GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
MINISTRY OF LAW, JUSTICE, HUMAN RIGHTS AND PARLIAMENTARY
AFFAIRS
(LAW, JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS DIVISION)
F.No.2(1)/2000-Pub. Islamabad, the 28th September,2000
The following Ordinance made by the President
is hereby published for general information
ORDINANCE NO;LII OF 2000
AnOrdinance to provide for the establishment of the Privatisation Commission
WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the establishment of the Privatisation
Commission for implementing the privatisation policy of the Federal Government
and to
provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto;
WHEREAS the Federal Government is carrying out a programme of privatisation;
WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for a fair and transparent process of privatisation
to secure transactions resulting therefrom;
WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the utilization of the proceeds of
privatisation
for the retirement of Federal Government debt and for poverty alleviation
WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for an expeditious mechanism to resolve
all
disputes relating to privatisation;
WHEREAS the National Assembly and the Senate stand suspended in pursuance
of the
Proclamation of Emergency of the fourteenth day of October, 1999, and the
Provisional
Constitution Order No. 1 of 1999;
AND WHEREAS the President is satisfied that circumstances exist which render
it
necessary to take immediate action;
NOW, THEREFORE, in pursuance of the aforesaid Proclamation of the fourteenth
day
of October, 1999, and Provisional Constitution Order No.1 of 1999, as well
as Order No.
9 of 1999, and in exercise of all powers enabling him in that behalf, the
President of the
Islamic Republic of Pakistan is pleased to make and promulgate the following
Ordinance.-
MUHAMMAD RAFIQ TARAR
President
--------------------------
MR.JUSTICE
FAQIR MUHAMMAD KHOKAR
SECRETARY
---------------------------
PART I - GENERAL
1. Short title, extent and commencement.-
(1) This Ordinance may be called the Privatisation Commission Ordinance, 2000.
(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan.
(3) It shall come into force at once.
2. Definitions.-
In this Ordinance, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,-
(a) "Board" means the Board of the Commission.
(b) "Cabinet" means the Cabinet of the Federal Government, and where
authorized,
includes the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCOP) as constituted by the
Cabinet from time to time;
(c) "Chairman" means Chairman of the Commission;
(d) "Commission" means the Privatisation Commission established
under section 3;
(e) "Commission Account" means the Commission Account established
under section
14;
(f) "member" means a member of the Board;
(g) "person" includes an individual, partnership, trust, company
or association or of
body corporate or body of individuals, whether or not having separate legal
personality, other than the Federal Government or any enterprise owned or
controlled by the Federal Government;
(h) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Ordinance;
(i) "privatisation" includes a transaction by virtue of which any
property, right, interest,
concession or management thereof is transferred to any person from the Federal
Government or any enterprise owned or controlled, wholly or partially, directly
or
indirectly, by the Federal Government;
(j) "Privatisation Fund" means the Privatisation Fund established
under section 16;
(k) "privatisation proceeds" means the proceeds of privatisation
received by the
Commission;
(l) "property" includes any right, title or interest in property,
moveable or immovable
and in whole or in part, and any means and instruments of production owned
or
controlled directly or indirectly by the Federal Government or any enterprise
owned
or controlled by the Federal Government whether in or outside Pakistan;
(m) "regulations" means the regulations made under section 41 of
this Ordinance;
(n) "regulatory authority" means the Pakistan Telecommunication
Authority established
under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organisation) Act, 1996, (Act XVII
of
1996), the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority established under
the
Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power
Act,
1997 (Act XL of 1997), the Natural Gas Regulatory Authority established under
the
Natural Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2000 (Ordinance I of 2000), and
such
other authority as may be established under any law;
(o) "rules" means the rules made under section 40 of this Ordinance;
(p) "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Commission; and
(q) "staff" means the staff of the Commission and includes a deputationist
and a contract
employee.
