Govt advances DISCOs’ privatisation as investor outreach begins
The government has formally initiated the privatization of power distribution companies (DISCOs), publishing Expressions of Interest for three utilities and approving the transaction structure to attract investors.
- Government's priority: privatizing loss-making state-owned enterprises.
- First phase DISCOs: Islamabad, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad Electric Supply Companies.
- International roadshows attracting investors from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and China.
The government’s plan to privatise power distribution companies (DISCOs) has formally entered its implementation phase, with Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for three utilities already published and the transaction structure approved by the government.
The development was disclosed during a review meeting on the privatisation of DISCOs, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday.
“Privatisation of loss-making state-owned enterprises is our priority,” the PM was quoted as saying in the official statement.
The PM directed authorities to accelerate the privatisation process for DISCOs. “The entire privatisation process must be completed with complete transparency,” he said, adding that a regulatory framework should be established following the privatisation of DISCOs.
During the meeting, the participants were briefed on progress regarding the privatisation of DISCOs. It was said that the first phase will include the privatisation of Islamabad Electric Supply Company, Gujranwala Electric Power Company and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company.
It was informed that the EoIs for the privatisation of these three DISCOs have already been published in national and international newspapers.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation has approved the transaction structure for these DISCOs.
The participants were informed that roadshows are being organised this month to attract investors. International roadshows are also being held targeting investors from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and China.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Ahmad, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Leghari, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kiani, and other senior government officials.
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