The Privatization Commission (PC) Board will pre-qualify the parties interested in the acquisition of minimum 88 per cent shareholding of National Power Construction Corporation (NPCC), today. At least ten foreign and local interested parties have submitted Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the transaction structure of NPCC out of which parties found financially and legally eligible will participate in the bidding process. The privatization board headed by minister for privatization, Ghous Bux Khan Mahar, on the advice of transaction committee will approve the eligible parties to take part in the bidding of NPCC.
The Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCOP) and PC board have already approved the privatization of Transaction Structure of NPCC. The bidding process would be open to PC Board and CCOP will approve the bidding results, lead to the issuance of letter of Intent to successful bidder.
PC expects to fetch $42 million by the sale of NPCC established in 1974 under the Ministry of Water and Power. The successful bidder will be required to continue to operate the company as a going concern. Up to 12 per cent shares were allocated for employees of NPCC through the Benazir Employee Stock Option Scheme (BESOS).
The NPCC is incorporated in Pakistan and is engaged in the execution of power engineering projects such as extra high voltage transmission lines, power generation plants, industrial electrification and external lighting of housing complexes in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other Middle Eastern countries. NPCC’s services include survey, design, material procurement, installation/erection and commissioning of projects. NPCC’s operations in the KSA and Middle East are carried out by NPCC’s branch office.
NPCC undertakes execution of large power construction projects including high and low voltage lines, distribution networks and electrification of large housing and commercial projects on turnkey basis in Saudi Arabia. The PC Board will also formulate recommendations for Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCOP) and review the status and progress of various ongoing and upcoming transactions including, the transaction structure of the Secondary Public Offering (SPO) of Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), and privatization of Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC).
Under BESOS Scheme thousand of employees of SOEs of Pakistan has been given benefit worth billions. But PTCL employees are being deprived of this opportunity. PTCL Management is reluctant to cooperate for the issuance of share certificates to employees despite being directed several times by the Privatisation Commission. Does any one cares. Present government is claiming of the success and being pro employees but in case of PTCL, employees are suffering at the hands of foreign investors in the shape of Etisalat company. Employees are being given loss of every benefit to which they are entitled like, salary and allied benefit, 12% shares against BESOS scheme, Medical benefit are being curtailed, service benefit and promotions. Would present government like to ponder over this issue ?
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