The Privatisation Commission (PC) Board has proposed significant adjustments to Pakistan’s ongoing privatisation programme, including the addition of three state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the removal of two others from the list.
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The decisions were made during a meeting chaired by Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation and Chairman of the Privatisation Commission. The recommendations follow a comprehensive review conducted by the PC Board’s Investment Committee.
According to the evaluation, 15 SOEs were reviewed for potential inclusion in the privatisation pipeline. After detailed scrutiny, the Committee recommended Saindak Metals Limited (SML), Pakistan Minerals Development Corporation (PMDC), and National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) for placement on the active Privatisation Programme. The remaining 12 entities were deemed non-viable for privatisation.
The Board also approved the delisting of Sindh Engineering Limited (SEL) and Utility Stores Corporation (USC). SEL has been non-operational since 2007–08 and its primary asset—land—is tied up in litigation. Meanwhile, USC has already halted operations following a government directive, with its liabilities far exceeding its assets.
Reaffirming its policy direction, the PC Board noted that the privatisation agenda remains aligned with the government’s broader SOE reform and fiscal consolidation strategy. It stressed that transparency, market feasibility, and public interest will continue to guide all decisions.
The Board further stated that only SOEs meeting the criteria of viability and transaction readiness will be moved forward in the privatisation process. For non-viable entities, administrative ministries have been encouraged to explore alternative solutions, including liquidation.
This strategic prioritisation aims to ensure efficient use of institutional resources and to pursue privatisation transactions that are practical, credible, and aligned with Pakistan’s economic goals.
