The Privatisation Division has told a Senate sub-committee that Discos Privatisation in Pakistan does not need fresh approval from the Council of Common Interests (CCI), the constitutional forum where the federation and the provinces take up shared matters. The division said earlier decisions still stand: a 2011 CCI approval for the privatisation of three generation companies (GENCOs) and nine distribution companies (Discos), and a 2021 CCI approval of the National Electricity Policy. A Senate committee has pushed back, saying matters that fall within provincial domain must go before the CCI first.
What the Privatisation Division told the committee
The Division's written response was submitted to a sub-committee of the Senate's Functional Committee on Devolution. It relies on two decisions. The first is the 2011 CCI approval covering three GENCOs and nine Discos. The second is the National Electricity Policy approved on 21 June 2021, which says the government 'shall explore various options of privatisation' to improve the efficiency of state-owned entities, where applicable.
The Division also cited a letter from the Law Division dated 25 September 2026. According to the Division, that letter re-confirmed that, in light of the 2011 decision, fresh approval is not required for the privatisation of Discos. Accounts of the submission differ slightly on the body involved: some credit the Privatisation Commission, whose report the sub-committee had reviewed, while others name the Division.
Committee raises objections over provincial powers
Zamir Hussain Ghumro, the committee's chairman, expressed reservations about continuing the process where it touches provincial matters. He directed the authorities concerned to review the constitutional and legal position. The committee said Discos perform provincial functions, which could either be legalised through approval by provincial assemblies or transferred to the provinces.
The committee also said the Privatisation Commission's response appeared to push ahead without fresh CCI approval, and it asked the Commission to follow its earlier direction or face action. It warned that failure to address the matter could lead to parliamentary action, including a possible privilege motion. Who holds the final say is central to Discos Privatisation in Pakistan, and the sources do not say whether the Commission has responded since or whether any such motion has been moved.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- 2011: The CCI approves the privatisation of three GENCOs and nine Discos, according to the Privatisation Division.
- 21 June 2021: The CCI approves the National Electricity Policy, including the provision on exploring privatisation options.
- 25 September 2026: A Law Division letter re-confirms that fresh approval is not required, according to the Privatisation Division.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Privatisation Division kehta hai ke Discos ki privatisation ke liye CCI ki nayi manzoori zaroori nahi, kyunke 2011 aur 2021 ke faisle abhi bhi qaim hain. Senate ki ek committee ne is par aitraz kiya hai aur kaha hai ke sooba se mutaliq maamlat pehle CCI mein jaane chahiye. Abhi tak bijli ke bill ya supply mein kisi tabdeeli ka zikar nahi hua. Is mamle par aage ke faislon ka intezar karein.
