ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday to privatise all state-owned enterprises except for strategically important entities, ARY News reported.

Chairing a review meeting on matters related to Ministry of Privatization and Privatization Commission in Islamabad, the prime minister said apart from strategic state-owned enterprises, all other enterprises, whether profitable or loss-making, will be privatised.

PM Shehbaz Sharif also directed all federal ministries to take necessary action in this regard and cooperate with the Privatization Commission.

“Government’s job is not to do business but to ensure a business and investment friendly environment,” the premier said and directed to ensure transparency in privatization process.

He directed to live telecast Pakistan International Airlines Company Limited’s (PIA) privatization including bidding and other important steps. The process of privatization of other institutions will also be broadcast live.

On the occasion, roadmap of Privatization Program 2024-2029 was also presented by Ministry of Privatization and Privatization Commission.

The meeting was informed about the progress made so far for the privatization of state owned enterprises. It was informed that pre-qualification process for PIA privatization to be completed by the end of this month.

The meeting was informed that privatization of power distribution companies has been included in privatization program 2024-2029.

It was informed that loss-making state-owned enterprises to be privatized on priority basis and that a pre-qualified panel of experts is being appointed in privatization commission to speed up privatization process.