Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the government to expedite the privatization process of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that are burdening the national exchequer, emphasizing that national interest and professional efficiency must remain top priorities.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the proposed privatization of public institutions at the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier instructed that delays, red tape, and administrative hurdles will not be tolerated in the privatization process.
The prime minister further directed that internationally reputed experts should be engaged to ensure transparency, competitiveness, and long-term benefits from the privatization of selected entities.
He emphasized that a comprehensive strategy should be implemented to strengthen the internal capacity and performance of state-owned enterprises to make them more efficient and self-sustaining.
According to official briefings during the meeting, progress was reviewed on the privatization of 15 out of 24 state institutions currently under consideration. The prime minister instructed that the process be completed swiftly while avoiding institutional and procedural complexities.
PM Shehbaz announced that he would personally monitor the privatization progress through regular review meetings to ensure transparency and accountability.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and senior government officials.
