PM Shehbaz orders swift Discos privatisation

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the relevant authorities to accelerate the privatisation process of power distribution companies (Discos), reiterating that offloading loss-making State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) was a priority for the government.

Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on the privatisation of Discos, the premier reiterated that the privatisation of loss-making public-sector entities remained a top government priority, according to a statement a issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

The prime minister was informed that three electricity distributors, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco), would be privatised in the first phase.

Expressions of interest for the three Discos had already been published in both national and international newspapers. The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation has also approved the transaction structure for the process.

"Loss-making state-owned enterprises are our priority for privatisation," the premier said, according to officials present at the meeting. He directed relevant authorities to expedite the process and ensure it is completed with full transparency.

The meeting was informed that roadshows would be launched that month to attract investors, with international sessions also planned for potential investors from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and China.

The premier also instructed officials to establish a robust regulatory framework following the privatisation of the DISCOs and stressed that transparency must be maintained at every stage of the process.

Global Fund

The prime minister acknowledged the Global Fund as a critical partner of Pakistan in improving its healthcare system and appreciated the fund's significant role and contribution in improving public health in the developing world.

Shehbaz met the Global Fund delegation here led by Mark Edington of the Global Fund's Grant Management Division alongside other members including Senior Portfolio Manager Izaskun Gaviria and Deputy General Counsel Natasha Heffinck.

The premier highlighted that the government was committed to eliminate the spread of TB, HIV and malaria from the country and was making full efforts in this regard.

"Your partnership is strengthening our efforts to eliminate HIV, tuberculosis and malaria from Pakistan," the prime minister said. He also directed to form a joint working group between the Government of Pakistan and the Global Fund regarding the prevention of HIV virus.

The officials of the Ministry of National Health apprised the delegation of the government's efforts regarding the prevention of TB, HIV and malaria in Pakistan.