LAHORE, Nov 01 (APP):Convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food, Shahid Imran, on Sunday welcomed the decision to merge the Privatization Commission and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Authority to eliminate duplication of functions and establish a more coherent framework for mobilising private capital to manage public assets and develop physical infrastructure. In a statement issued here, he said the proposed arrangement …
Shahid Imran welcomes merger of Privatization Commission, PPP Authority
LAHORE, Nov 01 (APP):Convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food, Shahid Imran, on Sunday welcomed the decision to merge the Privatization Commission and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Authority to eliminate duplication of functions and establish a more coherent framework for mobilising private capital to manage public assets and develop physical infrastructure.
In a statement issued here, he said the proposed arrangement offered an opportunity to improve the management of state assets and infrastructure investment, adding that its success would depend on securing fair value for public property, attracting credible investors and ensuring that public-private partnerships delivered tangible benefits.
He said the proposed legislation envisaged the establishment of four public funds to support privatization and PPP transactions, which could help prepare viable projects and attract investment.
Shahid Imran said the bill also proposed a majority-independent board with private-sector representation to strengthen commercial decision-making. However, its effectiveness would depend on transparent appointments, relevant expertise, political independence, clear performance benchmarks, strong accountability and enforceable conflict-of-interest rules to ensure effective governance.
He also welcomed the proposal to make agreements publicly accessible, saying transparency and public scrutiny were particularly important in long-term arrangements with private investors, which could create financial obligations for taxpayers and successive governments.
