Pakistan, June 3 -- Pakistan has moved a step closer to privatising Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd. (ZTBL) by opening technical bids to appoint a financial adviser for the bank's restructuring and sale process. According to officials, a government committee is currently reviewing bids submitted by several financial firms. These firms are competing to guide the privatisation process, which is part of Pakistan's plan to reduce reliance on state-owned enterprises.

This initiative supports the broader economic reform agenda, aligned with International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommendations. The goal is to improve public sector efficiency and attract more private investment, especially in the agricultural finance sector.

ZTBL has faced serious challe...