ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed that the privatisation of control distribution companies ( DISCOs) be “ accelerated ”, reiterating that offloading loss-making state-owned enterprises ( SOEs) was a priority for the government. In a handout, the Prime Minister ’ s Office ( PMO) indicated PM Shehbaz had presided in excess of a high-level review meeting in Islamabad earlier in the day. The latest findings add a new dimension to an already closely watched situation.

Background

The backdrop to this story helps explain both the urgency and the broader implications.

“ The prime minister instructed officials to ensure complete transparency throughout the privatisation operation and establish a robust regulatory framework immediately following the transition of the Discos to the private sector, ” the handout declared.

During the briefing, the meeting was informed that Islamabad Electric Supply Company ( IESCO), Gujranwala Electric Control Company ( GEPCO) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company ( FESCO) would be privatised in the first phase.

In a related development, expressions of interest ( EOIs) for the process had already been published in nationwide and international newspapers, it further stated.

Analysis

Those with expertise in the area say the timing of this development is particularly notable.

“ The meeting was further informed that the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation had approved the transaction structure for the privatisation of the three DISCOs, ” the handout said, adding that international roadshows were scheduled to begin this month to attract investors from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and China.

Against this backdrop, deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Sardar Awais Leghari, Privatisation Adviser Muhammad Ali, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, and relevant government officials attended the meeting.

Observers have also noted that global Fund appeciates govt ’ s step in eliminating TB, HIV/AIDS Later in the day, PM Shehbaz acknowledged the Worldwide Fund as a key partner of Pakistan in improving its healthcare system and appreciated its role in strengthening public health in the developing world.

National Impact

Beyond the immediate headlines, this development could reshape how the issue is handled.

Per to a handout, the prime minister met a International Fund delegation in Islamabad led by Mark Edington of the Global Fund ’ s Grant Management Division, along with Senior Portfolio Manager Izaskun Gaviria and Deputy General Counsel Natasha Heffinck.

Alongside the primary story, pM Shehbaz welcomed the delegation on arrival in Pakistan and underlined that the country valued its partnership with the Universal Fund, the handout noted, adding: “ He highlighted that the government was committed to eliminating TB, HIV and malaria from the country and was making total efforts in this regard.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, “ Your partnership is strengthening our efforts to eliminate HIV, tuberculosis and malaria from Pakistan, ” the prime minister was quoted as saying.

In a related development, “ He in addition directed the formation of a joint working group between the government of Pakistan and the Global Fund on the prevention of HIV/AIDS. ” Officials of the Ministry of National Health Services apprised the delegation of the government ’ s efforts regarding the prevention of TB, HIV and malaria in Pakistan, it further stated.

Alongside the primary story, the delegation thanked the government for hosting it and appreciated the steps taken to eliminate TB, HIV and malaria, reiterating its partnership with Pakistan in efforts to eradicate these diseases.

What Happens Next

As this story continues to evolve, all eyes will remain on how key figures and institutions respond. Further developments are expected, and this news outlet will continue to follow the situation closely as it unfolds in the coming days.