Govt Will Sell 9 Power Companies Without Consulting Provinces

According to a recent report, the Pakistani government plans to sell nine power distribution companies (DISCOs) without seeking approval from the Council of Common Interests (CCI), a body responsible for overseeing provincial matters. The Privatization Division has stated that no fresh approval from the CCI is necessary to proceed with the privatization process, citing a 2011 decision approving the sale of nine DISCOs and three generation companies (GENCOs).

The National Electricity Policy, approved by the CCI in June 2021, further supports the government's stance, stating that it is acceptable to explore privatization options to enhance the efficiency of state-owned entities where appropriate. However, the plan has faced criticism from the Senate subcommittee reviewing the Privatisation Commission's report.

Committee Chairman Zamir Hussain Ghumro has raised concerns about the privatization of entities performing functions within provincial jurisdiction, suggesting that these matters should be brought before the CCI, as previously directed. The subcommittee maintains that matters involving provincial responsibilities should be addressed through the CCI, and has warned that non-compliance with its directives could lead to parliamentary action, including the consideration of a privilege motion.