TRADE & ECONOMY

Privatisation Minister Pushes for Transparent Reforms in SOEs

Privatisation Minister Aleem Khan advocates swift, transparent reforms to ease the national exchequer's burden, focusing on PIA and power sector reforms.
2024-12-25
Privatisation Minister Pushes for Transparent Reforms in SOEs

Minister for Privatisation Abdul Aleem Khan has emphasized the importance of privatising state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to alleviate the financial strain on the national exchequer. Chairing a meeting of the Board of the Privatisation Commission on Tuesday, the minister outlined key priorities for accelerating reforms in major government entities.

Mr. Aleem announced that a new strategy would be employed for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) based on lessons learned from past experiences. Recent reforms, he said, have improved PIA’s appeal to potential buyers, paving the way for more favorable outcomes.

The minister underlined that all privatisation efforts must adhere strictly to laws and regulations, leaving no room for deviations from established procedures. He directed officials to expedite ongoing projects while maintaining full transparency.

Addressing the privatisation of power distribution companies, Mr. Aleem urged the Ministry of Energy to resolve pending issues within a week to ensure timely progress. He also called on the Privatisation Commission to engage with relevant ministries to expedite unresolved matters.

During the meeting, the board approved the proceedings of the previous session and reviewed recommendations for various SOEs.

The privatisation of loss-making government entities has been a cornerstone of the government’s economic policy, aiming to reduce fiscal deficits and improve the efficiency of critical sectors. As the process moves forward, stakeholders have reiterated the need for transparency and compliance with legal frameworks to ensure public trust and investor confidence.