PART II - PRIVATISATION COMMISSION
3. Establishment of the Commission.-
(1) The Privatisation Commission is hereby established for carrying out the
purposes of
this Ordinance. The Privatisation Commission shall be a body corporate having
perpetual succession and a common seal, with power, subject to the provisions
of
this Ordinance, to enter into agreements, contracts, acquire and hold property,
both
moveable and immovable, and to sue and be sued in its name.
(2) The Federal Government's Notification No. F. 5(1) Adm-1/91 dated 22nd
January,
1991 and other related notifications issued from time to time establishing
and
reconstituting the Privatisation Commission (hereinafter referred to as the
"existing
Commission") are hereby rescinded and the existing Commission shall stand
dissolved on the commencement of this Ordinance.
(3) Upon the commencement of this Ordinance, the dissolution of the existing
Commission and establishment of the Commission under this Ordinance:
(a) all, assets, rights, powers, authorities and privileges, and all property,
moveable and immovable cash and bank balances, reserve funds investment
and all other interests and rights in, or arising out of, such property and
all
debts, liabilities and obligations of whatever kind of the existing Commission
subsisting immediately before the dissolution shall stand transferred to and
vest in the Commission;
(b) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Ordinance or any other law
for the
time being in force or in any agreement, deed, document or other instrument:
(i) the Chairman of the existing Commission referred to in sub section (2)
shall continue to be the Chairman of the Commission and the Board
unless and until a Chairman is appointed under section 7;
(ii) the Secretary of the existing Commission referred to in sub section (2)
shall continue to be the Secretary of the Commission and the Board
unless and until a Secretary is appointed under section 7;
(iii) a member of the existing Commission referred to in sub section (2) shall
continue to be a member of the Board unless and until such member is
appointed under section 7;
(iv)
4. Location of Office.-
The principal office of the Commission shall be in Islamabad. The Commission
may
establish regional offices at such other place or places in Pakistan as it
considers
necessary.
5. Functions and Powers of the Commission.-
The Commission shall:
(a) recommend privatisation policy guidelines to the Cabinet;
(b) prepare for the approval of the Cabinet, a comprehensive privatisation
programme;
(c) plan, manage, implement and control the privatisation programme approved
by the
Cabinet;
(d) prepare and submit reports to the Cabinet on all aspects of the privatisation
programme;
(e) facilitate or initiate legislation as approved by the Cabinet by or on
behalf of
concerned Ministry in connection with the privatisation programme;
(f) provide overall directions for the implementation of privatisation related
activities
including, restructuring, deregulation and post-privatisation matters in sectors
designated by the Cabinet;
(g) take operational decisions on matters pertaining to privatisation, restructuring,
deregulation, regulatory issues including approval of licensing and tariff
rules and
other related issues pertaining to the privatisation programme approved by
the
Cabinet;
(h) issue directions and instructions to the management of a business undertaking
falling within the purview of the privatisation programme approved by the
Cabinet
on all major important administrative, financial, reporting and policy matters;
(i) publicize the activities of the privatisation programme;
(j) propose a regulatory framework, including the establishment and strengthening
of
regulatory authorities, to the Cabinet for independent and fair regulation
of each
industry sector falling within the purview of the privatisation programme;
(k) advise the Federal Government in selection and appointment of the head
and a
member of a regulatory authority;
(l) advise the Federal Government that monopolies are not created in the process
of
privatisation;
(m) appoint advisors, consultants, valuers, lawyers and such other staff,
both local and
foreign, on such terms as it may determine to discharge its functions under
this
Ordinance;
(n) approve and take decisions and perform all acts to implement pre-privatisation
restructuring, labour rehabilitation and severance schemes, and all other
related
matters as approved by the Cabinet;
(o) invite applications for the privatisation and ensure widest possible participation;
(p) evaluate bids received according to criteria determined by the Commission
from
time to time and formulate recommendations for consideration by the Cabinet;
(q) recommend to the Federal Government such labour and manpower rehabilitation
programmes as may be necessary during privatisation and to develop a roster
of
such employees who may need rehabilitation;
(r) advise measures to the Federal Government for improvement of public sector
units
till their privatisation;
(s) assist in the implementation of Federal Government policies on deregulation
and
privatisation and advise the Federal Government on deregulating the economy
to
the maximum possible extent; and
(t) perform such other functions that are incidental or ancillary to carry
out the
privatisation programme approved by the Cabinet.
