Privatisation: misplaced optimism?

Will the government be able to fetch at least Rs 150 billion through privatisation of six state-owned entities (SOEs), including two Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) plants, at Balloki and Haveli Bahadur Shah, with a combined generation capacity of 245MW?

Although the government, which now appears quite confident, had announced in the financial year 2019-20 budget documents that Rs 150 billion would be generated through sell-off of SOEs, I have some doubts about government's ability to achieve this target. The Rs 5.5 trillion tax collection target for FY2019-20, too, is highly unrealistic. That privatisation strategies in Pakistan have often been characterised by deep structural flaws is a fact. Our policymakers can never repeat the Margaret Thatcher-styled privatisation programmes or plans in Pakistan.