China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye have shown interest in acquiring stakes in Pakistan’s electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) as the government advances its privatization agenda in the power sector.

Officials from the Privatization Commission of Pakistan informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Privatization that investors from these countries are evaluating participation in upcoming privatization transactions, likely through joint ventures with local partners.

The government plans to divest between 51% and 100% ownership in three major utilities: Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), and Faisalabad Electric Power Company (FESCO).

To ensure wider participation and avoid concentration of ownership, authorities have decided that a single investor will not be allowed to acquire more than one DISCO.

According to officials, investment roadshows will be held in China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye to attract strategic and financial investors and present opportunities in the privatization pipeline.

The privatization program is part of broader structural reforms aimed at reducing distribution losses, improving recovery rates, enhancing operational efficiency, and lowering fiscal pressure on the power sector.

Officials said the planned transactions represent one of the most significant efforts in recent years to bring private sector participation into Pakistan’s electricity distribution network, which has long struggled with inefficiencies and financial losses.

The government expects that private ownership and management will improve service delivery and strengthen the financial sustainability of the sector while attracting long-term foreign investment.