ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema on Friday chaired a meeting to review and deliberate on key reforms proposed in the Public Private Partnership Authority (P3A) law, aimed at improving governance, transparency, efficiency and implementation mechanisms for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Secretary Privatization Division Hammad Shamimi, Secretary Privatization Commission Usman Akhtar Bajwa, Secretary Law and Justice Raja Naeem Akbar, besides senior officials of P3A, who briefed the minister on the proposed legal and structural amendments under consideration, said a news release.
During the meeting, Ahad Cheema highlighted the government’s commitment to introducing constructive and forward-looking reforms aimed at strengthening institutional performance and ensuring greater transparency and accountability in PPP projects.
He acknowledged the proposed amendments to the P3A law and appreciated the efforts being undertaken to improve the overall framework governing public-private partnerships in the country.
The meeting was informed that under the proposed reforms, the Cabinet Committee on Privatization would be further strengthened, while P3A would focus more on the implementation and execution of projects.
It was further discussed that, in line with the directions of the Prime Minister, P3A would be placed under the Privatization Division instead of the Planning Division to ensure better coordination, institutional alignment and improved efficiency in handling PPP initiatives.
The proposed changes also include the development of a structured project pipeline and bidding mechanism to improve project planning and enhance investor confidence.
The new mechanism would also encourage the participation of business councils and chambers in the development of project pipelines.
Furthermore, a dedicated Project Development Facility has been proposed to support the preparation and execution of viable PPP projects.
The participants were informed that the reforms aim to strengthen troubleshooting mechanisms, enhance monitoring systems and reinforce the advisory role relating to PPP projects for improved oversight and efficiency.
The proposed amendments also focus on streamlining access to land, electricity and other utility facilities required for PPP initiatives, thereby facilitating smoother and faster project implementation.
The minister reiterated the government’s resolve to create a modern, transparent and investor-friendly PPP framework that supports sustainable economic development and encourages greater private sector participation in national development projects.
