PM directs faster privatisation of Discos

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed officials to speed up the privatisation of power distribution companies, saying the disposal of loss-making state-owned enterprises remains a key government priority, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on the privatisation of distribution companies, the prime minister was briefed that Islamabad Electric Supply Company, Gujranwala Electric Power Company and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company will be offered in the first phase. Officials informed the meeting that expressions of interest for the three entities had already been published in national and international newspapers, while the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation has also cleared the transaction structure.

Officials present at the meeting said the prime minister stressed the need to move quickly while keeping the process transparent. "Loss-making state-owned enterprises are our priority for privatisation," they informed.

He also instructed the relevant authorities to put in place a strong regulatory framework after the privatisation of the DISCOs and emphasised that transparency should be maintained at every stage.

The meeting was further told that roadshows would be launched during the month to draw investor interest, including international sessions for potential investors from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and China.

Meeting with Global Fund delegation

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a delegation of the Global Fund in Islamabad led by Mark Edington of the organisation’s Grant Management Division. Other members of the delegation included Senior Portfolio Manager Izaskun Gaviria and Deputy General Counsel Natasha Heffinck.

The prime minister described the Global Fund as an important partner for Pakistan in efforts to improve the healthcare system and acknowledged its contribution to public health in the developing world. He said the government was committed to eliminating the spread of tuberculosis, HIV and malaria in the country and was making full efforts toward that goal.

During the meeting, the prime minister said the partnership with the Global Fund was reinforcing Pakistan’s campaign against major infectious diseases.

"Your partnership is strengthening our efforts to eliminate HIV, tuberculosis and malaria from Pakistan," he said.

He also directed the formation of a joint working group between the Government of Pakistan and the Global Fund on the prevention of HIV. Officials of the Ministry of National Health briefed the visiting delegation on the government’s efforts to prevent tuberculosis, HIV and malaria in Pakistan.