Pakistan seeks Turkish participation in upcoming Power DISCOs Privatisation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is looking forward to the participation of experienced and reputable international private-sector investors in the bidding for the privatization of its Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

In this regard, the participation of Türkiye’s companies, with their vast experience, is considered very important.

As per the details, the Federal Minister appreciated the Government of Türkiye for providing an opportunity for Pakistan’s power sector experts to study Türkiye’s power sector, which is largely driven by the private sector.

He said Pakistan will soon offer its first three DISCOs for privatization, and an Expression of Interest (EOI) for investors is ready to be issued.

This was stated by Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, during his meeting with the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Alparslan Bayraktar, in Islamabad today.

Appreciating the Turkish model, Sardar Awais Leghari urged closer collaboration between the officials and institutions of both countries during the privatization process. He specifically referred to the concessional model that Türkiye has successfully implemented.

Additionally, The Federal Minister also stressed the need for Turkish cooperation in training human resources from Pakistan’s power sector institutions.

Sardar Awais Leghari further briefed his counterpart on various reforms and the investment potential within Pakistan’s power sector entities.

He added that the Power Division is now working on an Integrated Energy Plan for the country and needs Türkiye’s assistance in formulating it, given Türkiye’s successful experience in this area.

The Turkish Minister for Energy expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and stated that Turkish investors are keenly following the power sector privatization process in Pakistan. He expressed hope for reasonable participation from Turkish investors.

Agreeing to hold roadshows in Türkiye, the Turkish Minister also offered to utilize the Turkish Investment Forum for this purpose, assuring full cooperation. He stated that the Pakistani power market is very important, as Türkiye is already a major investor in various sectors in Pakistan, including mining, which is closely linked to the power sector.