KARACHI: The office of Pakistan’s deputy prime minister said on Friday even profit-making state owned enterprises (SOEs) would be considered for privatization as the South Asian nation strives to deliver reforms amid talks with the International Monetary Fund for a new bailout package.
Under the last $3 billion bailout package from the IMF that was critical in averting a sovereign debt default last year, the lender has said state-owned entities whose losses are burning a hole in government finances would need stronger governance. Pakistan is now negotiating with the IMF for a larger, longer program for which it must implement an ambitious reforms agenda, including the privatization of debt-ridden SOEs.
“CCOP emphasized that even the SOE making profits shall be considered for privatization,” a statement from the deputy prime minister’s office said, referring to a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCOP).
Among the top profit-making SOEs are Oil and Gas Development Company Limited, Pakistan State Oil Company Limited, Pak Arab Refinery Company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, the National Bank of Pakistan, National Power Parks Management, the Government Power Holding Limited, Mari Petroleum and Neelum Jhelum Hydro Power Limited.
“CCOP, while approving 24 entities for the Privatization Programme, in-principle, for the time being, directed Ministry of Privatization to deliberate the phasing of each entity in consultation with the respective Ministries,” the statement added.
Among the main entities Pakistan is pushing to privatize is its national carrier, PIA. The government is putting on the block a stake ranging from 51 percent to 100 percent.
The disposal of the flag carrier and other entities like a sprawling steel mill in Karachi is a step that past elected governments have steered away from as it is likely to be highly unpopular, but progress on the privatization will help cash-strapped Pakistan pursue further funding talks with the IMF.
