Islamabad: Pakistan’s Minister for Energy Owais Leghari met his Turkish counterpart Alparslan Bayraktar to discuss ongoing reforms in Pakistan’s power-sector, with a particular focus on the planned privatisation of distribution companies (DISCOs).

During the meeting, both sides reviewed opportunities for expanding cooperation in the energy sector and explored prospects for Turkish investment. Leghari briefed Bayraktar on the reforms under way in Pakistan’s power-sector institutions, outlining investment prospects linked to the government’s privatisation agenda.

Leghari emphasised that Pakistan is keen to involve experienced international investors in the privatisation of DISCOs, noting that the participation of Turkish companies—given their extensive expertise—would be highly valuable. He expressed appreciation to the Turkish government for allowing Pakistani experts to study Turkiye’s power-sector operations.

The minister reaffirmed that the government plans to privatise three distribution companies in the first phase. Expressions of interest (EOIs) for investors will be issued soon. He also stressed the need for close consultation between institutions and experts of both countries throughout the privatisation process.

Leghari highlighted Turkiye’s concessional model as a relevant example and underscored the importance of Turkish cooperation in strengthening human-resource capacity within Pakistan’s power-sector institutions. He added that the Power Division is working on a comprehensive integrated energy plan, and Pakistan seeks Turkiye’s support in its preparation.

Bayraktar thanked Pakistan for its warm hospitality. He said Turkish investors are observing Pakistan’s power-sector privatisation process with strong interest and expressed optimism that they will participate meaningfully when opportunities arise.