ZAHID HAMID LEAVES FOR UK FOR OPENING OF OGDCL ON LSE

Islamabad, December 5, 2006

Mr. Zahid Hamid Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment left this morning for United Kingdom for official opening of OGDCL on the London market tomorrow morning on December 6, 2006 in a formal ceremony at London Stock Exchange (LSE). Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment Mr. Zahid Hamid will formally push the button on ‘The Source’ (‘The Source’ is the symbolic representation of the market opening; akin to the NYSE’s opening bell) at London Stock Exchange.

The listing and trading of OGDCL’s GDS at the London Stock Exchange represents a significant milestone in the Government’s privatisation program. This is the largest equity offering of a Pakistani company abroad in more than a decade and its demonstrable success is a cause of immense satisfaction. OGDCL is Pakistan’s flagship company in the energy sector, being the largest oil and gas exploration and Production Company in the country. Mr. Gibson Smith, Chairman LSE and Ms. Maleeha Lodhi Pakistan’s High Commissioner to United Kingdom will also attend the ceremony along with world’s top investors.