HAFEEZ DIRECTS PC TO FACILITATE INVESTORS FOR ENSURING MAXIMUM PARTICIPATION BY GENERAL PUBLIC IN OGDCL IPO

Islamabad, October 23, 2003

Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, the Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment directed that public offering of Sui Southren Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), Pakistan International Airline Limited (PIAL) and the initial Public offering of PPL and KAPCO shares should be processed expeditiously. He issued these instructions while chairing a meeting, which reviewed the status and the progress of the privatisation of various ongoing and upcoming
public sector entities here today.

He said that the mode adopted for the divestment of shares of various public sector entities through Stock Market ensured the transfer of the benefits of privatisation to the people of Pakistan and also deepened and broadened the capital, he added.

He also directed the refund of the oversubscribed applications for NBP shares by end October, in order to enable the general public for larger participation in the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of 2.5 % shares of Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) shares. It may be recalled that the offer of 3.2 % shares in NBP received overwhelming response and it was oversubscribed nearly two times.

The PC intends to offer 2.5 % shares in OGDCL scheduled to be offered to the general public, including the overseas Pakistanis @ Rs. 32/= per share with a preference to the smaller applicants of 1000 shares from November 5 to 8, 2003.

While reviewing the status and the progress of various other ongoing transactions Oil & Gas, Banking & Financial and Industries sectors The Minister directed PC officials for taking immediate steps for resolving all the relevant issues concerning Jamshoro Power Company, Faisalabad Electric Supply Company, Faletti's Hotel and Hyatt Regency Hotel. He also issued instructions for making arrangements for a meeting with the potential bidders of Habib Bank Limited and Pakarab Fertilizers by early November 2003
in order to ensure the expeditious completion of these transactions. It was also decided to hold the bidding for Thatta Cement Company Limited on November 5, 2003.

The meeting also reviewed the progress and the process of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and PSO, which are at an advance stage.

He also issued instructions for extending maximum support to the prospective bidders in order to successfully conclude these important transactions.

The senior officials and the consultants of PC attended the meeting.