PC Board advances DISCOs’ sell-off, approves Roosevelt Hotel Adviser

ISLAMABAD: The Privatisation Commission (PC) Board has approved key recommendations for submission to the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) regarding the privatisation of the first batch of power distribution companies (DISCOs), including Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO).

The PC Board met here on Tuesday, with Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, in the chair. The Board approved the proposed transaction structure, pre-qualification criteria, and restructuring plans for each of the three DISCOs, marking a major milestone in the transaction process.

The recommendations of the PC Board will now be submitted to the CCoP for consideration and approval at its forthcoming meeting. Following approval, Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will be invited from prospective investors.

The Board noted that the proposed framework is designed to attract credible private-sector participation and unlock value in the power distribution sector.

It also reviewed reforms proposed for the post-privatisation regulatory framework presented by the Privatisation Commission. The envisaged reforms aim to ensure commercial sustainability, regulatory predictability, and improved service quality in the power distribution sector.

In a separate agenda item, the Board approved the consortium led by Citibank as the top-ranked bidder for appointment as Financial Adviser for the privatisation of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York. The Board also constituted a negotiation committee to finalise the Financial Advisory Services Agreement (FASA) with the successful consortium.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the government’s privatisation programme in a transparent, efficient, and results-oriented manner, with a focus on the timely execution of key transactions.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026