The federal government has formally moved into the implementation stage of its power sector privatisation programme, with the sale process for three major electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) now underway. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) have been issued, and the transaction framework has received official approval, marking a significant step in the government’s broader economic reform agenda.
The progress was reviewed during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, where officials briefed participants on developments related to the privatisation of state-owned power distribution companies.
Addressing the meeting, the prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to restructuring and divesting loss-making public sector entities. He emphasized that improving the efficiency of the power sector remains a key objective of the administration’s economic strategy.
“Privatisation of financially struggling state-owned enterprises remains one of the government’s foremost priorities,” the prime minister said, directing relevant authorities to expedite the process while ensuring complete transparency at every stage.
He also instructed policymakers to develop a robust regulatory framework that would govern the operations of privatised distribution companies and safeguard consumer interests after the transfer of ownership.
Officials informed the meeting that the first phase of the privatisation programme would focus on three major power distribution companies: the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO).
According to the briefing, Expressions of Interest for the sale of these utilities have already been advertised in both domestic and international publications to attract a broad pool of investors.
The meeting was further informed that the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation has approved the transaction structure for the three companies, paving the way for the next stages of the bidding process.
To generate investor interest, the government has planned a series of roadshows during the current month. These events are aimed at presenting investment opportunities in Pakistan’s power distribution sector to local and foreign stakeholders.
Officials said international investor outreach campaigns are also being conducted in key markets, including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and China, with the objective of attracting strategic investors capable of bringing capital, technical expertise, and operational efficiencies to the sector.
The privatisation initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to reduce fiscal burdens caused by underperforming state-owned enterprises, improve service delivery, and address longstanding inefficiencies in the country’s power distribution system.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani, and other senior government officials.
