Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali called for the government to hand over decision-making and management of the energy sector to private entities during the CEO Summit Islamabad 2026. Ali identified energy, taxation, and state-owned enterprises as the three primary areas requiring urgent reform.
High electricity costs have damaged the competitiveness of domestic industries, according to the adviser. To address these issues, Ali introduced a framework known as TRUST.
The adviser noted that Pakistan endured severe economic hurdles in 2022 and 2023, including high inflation, elevated interest rates, fiscal constraints, and production curtailments. "We cannot go through that sort of test again," Ali said.
Agriculture, textiles, and digital services, including information technology, were highlighted by Ali as key sectors for export growth and job creation. Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh told the summit that investment is necessary to introduce modern technologies, expand industrial capacity, and increase exports.
Sheikh listed mining, minerals, manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism, and agro-processing as areas with substantial investment potential. The minister also pointed to Pakistan's strategic location, natural resources, large domestic market, and young population as national strengths.
