ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a Steering Committee, headed by Deputy Prime Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar to spearhead privatisation of power Distribution Companies (Discos).
Members of the Committee are as follows;(i) Minister for Privatisation;(ii) Minister for Power ;(iii) Minister for Information and Broadcasting;(iv) Minister for Finance and Revenue ;(v) Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Power;(vi) Secretary Power Division;(vii) Secretary Privatisation Division and ;(viii) Secretary Privatisation Commission.
According to Secretary Power, initially the government has decided to privatise three better performing Discos i.e. Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) and Faisalabad Electric Power Company (Fesco).
The Terms of Reference of the Committee are as follows. to guide and spearhead privatisation process of Discos with the objective of fast tracking it though a whole of government approach; (ii) to review and rationalise timelines to achieve privatisation of Discos at an accelerated pace; (iii) to develop a comprehensive communication strategy to inform and educate stakeholders about the privatisation process and its benefits and to allay any fears and misgivings; (iv) to ensure compliance with relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry standards throughout the privatisation process; (v) to devise an effective mechanism for inter-ministerial consultations and coordination for fast-track approvals involved in privatisation of Discos ; (vi) to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks and challenges associated with the privatisation of Discos ; (vii) to review any other related issue(s), which require consideration of the Committee ; and (viii) the Committee may co-opt any other member as per requirement.
The Committee shall submit a weekly progress report highlighting through a matrix the milestones set versus achieved in privatisation of Discos for perusal of the Prime Minister .
Privatisation Division in close liaison with Power Division, shall provide Secretarial Support to the Committee.
