Govt moves closer to privatization of First Women Bank

October 11, 2025 (MLN): The Privatisation Commission (PC) Board has recommended a reference price for the privatization of First Women Bank Limited (FWBL) to the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions (CCoIGCT), Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister, shared on X (formerly Twitter).

This marked a key milestone in the Government-to-Government (G2G) privatization process. 

The decision was taken during the 240th meeting of the Privatisation Commission Board, chaired by Muhammad Ali, Chairman of the Privatisation Commission.

FWBL, incorporated in 1989, is 82.64% owned by the Government of Pakistan and is currently being negotiated with the nominated entity of the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions Act, 2022.

According to Schehzad, the successful completion of this process is expected to bring fresh foreign direct investment (FDI) into Pakistan and strengthen investor confidence in the country’s broader privatization programme.

In another development, the PC Board approved the consortium led by Raiffeisen as the top-ranked interested party for appointment as Financial Advisor for the privatization of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO).

The Board also formed a Negotiation Committee to finalize the Financial Advisory Services Agreement (FASA) with the Raiffeisen-led consortium.

Schehzad noted that the Privatisation Commission remains focused on ensuring transparency, efficiency, and strategic reforms to bolster Pakistan’s economic outlook and attract sustainable investment.

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