Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to expedite the privatisation of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), reiterating that the disposal of loss-making State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) remains a key government priority.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, the prime minister instructed officials to ensure complete transparency throughout the privatisation process and put in place a robust regulatory framework immediately after the transition of DISCOs to private ownership.

During a briefing on progress, officials informed the meeting that Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) would be privatised in the first phase. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the transactions have already been published in national and international newspapers.

The meeting was told that the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation has approved the transaction structure for the sale of the three power distribution companies.

Officials further informed the prime minister that international roadshows will begin this month to attract potential investors from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and China.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Sardar Awais Leghari, Adviser to the Prime Minister Muhammad Ali, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, and senior government officials.