PRIVATISATION WORTH Rs.285 BILLION REALIZED DURING LAST THREE YEARS-Dr. Hafeez Shaikh

Islamabad, March 10, 2006

During the last three years the privatisation proceeds worth Rs.285 billion were realized, which would further increase with the completion of the privatisation process of the entities at very advance stage including Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pakistan Steel Mills Corporation (PSMC). Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment stated this while chairing the Privatisation Commission Board meeting here today.

Reviewing the performance of the Privatisation Commission, the Minister said that during the early 13 years PC conducted privatisation worth Rs.96 billion with Rs.8.5 billion per year while the past three years witnessed Rs.90 billion per year through the hard work by the professionals and the related stakeholders in a most transparent manner.

The PC Board approved the highest offer of Rs. 19. 999 billion from Ibrahim Fibers Limited for Pak American Fertilizers Limited (PAFL) and recommended to CCOP for a decision. PAFL is the first fertilizer manufacturing concern in Pakistan. It was established in 1959. The letter of Acceptance would be issued to the highest bidder after necessary approval by CCOP. The bidder will deposit 25 % proceeds within 14 days and remaining 75 % in 60 days after the issuance of LOA.

The PC Board also approved the inclusion of Services International Hotel in the privatisation program.

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.