Pakistan’s Privatisation Commission Seeks Expertise to Accelerate Reforms
Islamabad, Pakistan - January 31, 2026 – Following the successful privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the Privatisation Commission of Pakistan is seeking to bolster its capabilities by hiring market-based experts. This strategic move aims to expedite the government’s broader privatisation agenda and address capacity constraints within the commission.
Addressing Capacity Gaps
During a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Privatisation, Privatisation Secretary Usman Akhtar Bajwa highlighted the need for specialised professionals. He explained that current staffing levels allow each expert to effectively manage only up to two transactions concurrently .This limitation necessitates the recruitment of additional expertise, particularly in sectors like power distribution companies (Discos), where complex transactions require dedicated attention.
Leveraging the Success of PIA Privatisation
The impetus for this expansion comes on the heels of the completed privatisation of PIA, a meaningful achievement for the government. The PIA transaction was successfully managed by the existing workforce, demonstrating the commission’s core competencies.However, officials recognise that sustained momentum and the handling of a larger volume of transactions require additional resources and specialised skills.
Budgetary considerations and Committee Support
The Privatisation Commission and the Privatisation Division are currently operating wiht limited budgets, with a significant portion allocated to employee-related expenses. A proposal to increase the commission’s annual budget was presented to the Senate committee to facilitate the hiring of these new experts. While some committee members raised questions regarding the necessity of additional recruitment, Senator Afnan Ullah Khan, the committee’s chairman, expressed gratitude for the commission’s performance and indicated preliminary support for the proposal.
The Broader Context of Privatisation in Pakistan
Pakistan has been pursuing a privatisation program for several decades, aiming to improve economic efficiency, reduce the fiscal burden on the government, and attract foreign investment. The program has faced challenges and delays in the past, but the recent success with PIA has renewed optimism.The country’s economic landscape, as described by , features Karachi as its economic hub, and efficient privatisation of state-owned enterprises is seen as crucial for sustained growth.
Key Takeaways
- The Privatisation Commission is seeking to hire market-based experts to accelerate its agenda.
- The move is driven by the successful privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines.
- Capacity constraints within the commission necessitate additional specialised personnel.
- A budget increase is being proposed to fund the new hires.
- The Senate Standing Committee on Privatisation has expressed initial support for the proposal.
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