Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that privatization of loss-making state-owned enterprises is a primary focus for the government. He conveyed this during a meeting held in Islamabad concerning the Privatization Commission’s activities.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister highlighted the successful privatization of 75 percent shares of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as a pivotal step in this initiative. He instructed officials to advance the digitization efforts within the Privatization Commission and expedite the reform process.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of appointing competent manpower from the private sector and market into the Privatization Commission, ensuring all appointments are executed transparently. He called for a third-party audit of the Commission’s projects by a firm adhering to international standards, aiming to enhance accountability and efficiency.

Further directives were issued to improve the public relations and marketing strategies of the Privatization Commission. The meeting was briefed on the upcoming privatization of power distribution companies, which will occur in two phases. Initially, the focus will be on privatizing the Islamabad Electric Supply Company, Gujranwala Electric Power Company, and Faisalabad Electric Power Company. This will be followed by the privatization of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company and Sukkur Electric Power Company.