PM Shehbaz approves overhaul to fast-track development via public-private partnerships

ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday approved key reforms aimed at accelerating development projects through public-private partnerships, as he chaired a high-level meeting in the federal capital.

The prime minister gave in-principle approval to further streamline the Public Private Partnership Authority and strengthen the broader framework governing such collaborations. The move is intended to improve coordination and speed up the execution of infrastructure and development initiatives across the country.

As part of the restructuring, the P3A will now operate under the privatisation division, a shift designed to align its functioning with modern requirements and enhance efficiency in project delivery. Officials said the decision would help create a more integrated and responsive system for public-private partnerships.

The prime minister also directed authorities to build the capacity of relevant ministries and departments to better initiate and manage projects under this model. He emphasised that performance indicators for government institutions should include their ability to launch and implement development schemes through public-private partnerships.

Sharif said the government was working to make the system more transparent and efficient through the P3A, underscoring the importance of private sector participation in driving economic growth and infrastructure development.

During the meeting, participants were presented with a comparative review of public-private partnership models adopted in various countries at regional and global levels. Officials also briefed the forum on the structure of the proposed new system, outlining changes aimed at improving oversight and coordination.

Under the revised framework, the P3A will be supervised by the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation as well as the privatisation division, according to the briefing.

The prime minister instructed officials to expedite implementation of the newly approved system and ensure swift progress on reforms.

The meeting was attended by several federal ministers, including Musadik Malik, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahsan Iqbal, and Muhammad Aurangzeb, along with senior officials.