ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Government of Pakistan has formally launched the privatization process for three major electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from local and international investors.
The move is being described as one of the most significant reforms in Pakistan’s power sector, as the government plans to sell 51% to 100% shares along with management control of three DISCOs through the Privatisation Commission.
According to a press release issued by the Privatization Commission, the DISCOs include Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), and Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO).
FESCO, GEPCO, and IESCO collectively serve more than 14 million consumers across major industrial, commercial, and urban centers of Punjab and the Islamabad region.
These entities operate extensive electricity distribution networks covering key economic corridors and represent strategically important assets within Pakistan’s energy landscape.
The Privatisation Commission stated that the process is being undertaken in a transparent, competitive, and investor-friendly manner in accordance with international best practices.
“Interested parties may participate individually or as part of a consortium, subject to the qualification criteria outlined in the Request for Statement of Qualification (RSOQ) documents,” it added.
The commission highlighted that separate submissions were required for each power distribution company. The deadlines for submissions were July 7 for FESCO, Aug. 6 for GEPCO, and Sep.7 for IESCO.
The interested investors can submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) together with the non-refundable processing fee of USD 5,000 or PKR 1,400,000 per DISCO.
The privatization ministry said the move would contribute to fiscal sustainability, energy sector reforms, and long-term economic stability.
“The proposed reforms aim to create a performance and efficiency-based return regime while enabling private sector buyers to leverage DISCO infrastructure and customer base for additional business opportunities.”
The Privatization Commission will engage with potential investors and power sector stakeholders to refine the existing DISCO tariff structure, MYT regime, business model, and framework for competitive suppliers.
The move follows the landmark privatization of Pakistan International Airlines in December, which officials called a breakthrough in the government’s long-stalled privatization drive.
