Pakistan aims to raise more than $1 billion by privatising five or six state-owned entities during the current fiscal year, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said in an interview with Reuters on October 12.
The figure is a government target, not proceeds already collected from completed transactions.
Five or six transactions targeted
Aurangzeb said the government had roughly a dozen entities in its privatisation pipeline and expected five or six transactions to advance during the fiscal year.
The programme includes state-owned electricity distribution companies and plans involving airport operations, according to the interview. The government has presented greater private-sector participation as a way to improve efficiency and reduce pressure on public finances.
Challenges ahead
Privatisation transactions depend on investor interest, valuations, regulatory approvals and the terms negotiated for individual assets. The announcement does not guarantee that the proposed sales or transfers will be completed on schedule.
The programme is being closely watched by investors and international lenders as part of Pakistan’s broader economic reform agenda.
Further announcements identifying the entities, transaction structures and confirmed proceeds will be needed to assess progress against the stated target.
Image: Pakistan Report Illustration.