PM steps up efforts to privatise Discos

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered an aggressive push to attract leading international investors for the privatisation of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), alongside a one-month deadline for completing institutional reforms in the Privatisation Commission. Chairing a review meeting on the privatisation of electricity distribution companies and the restructuring of the Privatisation Commission, the prime minister directed the authorities to adopt a comprehensive strategy to ensure the participation of leading international investors in the process. He stressed that all stages of the first phase of DISCO privatisation should be completed in accordance with established rules and international best practices, while ensuring maximum value for the state. READ MORE: PC recommends privatisation of first batch of Discos Expressing satisfaction over investor outreach efforts, the prime minister said roadshows held in Pakistan and abroad had generated encouraging interest in the government’s privatisation programme. The prime minister also directed that the Privatisation Commission’s ongoing institutional reforms and organisational restructuring be completed within one month. He instructed that the commission’s workforce be strengthened through the induction of internationally recognised experts in finance, law and information technology. He said the inclusion of world-class professionals would enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and help attract greater investment in state-owned enterprises. He further directed that recommendations of consultants with the highest level of professional expertise be incorporated at every stage of the privatisation process. The prime minister instructed the relevant authorities to complete all legal formalities and put in place the required financial and regulatory framework in time to facilitate the privatisation process. Emphasising the need to protect consumers, the prime minister said public interest must remain a priority throughout the privatisation exercise. He also directed that an effective institutional mechanism be established within the privatised entities to ensure prompt resolution of consumer complaints. During the meeting, officials informed the prime minister that roadshows aimed at attracting investors for the first phase of DISCO privatisation – involving Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) – had been successfully conducted both within Pakistan and overseas. According to the briefing, investor engagement campaigns in Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and China had produced encouraging results and generated positive interest in the proposed sale of the three power distribution companies. The Privatisation Commission officials also briefed the meeting on progress made in the first phase of the DISCO privatisation programme, as well as ongoing institutional reforms, including the recruitment of highly qualified professionals to strengthen the commission’s operational capacity. The meeting was attended by Minister for Power Awais Leghari, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali and senior government officials. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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