The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation has recommended outsourcing the management of Islamabad Airport and endorsed a second attempt to sell the House Building Finance Company (HBFC), marking a significant step in the government’s agenda for state-owned enterprises.

The decisions were taken during a high-level meeting in the capital, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, which convened to review the divestment process for various public sector entities, according to a report by MOIB today.

During the session, Mr Dar emphasised the critical need for fair market valuations. He instructed that sponsoring ministries and the Privatisation Commission must ensure that any assessment reflects both the tangible assets and the future business prospects of the entities under consideration.

He reiterated the government’s position that transferring these organisations to private ownership would stimulate private-sector investment and foster greater agility, allowing the enterprises to adapt more effectively to market dynamics.