PART III - MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
6. Board of the Commission.-
(1) The general management and administration of the affairs of the Commission
shall
vest in the Board. The Board shall consist of the Chairman, the Secretary
and six
other members, or such other higher number as may be determined by the Federal
Government.
(2) The Chairman of the Commission shall also be the Chairman of the Board.
(3) The Secretary of the Commission shall also be the Secretary of the Board.
(4) No act or proceeding of the Board shall be invalid by reason only of the
existence
of a vacancy in, or defect in, the constitution of the Board.
7. Chairman, Secretary and members.-
(1) The Chairman, Secretary and members shall be appointed by the Federal
Government.
(2) The Chairman shall be responsible for the day to day administration of
the affairs of
the Commission.
(3) The Chairman shall be an eminent professional of known integrity and competence
with qualifications or experience in privatisation or any related field, including
business, management, finance, or law. The Secretary and other members shall
be
professionals of known integrity and competence with qualifications or experience
in privatisation or any related field, including business, management, finance,
or
law.
(4) The Chairman and Secretary shall be paid such remuneration and allowances
and
shall be entitled to such privileges and facilities as the Federal Government
may
determine, which shall not be varied to their disadvantage during their term
of
office. The members shall be entitled to such privileges and facilities as
the Federal
Government may determine.
(5) The Chairman, Secretary and other members shall, unless they resign or
are
removed from office earlier by the Federal Government, hold office for such
period
as may be determined by the Federal Government.
(6) No person shall be appointed or continue as a Chairman, Secretary or member
if he-
(a) has been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude or has been
found
guilty of misconduct;
(b) has been or is adjudged insolvent;
(c) is incapable of discharging his duties by reasons of physical or mental
unfitness and has been so declared by a Special Medical Board appointed by
the Federal Government; or
(d) fails to disclose any conflict of interest at or within the time provided
for such
disclosure by or under this Ordinance or contravenes any of the provisions
of
this Ordinance pertaining to unauthorized disclosure of information.
(7) The Chairman, Secretary or a member may at any time resign his office
by a written
notice addressed to the Federal Government. The office of the Chairman, Secretary
or a member shall become vacant upon the death or resignation of the Chairman,
Secretary or a member. A vacancy caused by resignation or any other reason
shall
be filled by the appointment of a person qualified to fill such vacancy.
(8) The Chairman shall not, during his term of office, engage himself in any
other
service, business, vocation or employment in respect of or relating to privatisation
activity and before the expiration of two years thereof enter into the employment
of,
or accept any advisory or consultancy relationship with, any person engaged
in any
privatisation.
(9) The Chairman, Secretary or a member shall not have any direct or indirect
financial
interest, or have any connection with any person engaged in privatisation
for so
long as he holds office and for a period of two years thereafter.
(10) The Secretary of the Commission shall exercise all the powers of a Secretary
to the
Federal Government.
8. Meetings of the Board.-
(1) Save as hereinafter provided, the Board shall regulate the procedure for
its
meetings.
(2) The meetings of the Board shall be presided over by the Chairman. In the
absence
of the Chairman, the members present in the meeting may select a Chairman
for that
meeting.
(3) At least one third of the members shall constitute a quorum for meetings
of the
Board requiring a decision by the Board.
(4) The meeting of the Board shall be held at such time and place as the Chairman
or a
majority of members may from time to time determine. Members shall have
reasonable notice of the time and place of the meeting and the matters on
which a
decision by the Board shall be taken in such meeting.
