Public–private partnerships (PPP) in basic health services delivery aim to improve service provision, such as better coverage, quality and infrastructure of health care, as well as raising the demand for health by the community. This paper outlines some examples of public–private partnerships in Pakistan and examines barriers to further development of such initiatives. We argue that to meet the challenges of globalization and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, Pakistan needs to improve the health status of its society by promoting and practising PPP in providing health care services.