50 state-owned enterprises to be privatised in next four years, govt tells World Bank

The government plans to privatise up to 50 state-owned enterprises (SOEs) within the next three to four years, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema informed a World Bank delegation. 

During a meeting with Executive Directors (EDs) and Alternate Executive Directors (AEDs) of the World Bank Group (WBG), the minister outlined Pakistan’s privatisation roadmap as part of ongoing economic reforms. He noted that while one-third of SOEs are considered strategic assets, the remaining enterprises would be sold off in phases.

In the first phase, the government aims to privatise power distribution companies (DISCOs), followed by the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other SOEs in subsequent rounds.

Cheema also discussed challenges in the power sector, highlighting high consumer tariffs, technical losses, and efforts toward full cost recovery. He underscored Pakistan’s focus on renewable energy and reducing inefficiencies in power distribution to improve sector performance.

He further stated that Pakistan’s economy is showing positive signs of recovery, with an increased public sector development programme (PSDP) aimed at strengthening infrastructure and social initiatives.

The World Bank delegation expressed support for Pakistan’s new Country Partnership Framework (CPF), which oversees $40 billion in funding for development projects. The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Pakistan in achieving its economic and structural reform goals.

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