Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to complete all stages of the government's privatisation programme within the prescribed timelines, emphasizing the need for close coordination among ministries and institutions to ensure the timely execution of reforms.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review progress on the privatisation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the prime minister instructed officials to implement all approved targets without delay. He stressed that the privatisation process should proceed efficiently while maintaining transparency and meeting established deadlines.

During the meeting, the government was informed that 27 state-owned enterprises have been included in the privatisation programme, which will be implemented in three phases. Officials said the financial closing of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and First Women Bank has been completed, with the transfer of PIA's management control finalised on June 29, 2026.

The meeting also reviewed the privatisation of Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) and Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO). Authorities informed the prime minister that Expressions of Interest (EOIs) have already been invited, several international investors have shown interest, and investor roadshows are currently underway.

Discussing the proposed privatisation of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), the prime minister directed that the transaction structure should safeguard the bank's primary role in providing agricultural financing. He emphasized that access to affordable credit for small and medium-sized farmers must remain a priority after privatisation to support agricultural productivity and food security.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the privatisation of Islamabad International Airport, Jinnah International Airport Karachi, and Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, with the prime minister directing officials to closely monitor progress and achieve all milestones within the approved schedule.

In a separate meeting on investment promotion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed relevant authorities to finalise a roadmap for establishing a Private Equity Fund aimed at encouraging investment, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and attracting foreign capital. He also called for a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Pakistan's public equity market and promote alternative financing sources beyond the banking sector.

The prime minister reiterated that private sector-led investment, industrial development and export growth remain central to the government's strategy for achieving sustainable economic growth, while identifying minerals, agriculture, livestock, energy and information technology as sectors with significant long-term investment potential.