Islamabad: The federal government has invited bids from investors for the privatization of three major electricity distribution companies as part of broader reforms in the power sector.
According to Beyond Time News, the move is aimed at improving efficiency, attracting private investment, and reducing rising circular debt in the energy system.
Companies Included in Privatization Plan
The government has decided to sell 51% to 100% shares along with administrative control of the following DISCOs:
- Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO)
- Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO)
- Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)
Key Deadlines for Investors
Official documents outline the following timelines:
- FESCO: Expression of Interest (EoI) deadline — July 07, 2026
- GEPCO: EoI deadline — August 06, 2026
- IESCO: EoI deadline — September 07, 2026
Interested parties must also submit a non-refundable fee of Rs 1.4 million with their applications.
A virtual briefing session will be held on June 03, 2026, via Zoom for potential investors.
Consumer Base of DISCOs
The three companies serve millions of electricity consumers across Pakistan:
- FESCO: around 5.7 million consumers in central Punjab
- GEPCO: about 5.1 million consumers in Gujranwala, Sialkot and surrounding areas
- IESCO: nearly 4.1 million consumers in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and parts of Azad Kashmir
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Government’s Objective
Officials say the privatization plan is part of efforts to reduce losses in the power sector and address the issue of circular debt, which has placed long-term pressure on public finances.
The government believes private sector participation will improve operational efficiency and service delivery in electricity distribution.
Conclusion
The decision to privatize three major DISCOs marks a significant step in Pakistan’s ongoing power sector reforms, aimed at reducing financial losses and attracting investment.
According to Beyond Time News, the initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to stabilize the energy sector and ease fiscal pressures linked to rising debt.
