ISLAMABAD Pakistan has invited reputable international private-sector investors to participate in the upcoming privatization of its Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs), and views Türkiye’s involvement as especially valuable due to its strong track record in the sector.
The issue of cooperation was discussed at a meeting Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and visiting Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar.
Leghari thanked the Turkish government for providing training opportunities to Pakistani power-sector professionals, allowing them to study Türkiye’s largely privatized and efficient power model. He said Pakistan is preparing to offer its first three DISCOs for privatization, and that the Expression of Interest (EOI) for investors is ready for issuance.
Highlighting the strengths of Türkiye’s concession model, the minister called for enhanced cooperation between the two countries’ institutions throughout the privatization process. He also underscored the need for Turkish support in developing Pakistan’s power-sector human resources.
Leghari briefed his counterpart on ongoing reforms and investment opportunities within Pakistan’s power entities, adding that the Power Division is formulating an Integrated Energy Plan and is seeking Türkiye’s technical guidance due to its proven expertise in long-term energy planning.
Bayraktar thanked the Pakistani side for the warm reception and said Turkish investors are closely watching Pakistan’s privatization drive. He expressed hope for significant Turkish participation.
He agreed to organize roadshows in Türkiye, offering the Turkish Investment Forum as a platform, and assured full cooperation. He noted that Pakistan’s power market holds major potential and pointed out that Türkiye is already a key investor in mining, a sector closely tied to energy.
Earlier, both sides agreed to continue preparations for a technical assistance mission by TEDAŞ to Pakistan on power distribution, operations, and maintenance.
Pakistan also shared the composition of sub-groups formed on key themes identified in the 6th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting: (i) regulatory collaboration; (ii) development of the National Electricity Plan and Integrated Energy Plan; (iii) renewable energy, including geothermal; and (iv) energy efficiency and conservation.
Türkiye will announce its sub-group compositions shortly. Both sides agreed to activate the sub-groups to begin technical discussions and report back to the JWG.
Ends
