EY-Parthenon Named Top Advisor for Pakistan Airport Outsourcing

Pakistan has taken significant strides toward privatising key national infrastructure assets, approving advisory recommendations for major airport operations and classifying power distribution sell-offs as primary state transactions. Reports from Business Recorder indicate that the Privatisation Commission Board formalised these decisions during its 257th meeting.

Under the chairmanship of Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, the board selected a consortium led by EY-Parthenon as the highest-ranked bidder to serve as financial adviser for outsourcing operations at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport and Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. The selection followed a competitive bidding process.

To move the initiative forward, the commission established a specialized Negotiation Committee. This panel is tasked with finalizing the Financial Advisory Services Agreement with the EY-Parthenon-led consortium, laying the groundwork for operational restructuring at two of the nation's primary air travel hubs.

In a concurrent move to overhaul the energy sector, the Privatisation Commission officially designated the upcoming privatisation of Lahore Electric Supply Company and Multan Electric Power Company as major transactions. Under regulatory framework rules, this formal classification requires the engagement of dedicated financial advisers.

The commission will now launch the procurement process to hire financial advisers for both power distribution companies. These steps align with broader government efforts to restructure public sector enterprises and enhance management standards across transport and utility sectors.