Fesco privatisation draws strong investor response in Pakistan

Pakistan’s plan to privatise Faisalabad Electric Supply Company has attracted interest from both local and overseas investors, according to the Privatisation Commission, which says 12 expressions of interest were received for the utility company.

The development marks an important step in the government’s effort to sell a 51 percent to 100 percent stake in Fesco, along with management control. The commission said the bids came from a mix of three Turkish investors, one Chinese investor and eight Pakistani investor groups.

Who showed interest in Fesco

Among the foreign bidders, the commission named Aktor Elektrik Enerji Yatırımları San. ve Tic. A.Ş., Genvera Enerji A.Ş. from the Celik Group, and Cengiz Enerji Sanayii ve Ticaret A.Ş. from Turkiye. The Chinese expression of interest came from Jiang Xi Electric Power Construction.

The local investor groups listed by the commission include Engro Energy Limited, Sapphire Fibers Limited, Hub Power Holdings, Lucky Cement, Shirazi Investments (Pvt) Limited of the Atlas Group, Maple Leaf Cement, Kohinoor Textile, Nishat Mills Limited, Pak Elektron Ltd, Artistic Milliners (Private) Limited and K-Electric Limited.

Commission sees strong response

In a statement cited by Dawn, the Privatisation Commission said it welcomed the interest shown by major business groups in Pakistan’s power distribution sector. It also pointed to months of domestic and international roadshows aimed at engaging potential investors.

Muhammad Ali, the commission chairman and adviser to the prime minister on privatisation, said the response to Fesco reflects investor confidence in the country’s electricity distribution sector and in the government’s stated commitment to a transparent and competitive process.

The commission said it now looks forward to working with the prequalified investors as the process moves ahead. No further timeline or financial details were included in the feed information.

Why Fesco matters

Fesco is one of Pakistan’s electricity distribution companies, making its proposed privatisation part of a broader policy discussion around reforming the power sector. The latest investor interest suggests the asset remains attractive to both domestic conglomerates and international power-related firms.

For now, the key development is the size and mix of the response. With bids from large industrial groups, energy companies and foreign utilities-linked firms, the Fesco privatisation has emerged as one of the more closely watched transactions in Pakistan’s business news.

FAQ

What is Fesco?

Fesco is Faisalabad Electric Supply Company, one of Pakistan’s electricity distribution companies.

How many investors submitted expressions of interest?

The Privatisation Commission said it received 12 expressions of interest.

What stake is on offer?

The commission said investors are seeking a 51 percent to 100 percent stake, along with management control.