(5) Decisions of the Board shall be taken by the majority of its members present,
and in
case of a tie, the person presiding the meeting shall have a casting vote.
(6) The Board shall cause minutes to be kept of proceedings of every meeting
of the
Board and of every meeting of a committee established by the Board. Decisions
of
the Board shall be recorded in writing and signed by the Cha irman.
9. Delegation.-
(1) The Board may constitute committees of its members to entrust them with
such
functions and powers as it may deem fit. The Board or any of its committees
may
invite any technical expert or other person possessing specialized knowledge
of any
subject or representative of a government institution for assistance in the
performance of its functions.
(2) The Board may, subject to such conditions and limitations as it may deem
fit to
impose, delegate any of its functions or powers to the Chairman, or Secretary
or one
or more members of the Board or any officer of the Commission, except-
(a) the power to approve the audited accounts; and
(b) the power to make or repeal regulations made under this Ordinance.
(3) A delegation under this section shall not prevent the concurrent performance
or
exercise by the Board of the functions or powers so delegated.
10. Employees of the Commission.-
(1) To carry out the purposes of this Ordinance, the Commission may, from
time to
time, employ persons to be employees of the Commission who shall be paid such
remuneration and allowances and shall hold their employment on such terms
and
conditions as may be determined by the Commission.
(2) The employees of the Commission shall hold office during the pleasure
of the
Commission and shall be liable to disciplinary action in accordance with the
regulations made by the Commission.
Provided that the civil servants appointed to the Commission shall be governed
by
the Civil Servants Act, 1973 (Act LXXI of 1973) and rules made thereunder
unless
absorbed in the Commission.
11. Employment of agents, advisers and consultants.-
(1) Subject to sub-section (2), the Commission may, employ any technical,
professional
and other agents, advisers, and consultant s including, bankers, engineers,
valuers,
accountants, lawyers and other persons to transact any business or to do any
act
required to be transacted or done in the exercise of its powers, the performance
of its
functions or for the better implementation of the purposes of this Ordinance.
(2) The decision to employ and the terms of employment of agents, advisers,
and
consultants shall be made by the Commission in accordance with such policy
guidelines as the Commission may lay down from time to time.
12. Public Servants.-
The Chairman, Secretary, members, officers, employees and other persons authorized
to
perform or exercise any function or power under this Ordinance or rendering
services to
the Commission as agents, advisers or consultants shall be deemed to be public
servants
within the meaning of section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV
of 1860).
13. Disclosure of interest.-
(1) Where a person is present at a meeting of the Board or committee of the
Board and
that person or his family or his professional or business partner or associate
has
direct or indirect interest in the subject of consideration in that meeting,
that person
shall-
(a) forthwith disclose such an interest; and
(b) not take part in any consideration on that matter unless the Board or
the
committee thereof otherwise directs.
(2) Where a member of the Commission, staff or other employee of the Commission,
including an adviser, consultant or his family has a direct or indirect interest
in any
matter relating to Privatisation such person shall forthwith disclose that
interest to
the Commission and the Commission shall have the right to take such action
as it
considers appropriate.
PART IV - FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
14. Funds of the Commission.-
(1) There is hereby established, for the purposes of this Ordinance, a Commission
Account to be administered and controlled by the Commission. The operations
of the
Commission shall be funded from the Commission Account. The funds of the
Commission shall consist of-
(a) grants from the Federal Government;
(b) supplementary contributions from the Privatisation Fund;
(c) income from investments;
(d) fees and charges;
(e) grants of money and sums borrowed or raised by the Commission for the
purposes of meeting any of its obligations or discharging any of its duties;
and
(f) all other sums or property which may in any manner become payable to or
vested in the Commission in respect of any matter incidental to the exercise
of
its functions and powers.
(2) The Commission shall in respect of each financial year prepare its budget
and submit
it to the Federal Government for approval, in the form and manner as may be
prescribed.
