Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today issued a stringent directive for the swift privatization of inactive and financially burdensome state-owned enterprises (SOEs), explicitly stating that administrative delays and institutional red tape will not be tolerated in the process.
While chairing a high-level review meeting on the divestment of public sector companies in the capital, the prime minister emphasized the need to complete the process at the earliest, avoiding any administrative and institutional complications that could impede progress.
He instructed officials that the national interest and the future enhancement of the professional capacity of these institutions must be paramount during the sell-off of the proposed state-run entities. To ensure transparency and professionalism, he called for the engagement of internationally renowned experts to assist in the privatization procedure.
Sharif also underscored the importance of a comprehensive strategy to concurrently improve the internal efficiency of these organizations, demanding immediate steps be taken to address operational weaknesses.
Reaffirming his commitment to the economic reform agenda, the Prime Minister stated that he is personally overseeing the privatization drive and holds regular meetings to monitor developments and ensure the directives are being implemented without delay.
The meeting also included a detailed briefing for the attendees on the current progress of the privatization program.