PC INVITES EOIs FOR PRIVATISATION OF 51% SHARES OF SNGPL WITH MANAGEMENT CONTROL

Islamabad, December 13, 2005

The Privatisation commission ("PC") has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from qualified strategic investors to divest 51% shareholding in Sui Northern Gas Company Limited (SNGPL). SNGPL offers significant potential for and earnings growth to an investor with the resources and expertise to operate gas transmission, distribution, wholesale and retail bossiness.

SNGPL was incorporated in 1963 as a private limited company and was converted to a public company in 1964. SNGPL is the largest gas transmission and distribution company in Pakistan, with a franchise area comprising of the provinces of Punjab and North West Frontier Province (NWFP) serving more than 2.3 million consumers. The company has 41 years of experience in  operation and maintenance of high-pressure gas and distribution and systems.

PC has asked the qualified parties interested in acquiring the indicated shareholder and management control to submit their EOI's along with the required non refundable processing fee including the name and address of the party, the date and place of incorporation and contact details, Experience in the gas sector, Experience in international gas industry development, involvement in the acquisition /operation of gas companies requiring system upgrading and managerial restricting, Audited financial statements and details of ownership structure.

Parties with relevant credentials and who submit a formal EOI will be provided with a documentation package, including a Request for Statement of Qualification ("SOQ") and Preliminary Information Memorandum. The early submission of EOIs will allow parties maximum time for completion of their Statement of Qualification requirements. SOQs must be submitted to the PC no later than 1500 hrs on February 11,2006. A consortium led by  Pricewaterhousecopers is advising the GoP on the privatisation of SNGPL. The invitations for the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) privatisation are being invited separately and shortly.