(3) It shall be the duty of the Commission to conserve the Commission Account
and the
Privatisation Fund while performing its functions and exercising its powers
under
this Ordinance.
15. Expenditure to be charged on the Commission Account.-
The Commission Account shall be expended for the purpose of-
(a) paying any expenditure lawfully incurred by the Commission, including
the
remuneration and allowances of the Chairman, members, staff, employees, advisers,
and consultants, accountants, lawyers, valuers and other experts appointed
and
employed by the Commission, including provident fund contributions,
superannuating allowances or gratuities and legal fees and costs and other
fees and
costs, if any;
(b) paying for expenditure incurred on.-
(i) public offering and placement of shares;
(ii) marketing and publicity;
(iii) seminars and conferences;
(iv) labour rehabilitation and severance schemes; and
(v) restructuring.
(c) purchasing or hiring equipment, machinery and any other materials, acquiring
land
and erecting buildings, and carrying out any other work and undertakings in
the
performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers under this Ordinance;
(d) repaying any financial accommodation received or moneys borrowed under
this Ordinance and the profit, mark-up or return due thereon; and
(e) paying any other expenses, costs or expenditure properly incurred or accepted
by the Commission in the performance of its functions or the exercise of its
powers under this Ordinance-
Provided that all the above expenditures shall be met from other resources
before
utilization of supplementary contributions from the Privatisation Fund.
16. Privatisation Fund.-
(1) The Commission shall establish and maintain a distinct and separate Privatisation
Fund in which all privatisation proceeds shall be deposited. The Commission
shall,
out of the moneys so deposited, withdraw and contribute to the Commission's
Account such amount or amounts as may be needed by it from time to time but
only
to supplement the other resources therein if and to the extent necessary.
The
remaining privatisation proceeds shall be kept in trust for and distributed
to the
Federal Government or the enterprise owned or controlled by the Federal
Government entitled to such proceeds:
[Provided that the Commission if so required by the Federal Government, withhold
a
specified amount out of the privatisation proceeds, of Government of Pakistan's
shares to the oil and gas fields specified in the Schedule to this Ordinance:
Provided further that the amount withheld under the foregoing proviso shall
be paid
to the Federal Government and shall not exceed the some equivalent to such
proceeds
as may be necessary to compensate the Federal Government for the investments
made
by it in such oil and gas fields.] Amended by Privatisation Commission Ordinance
2002
(2) The privatisation proceeds distributed to the Federal Government pursuant
to subsection
(1), shall be utilized by the Federal Government as follows:
(a) ten percent shall be used for poverty alleviation programmes; and
(b) the remaining ninety percent for retirement of the Federal Government
debt.
17. Power to obtain finance and receive grants.-
(1) The Commission may, from time to time and with the approval of the Federal
Government, obtain finance in respect of any sums required by the Commission
for
meeting any of its obligations or performing any of its functions.
(2) The Commission may, with the approval of the Federal Government, also
accept
grants from entities both domestic and international, including multilateral
agencies.
18. Investment.-
The Commission may, in so far as its moneys are not required to be expended
under this
Ordinance, invest in such manner as set out in section 20 of the Trusts Act,
1882 (11 of
1882).
19. Bank accounts.-
The Commission may open and maintain its accounts at such scheduled banks
as it may
from time to time determine in consultation with the Federal Government.
20. Accounts.-
(1) The Commission shall maintain proper accounts and other records relating
to its
financial affairs to be kept in such form and manner as the Federal Government
may
determine in consultation with the Auditor General of Pakistan and shall as
soon as
practicable after the end of each financial year cause to be prepared for
that financial
year statements of account of the Commission which shall include a balanc
e sheet
and an account of income and expenditure.
(2) The financial year of the Commission shall be the period of twelve months
ending
30th June, in each year.
21. Audit.-
(1) The accounts of the Commission shall be audited annually by the Auditor
General
of Pakistan.
