PC requests tempered fleet from FBR to accelerate PSEs Privatisation

By Shahzad Paracha

ISLAMABAD: In a bid to fast-track the privatisation of struggling Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), the Privatisation Commission has formally requested four pre-owned, fuel-efficient vehicles from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Hum News has learnt that in a letter addressed to the Member Customs (Operations), Privatisation Commission has outlined the need for these vehicles to facilitate official activities associated with the ongoing privatisation programme.

According to sources, the request is aligned with the directives of the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) regarding the expedited privatisation of PSEs included in the current programme. The Commission emphasised its commitment to engaging in consecutive meetings with various stakeholders, including National and International Investors, Bankers, Chartered Accountants, Lawyers, Financial Advisors, Federal Secretaries, and other relevant entities. The objective is to ensure the swift completion of the privatisation process as mandated by the CCoP.

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The Commission highlighted the escalating workload resulting from continuous engagements and meetings. In the official communication, it stated that the existing fleet of outdated vehicles at the Privatisation Commission is inadequate to meet the demands of its busy schedule, adversely affecting operational functions.

Considering the government’s austerity measures, the Commission communicated its decision not to procure new vehicles at this stage. Instead, it proposed a government-to-government transaction, urging the FBR to provide four fuel-efficient cars under the terms and conditions of the Pakistan Customs.

Notably, the Privatisation Commission recently approved the hiring of financial advisors for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airline (PIA). Sources revealed that government departments frequently request tempered (secondhand) vehicles from the FBR for official use, although concerns have been raised about officials often using these vehicles for personal purposes.