PM Shehbaz Directs Consumer Interests Be Prioritized in DISCOs Privatization
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to place consumer interests at the forefront of the privatization process of Pakistan’s electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), while emphasizing the need to attract world-class investors through a comprehensive strategy.
The directives were issued during a review meeting chaired by the prime minister on the privatization of DISCOs and the institutional restructuring of the Privatization Commission.
Shehbaz Sharif instructed officials to adopt an effective and comprehensive strategy to ensure the participation of internationally reputed investors in the privatization process. He also directed that the ongoing organizational reforms and restructuring of the Privatization Commission be completed within one month.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction over successful domestic and international roadshows held to attract investors, saying the privatization of DISCOs should be completed within the prescribed timeline, in accordance with established rules and international best practices, while ensuring maximum value.
He further directed that the Privatization Commission strengthen its workforce by recruiting experts in finance, law, and information technology to enhance the institution’s capacity and improve investor confidence.
Shehbaz Sharif also stressed the importance of engaging highly qualified professional consultants and ensuring the timely completion of all legal arrangements and financial regulatory frameworks required for the privatization process.
Highlighting consumer protection, the prime minister instructed that a comprehensive and effective grievance redress mechanism be established for customers of privatized utilities to safeguard consumer rights in the future.
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister that roadshows aimed at attracting investors for the first phase of DISCO privatization—including GEPCO, FESCO, and IESCO—have been completed both domestically and internationally.
The briefing noted that investor outreach efforts in Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and China have received encouraging responses. Officials also presented updates on progress made in the first phase of the privatization program and the ongoing restructuring of the Privatization Commission.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization Muhammad Ali, and senior government officials.
