- On August 7, 2025, the federal government officially unveiled a five-year plan to privatize 24 state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
- This step is part of broader economic reforms aimed at reducing financial losses and improving institutional efficiency.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
- Sectors Covered:
- Privatization will span power, finance, and industrial sectors.
- The plan will be carried out in three phases over five years.
- Entities Reportedly Included:
(Official list yet to be released; names gathered from media reports)- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) – Long-time loss-making national carrier
- Electricity companies – IESCO, GEPCO, FESCO
- Banks & finance bodies – First Women Bank, House Building Finance Corporation
- Industrial enterprises – Pakistan Engineering Company (PECO), multiple power generation firms
- Govt’s Justification:
- To reduce the burden of loss-making SOEs
- Improve service delivery and governance
- Generate revenue and address public debt
Mixed Public Response
- Support:
- Economists and policy experts have backed the move as a step toward fiscal stability.
- Criticism:
- Labor unions and opposition leaders warned of job losses and reduced access to services.
A more detailed list and timeline is expected to be released by the government in the coming weeks.
AamAwaam will continue to monitor developments.
