ZAHID URGES SMALL INVESTORS TO PREPARE CNIC & OPEN CDC ACCOUNTS TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC OFFERINGS OF SHARES

Islamabad, July 6, 2006

Mr. Zahid Hamid Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment has urged small investors to consider opening CDC accounts and obtain computerized National Identity Cards, which will help their participation in upcoming Public Offering of GoP shares in amongst others United Bank Limited (UBL), State Life Insurance Company Limited (SLIC) and Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). The Minister stated this while addressing the Privatisation Commission Board meeting here today.

He directed the Privatisation Commission to simplify the application forms in this regard with necessary information in Urdu so as to facilitate the small investors and to issue instructions to the respective bankers to guide in completing requisite formalities.

Mr. Zahid Hamid asked the PC officials to plan a series of road shows all over the country with proper sequencing, especially in smaller cities, towns and rural areas for creating awareness among the masses to benefit from the planned public offerings under the government's policy of, 'Privatisation for the People'.

The PC Board reviewed the status and progress of on going and upcoming transactions and directed that necessary steps be taken for their expeditious completion in an open fair and transparent manner after completing all prescribed rules and regulations.

The PC Board members and the senior officials of the respective ministries and departments were present during the meeting.