Pakistan is aiming for economic growth above 4% in the current fiscal year and plans to advance the sale of five to six state-owned entities, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told Reuters on 12 October. The government expects the sales to raise more than $1 billion.
The plan comes as the country remains exposed to elevated global oil prices and dependent on external financing. Reuters reported that agriculture and fuel procurement had provided some support, while the government continued reforms under its $7 billion IMF programme. Privatisation is one part of a wider effort to reduce fiscal pressure and improve the role of state-owned firms.
The growth figure is a government expectation, not a final result. The policy test will be whether transactions attract credible buyers, improve services and reduce public liabilities without weakening competition or access. This illustrative business photograph does not show Pakistan’s accounts or a specific government agency.