AWARENESS AT ALL LEVELS ESSENTIAL FOR BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF PRIVATISATION PROCESS- Zahid Hamid

Islamabad, June 13, 2006

There is a need to develop a comprehensive communication strategy for creating awareness at all levels of the society regarding the privatisation process so that the benefits of privatisation can be better explained and appreciated, and any misunderstanding regarding the process removed. Mr. Zahid Hamid Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment stated this while addressing a meeting of the Board of Privatisation Commission here today.

We should institute a program for public and stakeholders awareness, and establish 2-way channels of communication to build consensus and public ownership. This would help establish a more positive image of the privatisation process through increasing the flow of factual information, highlighting the achievements and benefits of privatisation to the common  man, especially under the government's policy of "Privatisation for the People", he said.

The PC Board decided that the privatisation of Pak American Fertilizers Limited would be dealt with in accordance with the transaction documents.

The meeting decided to initiate the process of the privatisation of Printing Corporation (Private) Limited and to de-list Investment Corporation of Pakistan (ICP) from Privatisation Program and to transfer it to State Bank of Pakistan. The PC Board also approved the offer of shares to the employees of Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC).

The meeting reviewed the progress and status of the privatisation process of various on going and upcoming transactions and reviewed the implementation status of the decisions taken in the previous meeting. The meeting also formulated its recommendations for the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCOP) regarding various ongoing entities.

Shaikh Ikramullah Secretary Privatisation Commission, Members of the Board of the Privatisation Commission, senior officials of the respective Ministries and departments attended the meeting.