Adviser calls for private control of energy sector

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali urged the government to hand energy-sector management and decisions to private operators, saying competition could lift efficiency, draw investment and lower costs. Speaking at the CEO Summit Islamabad 2026, he named energy, taxation and state-owned enterprises as priority areas for reform, and said expensive electricity was hurting domestic industry.

Ali presented a TRUST framework focused on building on competitive strengths, sustaining reforms, mobilising private funds, expanding exports and developing skills. He highlighted agriculture, textiles, apparel and IT services for jobs and export growth, while calling for better crop storage and processing, more finished garments and stronger digital capabilities. Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh also said investment, consistent policies and clearer rules were needed, and listed energy, manufacturing, agriculture and infrastructure among opportunities.

Ali called for a wider tax base and a fairer distribution of the tax burden, while warning against a return to the economic strains of 2022 and 2023. Sheikh said overseas Pakistanis could support growth through investment, business links, technology transfer and access to foreign markets.