Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered an acceleration of the privatisation process for electricity distribution companies (Discos), directing authorities to broaden the programme while maintaining strict transparency and regulatory supervision.

Chairing a review meeting on the privatisation agenda, the prime minister reaffirmed that selling loss-making state-owned enterprises remains a top economic priority. He also stressed the need for a strong post-privatisation regulatory system to ensure efficient operations under private ownership.

Officials briefed the meeting on progress under the current privatisation roadmap. In the first phase, the government is moving ahead with the sale of three power distribution companies: Islamabad Electric Supply Company, Gujranwala Electric Power Company, and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company.

According to officials, Expressions of Interest (EoIs) have already been invited from potential investors, while the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation has approved the transaction structure. Investor roadshows are scheduled for later this month to attract both domestic and international bidders, including interest from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and China.

The meeting was attended by key cabinet members including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Power Minister Awais Leghari, and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.

The Privatisation Commission issued the EoI on May 19 for the three utilities, which are considered among the most commercially viable in Pakistan’s power sector. The deadline for bids is expected in the first quarter of the next fiscal year.

Collectively, the three companies serve over 14 million consumers across Punjab, Islamabad, and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Under the proposed structure, investors may acquire 51% to 100% stakes along with full management control.