PM Shehbaz orders swift, transparent privatisation of loss-making state firms

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday chaired a review meeting on the proposed privatisation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and directed that national interest and long-term institutional efficiency must remain the top priorities throughout the process.

He said the government would hire internationally recognised experts to ensure transparency and professional handling of the privatisation plan. The Prime Minister also instructed officials to take immediate steps under a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the internal capacity and performance of government institutions.

Shehbaz Sharif made it clear that the government would not tolerate administrative delays or bureaucratic hurdles. He said the best possible agreements should be ensured for the institutions involved so that the outcomes directly benefit the economy and the people.

The Prime Minister announced that he would personally monitor the progress of privatisation and hold regular review meetings to ensure timely implementation.

During the briefing, he was informed that progress had been made on the privatisation of 15 out of 24 identified state-owned entities. He directed the authorities to complete the process for loss-making and non-functional organisations at the earliest, avoiding unnecessary delays or complications.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Owais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior officials.

PM praises security forces for successful Dera Ismail Khan operation

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for successfully conducting an operation against militants in Dera Ismail Khan’s Daraban area, where seven terrorists were killed.

He paid tribute to Major Sibtain Haider, who embraced martyrdom during the operation while thwarting the enemy’s plans. The Prime Minister prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s rank in the hereafter and for strength and patience for his family.

Shehbaz Sharif said that the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces were serving day and night to protect the motherland. He said the entire nation took pride in their bravery and commitment.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism would continue until the threat was completely eliminated. He said the whole nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in their firm resolve to defend the country.