ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Türkiye have held high-level consultations in Istanbul on power sector privatisation, electricity distribution reforms and private investment, as Islamabad moves ahead with plans to restructure its energy sector.

The talks were led by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali and Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari at the invitation of Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, according to the Ministry of Privatisation.

The meeting focused on Pakistan’s power sector privatisation programme, commercial reforms, investment promotion and steps to improve the performance of electricity distribution companies.

Muhammad Ali held detailed discussions with Bayraktar on Türkiye’s experience in privatising electricity distribution companies and improving operational efficiency through private sector participation.

He said Pakistan was pursuing a transparent, competitive and investor-friendly privatisation process in line with international best practices. He added that the government was engaging with international partners to benefit from successful reform models and attract private investment.

According to the ministry, Pakistan is working to create a more enabling investment environment through policy consistency, regulatory certainty, improved corporate governance and commercially viable market structures.

Power Minister Awais Leghari briefed the Turkish side on reforms under way in Pakistan’s electricity sector. These include measures to improve the performance of distribution companies, reduce losses, strengthen governance and enhance the efficiency of the power market.

The Turkish side expressed readiness to share technical expertise and institutional experience in electricity distribution privatisation, regulatory frameworks and power sector governance.

Bayraktar assured continued cooperation between Turkish institutions, investors and Pakistani authorities to support knowledge exchange and explore investment opportunities.

Both sides agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration in power sector privatisation, regulatory capacity building, governance reforms and private sector participation.

The two countries also discussed ways to encourage Turkish investors and energy companies to take part in Pakistan’s ongoing privatisation and energy sector transformation initiatives.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepen Pakistan–Türkiye cooperation in the energy sector. Türkiye also expressed support for Pakistan’s privatisation and reform agenda and welcomed opportunities for its investors in Pakistan’s power sector.

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