Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to complete all phases of the Pakistan Privatization Program within the prescribed timeline, emphasizing that every milestone and deadline should be met efficiently. He said the privatization process must move forward in a transparent and well-organized manner to strengthen the country’s economy and improve the performance of state-owned enterprises.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review progress on the privatization of public sector organizations, the prime minister instructed officials to design the privatization framework for the Agricultural Development Bank in a way that preserves its core mission and long-standing role in supporting Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed that the bank should continue providing agricultural loans and financial services to small and medium-sized farmers even after privatization. He noted that ensuring access to affordable financing is essential for increasing agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
The prime minister also highlighted the importance of improving per-acre crop yields by expanding farmers’ access to financial resources. According to him, a strong agricultural sector is critical for Pakistan’s food security, rural development, and long-term economic growth.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Privatization presented a detailed briefing on the progress of the privatization program, outlining completed milestones, ongoing initiatives, and future targets. Officials also discussed the roadmap for implementing upcoming phases of the reform agenda.
The briefing informed the prime minister that a total of 27 state-owned enterprises have been included in the government’s privatization program across three phases. It was further shared that the financial closing process for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and First Women Bank has already been completed. The first financial closing and transfer of management control of PIA were finalized on June 29, 2026.
