-groups on key themes agreed during the 6th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting: (i) regulatory collaboration; (ii) development of the National Electricity Plan and Integrated Energy Plan; (iii) renewable energy (including geothermal); and (iv) energy efficiency and conservation.

Turkiye will share its sub-group compositions shortly. Both sides also agreed to activate the sub-groups to begin technical discussions and report back to the JWG.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025