PM Orders Fast-Track Privatization of 15 State Owned Enterprises

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the swift privatization of 15 out of 24 state-owned enterprises (SOEs), bypassing red tape and institutional delay. He also directed the recruitment of globally renowned experts to assist in the process. At a review meeting, the PM was briefed on the progress of SOE privatizations. Officials said that many inactive and loss-making entities burdening the national exchequer will be prioritized for divestment. He emphasized that national interest and future institutional capacity must guide the process. He also stressed that delays, bureaucracy, and internal hold-ups will not be tolerated. The PM mandated that privatization moves be strictly in line with PPRA rules and that he would personally oversee progress through regular sessions. The meeting was attended by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Energy Minister Awais Leghari, State Minister for Finance Bilal Kayani, and other senior officials. Earlier, the federal government had unveiled a five-year privatisation roadmap targeting 24 major SOEs to be privatized in phases by 2029