Government aims to boost trade, investment, and tourism by privatizing state-owned entities.
Key Takeaways:
i) The Pakistani government is committed to accelerating the privatization process.
ii) 24 state-owned entities are already in the privatization pipeline.
iii) Global firm Alvarez & Marsal is considering opening an office in Pakistan to assist with privatization efforts.
Islamabad, Pakistan – April 9, 2025 – Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating the privatization process, with 24 state-owned entities (SOEs) already added to the privatization pipeline. This commitment was highlighted during a meeting with a delegation from global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), who expressed interest in investing in Pakistan.
During the meeting, Finance Minister Aurangzeb welcomed A&M’s interest, recognizing their expertise in privatization and sovereign advisory. He expressed the government’s appreciation for their potential contribution to Pakistan’s efforts to unlock investment opportunities, particularly in the privatization of power distribution companies.
Aurangzeb also discussed the macroeconomic progress made over the last 14 months, noting the stabilization of Pakistan’s economy, which has rejuvenated the market and created new growth avenues. He reiterated that the government’s vision, aligned with the objectives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is to bolster trade, investment, and tourism in Pakistan, tapping into the region’s growing economic corridor.
In February, Pakistan signed a financial advisory agreement with A&M to privatize three major power distribution companies.
Peter Briggs, representing Alvarez & Marsal, mentioned that the firm is considering opening an office in Pakistan as part of its broader commitment to assist the government in its privatization efforts and to attract potential global investors to the country. He noted that Pakistan’s growing market offers significant opportunities for investment and long-term growth.
The government views privatization as a key strategy to reform the power sector, which has long faced issues such as circular debt, operational inefficiencies, and power theft. In February, Pakistan signed a financial advisory agreement with A&M to privatize three major power distribution companies.
