Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to complete all stages of the privatisation of state firms programme within the prescribed timelines, while stressing that Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) must continue supporting farmers even after being transferred to private ownership.
Chairing a meeting on Monday to review progress on the privatisation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the prime minister instructed ministries and relevant institutions to coordinate closely to avoid delays in implementing the government’s privatisation plan.
He said the framework for ZTBL’s privatisation should be designed to protect the bank’s primary role of providing agricultural financing, particularly to small and medium-sized farmers.
Mr Sharif said ensuring access to credit for farmers was essential to increasing agricultural productivity, describing the sector as critical to Pakistan’s economic growth and food security.
Officials told the meeting that 27 state-owned enterprises had been placed on the government’s privatisation list, to be completed in three phases.
The government said the financial closing process for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the First Women Bank had been completed. Management control of PIA was transferred to its new owners on 29 June 2026.
The meeting was also informed that Expressions of Interest (EOIs) had been invited for the privatisation of Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) and Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO).
According to officials, several international companies have shown interest in acquiring the three electricity distribution companies, while investor roadshows are currently under way.
The prime minister also reviewed progress on the proposed privatisation of Islamabad International Airport, Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, directing officials to monitor all transactions closely and complete them within the agreed deadlines.
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