Government lacks expertise to run businesses, says Privatization Adviser
ISLAMABAD (Staff Report): Federal Minister and Adviser on Privatization Muhammad Ali has said that the government and public-sector offices lack the expertise required to run businesses, stressing that the private sector must take the lead in commercial activities to drive economic growth.
Speaking at an event, Muhammad Ali said businesses were more likely to grow, expand and become competitive when managed by entrepreneurs rather than government departments.
He expressed optimism that several Pakistani companies had the potential to expand beyond the country’s borders and compete in international markets, provided they received the right business environment and private-sector leadership.
The minister said greater private-sector participation would help introduce merit-based recruitment, improve the country’s talent pool and enhance operational efficiency.
According to him, improved business performance and profitability would also contribute to higher tax revenues, creating additional resources for investment and economic development.
Muhammad Ali emphasized that privatization was essential to building a competitive economy and establishing a merit-based society, arguing that these objectives could not be achieved without a stronger role for private businesses.
His remarks highlight the government’s emphasis on shifting commercial activities towards private-sector management as part of its broader economic reform agenda.
Pakistan has been pursuing privatisation and restructuring of state-owned enterprises amid concerns over their financial performance, operational efficiency and reliance on public resources.
The privatization adviser maintained that entrepreneurs were better positioned to identify business opportunities, improve productivity and expand companies into new markets.
He said Pakistan had considerable corporate potential that could be unlocked through private-sector leadership, stronger competition and improved business efficiency.