CCOP TARGETS PIAC OFFERING FROM JUNE 7 to 9, 2004 IN 500 LOTS

Islamabad, May 14, 2004

The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCOP) discussed the upcoming offerings of Pakistan International Airline Corporation (PIAC), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and Kot Adu Power Company (KAPCO) shares and finalized the relevant details. The CCOP reviewed the performance of these three companies in the overall economic scenario, which was improving with growth in overall manufacturing of 17.1 % and overall GDP growth of over 6 % resulting in double-digit growth in energy consumptions.

The CCOP met under the chairmanship of Mr. Shaukat Aziz, Federal Minister for Finance here today. The Committee decided that the subscription for PIAC would commence from June 7, 2004 and to continue upto June 9, 2004 with minimum lot size of 500 shares for the benefit of small investors. The Committee also decided that the offering of PPL and KAPCO shares be targeted for June & July 2004.

CCOP also reviewed the overall progress of the privatisation transactions and noted with satisfaction the performance of the units privatised one year before. The meeting was informed that so far an amount of Rs.135 billion has been realized through this process. During the first 10 years privatisation process received Rs. 58. 47 billion and during the three years of government the proceeds stood at Rs.35. 3 billion and the present Government got Rs. 41. 3 billion over a period of 18 months, which shows an upward trend and indicates increase in the momentum.

The Federal Minister for Finance appreciated the performance of Privatisation Commission and encouraged the Privatisation Commission to continue on the path of growth and performance. The meeting was attended by the Federal Ministers for Privatisation & Investment, Water & Power, Federal Secretaries of the respective Ministries, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and other senior officials.