(2) The Commission, in addition to the audit by the Auditor General, cause
its accounts
to be audited by internal or other external auditors.
(3) Within six months of the close of the financial year, the Commission shall
submit to
the Federal Government an audited report, statements of account of the Commission
including a balance sheet and an account of income and expenditure in respect
of
the preceding financial year.
PART V - PRIVATISATION
22. Privatisation programme.-
Subject to the provisions hereinafter provided, the Commission shall, after
approval by
the Cabinet, carry out the privatisation programme in the prescribed manner.
23. Advertisement of privatisation.-
The Commission shall, in consultation with the Federal Government and any
concerned
enterprise owned or controlled wholly or partially, directly or indirectly
by the Federal
Government, give notice of its intent to privatize . The Commission shall
for each
proposed privatisation publish, in at least two English newspapers and two
Urdu
newspapers with a national circulation on at least two occasions not less
than seven days
apart, notice of the availability of the subject- matter of the privatisation
and of the
salient terms and conditions thereof. Advertisements for privatisation, where
necessary,
will also be placed in newspapers with an international circulation.
24. Valuation of property.-
The valuation of the property shall be performed, in the prescribed manner,
by
independent valuers who shall issue a valuation report to the Commission.
25. Modes of privatisation.-
The Commission shall carry out privatisation, in accordance with the prescribed
procedure, through any of the following modes-
(a) sale of assets and business;
(b) sale of shares through public auction or tender;
(c) public offering of shares through a stock exchange;
(d) management or employee buyouts by management or employees of a state owned
enterprise;
(e) lease, management or concession contracts; or
(f) any other method as may be prescribed.
26. Publication of privatisation transaction.-
(1) The Commission shall, within thirty days of the completion of each privatisation
transaction, publish by notice in the official Gazette-
(a) summary description of the transaction including name and address of the
contracting party;
(b) the consultants advising the Commission on the transaction; and
(c) any other matter relating to the transaction considered appropriate by
the
Commission.
27. Investigations.-
(1) The Federal Government or any of its agencies authorized by it, may of
its own or
on a complaint oversee, scrutinize or investigate any privatisation transaction
within
one year of the completion of the privatisation.
(2) After the expiry of the period referred to in sub-section (1), the Federal
Gove rnment
or any of its agencies shall not be empowered to carry out any such scrutiny
or
investigation.
PART VI - JURISDICTION
28. Jurisdiction of High Courts.-
Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in
force, the High
Court shall exercise exclusive civil and criminal jurisdiction-
(a) to adjudicate and settle all matters related to, arising from or under
or in connection
with this Ordinance;
(b) to adjudicate and settle all matters transferred pursuant to section 31;
and
(c) to try offences punishable under this Ordinance.
29. Procedure and power of High Court in civil matters.-
(1) In exercise of its civil jurisdiction under this Ordinance, the High Court
shall-
(a) follow the procedure, as nearly as possible, as provided in the Code of
Civil
Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908): Provided that the High Court may, in its
discretion, having regard to the facts of the case, follow the summary
procedure, as nearly as possible, provided for in Order XXXVII in the First
Schedule to the said Code; and
(b) have all the powers vested in the Civil Court under the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908).
(2) The High Court shall decide the case before it within a period of six
months.
30. Procedure and power of High Court in criminal matters.-
In exercise of its criminal jurisdiction under this Ordinance, the High Court
shall-
(a) in trial of all offences before it follow the procedure provided for in
Chapter XXIIA
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898); and
(b) in addition to the powers already vested in it, exercise the powers as
are vested in
the Court of Sessions under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of
1898).
