Govt moves to overhaul PPP law to boost transparency, accountability and execution

• Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema vows ‘forward-looking’ reforms in P3A framework for legal and structural revamp

• Cabinet Committee on Privatization to get stronger oversight role as P3A likely to shift to Privatization Division for better coordination

• New project pipeline and bidding mechanism to boost investor confidence with dedicated project facility proposed to fast-track viable PPP initiatives

 ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema on Friday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to introducing “constructive and forward-looking” reforms to the Public Private Partnership Authority (P3A) law aimed at strengthening institutional performance and ensuring greater transparency and accountability in public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review the proposed amendments, the minister said the key reforms in the P3A law would significantly improve governance, transparency, efficiency, and implementation mechanisms for PPP projects across the country.

The meeting deliberated on a series of legal and structural reforms envisioned to enhance the overall framework governing public-private partnerships and align institutional mechanisms with evolving development needs.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Secretary Privatization Division Hammad Shamimi, Secretary Privatization Commission Usman Akhtar Bajwa, Secretary Law and Justice Raja Naeem Akbar, along with senior officials of P3A, attended the meeting and briefed the minister on the proposed amendments under consideration, according to a news release.

During the discussion, Ahad Cheema underscored the government’s resolve to introduce reforms that would strengthen institutional performance and enhance transparency and accountability in PPP initiatives.

He acknowledged the proposed amendments to the P3A law and appreciated the ongoing efforts to modernize and improve the country’s public-private partnership framework.

The meeting was informed that under the proposed reforms, the Cabinet Committee on Privatization would be further strengthened, while P3A’s role would be streamlined to focus more effectively on project implementation and execution.

It was also discussed that, in line with the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, P3A would be shifted from the Planning Division to the Privatization Division to improve coordination, institutional alignment, and operational efficiency in managing PPP initiatives.

The proposed reforms also include the development of a structured project pipeline and a more organized bidding mechanism aimed at improving project planning and boosting investor confidence.

Under the new framework, business councils and chambers would also be encouraged to participate in developing project pipelines to strengthen private-sector engagement.

Additionally, a dedicated Project Development Facility has been proposed to support the preparation and execution of viable PPP projects.

Participants were informed that the reforms are designed to strengthen troubleshooting mechanisms, enhance monitoring systems, and reinforce the advisory role related to PPP projects for improved oversight and efficiency.

The amendments also seek to streamline access to land, electricity, and other utility services required for PPP initiatives, facilitating smoother and faster implementation of projects.

The minister reiterated the government’s resolve to establish a modern, transparent, and investor-friendly PPP framework to support sustainable economic growth and encourage greater private-sector participation in national development projects.