PC BOARD APPROVES INCLUSION OF 24 PTDC MOTELS IN PRIVATISATION PROGRAM

Islamabad, February 17, 2006

The Privatisation Commission Board, which met here today under the chairmanship of Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment gave approval for inclusion of 24 Motels and restaurants of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation.

The PC board also gave approval for extending the date for inviting more Expression of Interest (EOI) for National Power Construction Company (NPCC) in view of the increasing interest and to have maximum competition for the transaction.

The meeting also reviewed the bidding arrangements for the privatisation of Pak-American Fertilizers Limited (PAFL) scheduled to be held on February 28, 2006 at Islamabad.

The meeting was informed that the privatisation process of Pakistan's largest natural gas transmission and distribution companies SNGPL and SSGC  was progressing forward and the international players in the oil & gas  industry were showing keen interest in the transactions. The PC recently conducted a two- ay road show to attract investors for both the transactions at Singapore while the second road show is scheduled at London during the last week of the current month.

The PC Board discussed the progress and the status of various on going and  upcoming transactions and expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the decisions taken in the earlier meeting.

Mr. M. Tahsin Khan Iqbal Secretary Privatisation Commission conducted the meeting. Members of the Board of the Privatisation Commission, senior officials of the respective Ministries and departments attended the meeting.