31. Transfer of cases.-
(1) All legal proceedings whatsoever and matters related to or under or in
connection
with or arising from privatisation, the privatisation process or privatisation
programme pending on the commencement of this Ordinance before any forum,
tribunal or court shall stand transferred to the High Court having jurisdiction
provided that nothing contained herein shall affect any proceedings pending
before
the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
(2) In respect of matters transferred to a High Court under sub-section (1),
the High
Court shall proceed from the stage at which the proceedings had reached
immediately prior to the transfer and shall not be bound to recall and rehear
any
witness and may act on the
32. Offences.-
. Whoever dishonestly commits a breach of the terms of any agreement, contract,
guarantee or such other instrument or document executed by him in relation
to
privatisation shall, without prejudice to any other action which may be taken
against
him under this Ordinance or any other law for the time being in force, be
punishable
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one
year and
shall also be liable to fine, and the High Court trying the offence may order
the
delivery or payment, or refund, to the Commission, within a time to be fixed
by it
any property or the amount in respect of which any agreement, contract, guarantee,
instrument or document was executed.
(2) Whoever knowingly makes a statement or a declaration which is false in
material
respect at the time of privatisation and obtains the subject-matter of the
privatisation
from the Commission on the basis thereof, shall be guilty of an offence punishable
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one
year, or
with fine, or with both.
(3) Whoever resists or obstructs, either by himself or on behalf of the judgment
debtor,
through the use of force or otherwise the execution of a decree, shall be
punishable
with imprisonment which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
(4) Where the person guilty of an offence under this Ordinance is a company
or other
body corporate, the chief executive by whatever name called, and any director
or
officer of the company involved shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence
and shall
be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
(5) All offences under this Ordinance shall be non-cognizable and compoundable
by or
under the authority of the Commission.
(6) The High Court shall not take cognizance of any offence under this Ordinance
unless
a complaint has been filed by the Commission or a person authorized by it
in
writing.
33. Appeal.-
(1) Any person, Commission and the Federal Government aggrieved by a final
order,
judgement, decree or sentence, passed by a single Judge of a High Court may,
within thirty days of such order, judgement, decree or sentence prefer an
appeal
which shall be heard by a larger Bench of a High Court, within whose jurisdiction
the order, judgement, decree or sentence is passed.
(2) Any person, Commission and the Federal Government aggrieved by a final
order,
judgement, decree or sentence, passed by a larger Bench of a High Court may,
within thirty days of such order, judgement, decree or sentence prefer an
appeal to
the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
(3) No appeal, review or revision shall lie from any interlocutory order of
the High
Court.
PART VII - REGULATORY AND OTHER PROVISIONS
34. Extent of Transfer of Property.-
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Ordinance, the Federal Government
shall not
privatise any property except to the extent of its title, right, interest
or share in such
property.
35. Directions by Commission.-
(1) Any enterprise or management which is approved by the Cabinet as eligible
for
privatisation, shall-
(a) carry out any directions issued by the Commission in writing;
(b) keep up-to-date business records and books of account;
(c) not perform any action that would result in the assets of the company
or
business undertaking or property being lost or wasted;
(d) not incur any liability other than in the ordinary course of business
witho ut the
prior written approval of the Commission;
(e) not give any person information other than in the ordinary course of business
which might confer any advantage on that person or a potential buyer; and
(f) refrain from taking any action which may cause industrial unrest.
(2) The Commission shall after approval under sub-section (1) take all steps,
including
as to change of management necessary for initiating and completing the privatisation
in accordance with sound commercial principles and practices conducive to
efficiency and economy.
36. Information.-
(1) The Commission may call for any information required by it for carrying
out the
purposes of this Ordinance from any person involved, directly or indirectly,
in
privatisation activities or any matter incidental or consequential thereto.
Any such
person shall be liable to provide the required information called by the
Commission, failing which he shall be liable to a fine or other penalty as
prescribed from time to time.
(2) The Commission shall submit to the Federal Government at such time and
at such
intervals as the Federal Government may specify-
(a) such periodical reports and summaries as may be required by the Federal
Government;
(b) such periodical returns, accounts, statements and statistics as may be
required
by the Federal Government;
(c) information and comments asked for by the Federal Government on any
specific point; and
(d) copies of the documents or original documents required by the Federal
Government for examination or any other purpose.
