Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter) 

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif declared the privatization of all state-owned enterprises (SOEs), excluding strategic entities, during a review meeting in Islamabad. The decision followed a presentation by the Ministry of Privatization regarding the Privatization Program 2024-2029.

PM Shahbaz emphasized the need for transparency in the privatization process and directed federal ministries to collaborate with the Privatization Commission. Notably, he instructed the televised broadcasting of the bidding stages for Pakistan International Airlines Limited (PIA), with the pre-qualification process set for completion by the end of May.

Discussions also revolved around the disinvestment of Roosevelt Hotel and potential transactions with the United Arab Emirates. This move aligns with International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions for a new Extended Fund Facility, following Pakistan’s recent completion of a $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement.