Merger of Privatisation Commission and PPP Authority a Positive Step, Says Shahid Imran

*LAHORE, November 1 (3D Media):* Shahid Imran, Convener of the Regional Committee on Food of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has welcomed the proposed merger of the Privatisation Commission and the Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA), saying the move would eliminate duplication of functions and create a more integrated framework for mobilising private investment in public assets and infrastructure development.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, he said the new arrangement offered an important opportunity to improve the management of state-owned assets and promote investment in infrastructure projects. However, its success would depend on ensuring fair valuation of public property, attracting credible investors and making sure that public-private partnerships delivered tangible benefits to the people.

Shahid Imran said the proposed legislation envisaged the establishment of four public funds to support privatisation and public-private partnership transactions. These financial instruments could help develop viable projects, facilitate investment and improve the implementation of infrastructure initiatives.

He said the bill also proposed a majority-independent board with private-sector representation to strengthen commercial decision-making and institutional governance.

He stressed that the effectiveness of the proposed board would depend on transparent appointments, relevant professional expertise, political independence, clearly defined performance benchmarks and strong accountability mechanisms. Enforceable conflict-of-interest rules would also be essential to ensure transparency and good governance.

Shahid Imran further welcomed the proposal to make agreements publicly accessible, describing it as a positive step towards greater transparency.

He said public scrutiny was particularly important in long-term agreements involving private investors, as such arrangements could create financial obligations for taxpayers and successive governments.

He emphasized that transparency, institutional accountability and the protection of public interest must remain central to the implementation of the proposed merger.