37. Annual Report.-
(1) As soon as practicable but not later than six months after the end of
each financial
year, the Commission shall prepare and publish an annual report concerning
its
activities during the financial year and send a copy of the said report to
the Cabinet.
(2) The report referred to in sub-section (1) shall include-
(a) activities of the Commission during the financial year;
(b) an outline of the privatisation programme for the year ahead;
(c) a short financial statement of the preceding year;
(d) an audited balance sheet;
(e) an audited statement of income and expenditure; and
(f) any other matter which the Cabinet may direct or the Commission may
consider appropriate.
38. Information to public.-
(1) The Commission shall publicize its reports and shall keep them open for
information of the public during reasonable business hours.
(2) Subject to regulations regarding confidentiality, the Commission's reports
shall
39. Immunity of the Commission and its employees.-
(1) The Chairman, Secretary, members, consultants, officers, or other employees
of the
Commission shall make such declaration of fidelity and secrecy as may be
prescribed.
(2) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the
Commission, the
Chairman, Secretary, members, consultants, officers or other employees of
the
Commission in respect of anything done or intended to be done in good faith
under
this Ordinance.
40. Rules.-
The Commission may, with the approval of the Federal Government, by notification
in
the official Gazette, make rules, not inconsistent with the provisions of
this Ordinance,
for exercising its powers and carrying out of its functions under this Ordinance.
41. Regulations.-
(1) The Commission may, by notification in the official Gazette, make regulations,
not
inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance or the rules, for exercising
its
powers and carrying out of its functions under this Ordinance.
(2) Without prejudice to the foregoing power, such regulations may provide
for
appointment of its officers, members of staff and such other persons and the
terms
and conditions of their service.
42. Ordinance to override other laws.-
The provisions of this Ordinance shall have effect notwithstanding anything
inconsistent
contained in any other law for the time being in force and any such law, rule
or regulation
shall, to the extent of any inconsistency, cease to have effect from the date
this Ordinance
comes into force.
43. Common seal.-
The Commission shall have a common seal and such seal shall be kept in the
custody of
the Chairman or such other person as may be authorized by the regulations
made by the
Commission. Documents required or permitted to be executed under seal shall
be
specified in and authenticated in such manner as shall be authorized by regulations
made
by the Commission.
44. Exemption from taxes.-
Notwithstanding anything contained in any other Federal law for the time being
in force,
the Commission shall not be liable to pay, and shall be exempt from the payment
of, any
taxes, duties, levies, charges and fees payable under, or in pursuance to
any Federal law,
in respect of any of its business, assets, income, or wealth.
45. Liability of the Federal Government to be limited. -
The liability of the Federal Government under this Ordinance shall be limited
to the
extent of its assets in the Commission.
46. Support of the Federal Government.-
The Federal Government and all its agencies, particularly the concerned enterprises
owned and controlled wholly or partially, directly or indirectly by the Federal
Government, shall render support to the Commission to fulfill its objective
and functions
in pursuance of this Ordinance.
47. Dissolution.-
No provision of law relating to the winding up of the bodies corporate shall
apply to the
Commission, and the Commission shall not be wound up except by order of the
Federal
Government, and in such manner as the Federal Government may direct.
48. Removal of difficulties.-
If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any provision of this Ordinance,
the Federal
Government may make such order, not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Ordinance,
as may appear to it to be necessary for the purposes of removing the difficulty.
[SCHEDULE BROUGHT IN BY THE PRIVATISATION COMMISSION
(AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE, 2002 ORDINANCE CXVI OF 2002
SCHEDULE
[See subsection (1) of section 16]
1. Badin I
2. Badin II (revised).
3. Dhurnal
4. Ratana
5. Adhi
6. Turkwal]