The government will begin the privatization of three electricity distribution companies during the last quarter of 2026 after completing the bidding process, a senior Privatization Commission official told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Privatization.
Privatization Commission Secretary Usman Akhtar Bajwa said Expressions of Interest have already been invited for the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO).
He said the three utilities were selected because their transmission and distribution losses of around 9 percent to 10 percent are considered manageable and their financial position makes them more attractive to investors.
According to the commission, the deadline for Expressions of Interest is August 7 for FESCO, August 6 for GEPCO, and September 7 for IESCO. After the initial phase, the government plans to begin the privatization of the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO).
Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) and Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company (TESCO) have been excluded from the privatization program under government directives.
The committee was also briefed on the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines. Privatization Commission Chairman Muhammad Ali said PIA had assets worth Rs. 191 billion and liabilities of Rs. 182 billion before the transaction.
He said the government has already received Rs. 10 billion, while the buyer has exercised its option to acquire the remaining 25 percent stake for Rs. 45 billion, bringing the total transaction value to Rs. 55 billion.
Officials added that the new owners have injected Rs. 80 billion into PIA to strengthen its finances, modernize its fleet, improve operations, and enhance customer services. The committee was also updated on the outsourcing of Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore airports, as well as the privatization of the House Building Finance Corporation.
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