Istanbul: Pakistan and Türkiye held high-level consultations in Istanbul focusing on privatisation and reforms within the power sector. The discussions were led by Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, and Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Power, alongside Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting was convened at the invitation of Minister Bayraktar, concentrating on privatisation, commercialization, investment promotion, and reforms. Muhammad Ali discussed Türkiye’s experiences in privatizing electricity distribution, emphasizing Pakistan’s aim to implement an investor-friendly privatisation program. He underscored the government’s pursuit of strategic transactions and engagement with international partners, aiming to create an environment conducive to private investment.

Federal Minister Leghari addressed ongoing reforms in Pakistan’s power sector, including efforts to enhance the operational performance of distribution companies and improve governance. The Turkish side expressed willingness to share expertise and experience, with Bayraktar assuring cooperation to facilitate knowledge exchange and explore investment opportunities.

Both nations agreed on strengthening institutional collaboration, focusing on privatisation, regulatory capacity building, governance reforms, and private sector participation. Discussions also covered avenues for Turkish investors to engage in Pakistan’s privatisation and energy sector initiatives. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to enhance cooperation in the energy sector, with Türkiye expressing support for Pakistan’s reform agenda.