Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that the privatization of inactive and financially burdensome state-owned enterprises (SOEs) be completed at the earliest, avoiding administrative and institutional complications. He was chairing a review meeting on the Privatization of State-Owned Enterprises in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister instructed that national interest and the enhancement of professional capacity of institutions in the future must be kept in view during the privatization of proposed state-owned enterprises. He emphasized the necessity of engaging services of internationally renowned experts in the privatization process.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed that immediate steps should be taken under a comprehensive strategy to enhance the internal efficiency of state-owned enterprises. Institutional and administrative delays and red tape will not be tolerated during the privatization process.

The Prime Minister stated that he personally oversees the privatization process and holds regular meetings to monitor progress. On the occasion, the meeting was briefed on the progress of the privatization process.