Pakistan all set to auction 3G tech

The government is going to shortlist three major contenders for selection of consultant by next week for high profile transaction of third generation (3G) technology that possesses potential to bring investment of over $1 billion, it is learnt.

The official documents available with The News disclosed that Auction Supervisory Committee (ASC) under chairmanship of Finance Minister Dr Hafeez Shaikh will meet on April 11 to finalize short listing of three major parties having international repute for appointment as consultant out of total 10 to 12 interested parties.

"This process may not be completed within the current fiscal year but ASC has taken decision in principle that transparency will not be compromised and Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules will be adhered to," senior government official confided to The News here on Friday.

When contacted Secretary Ministry of Information Technology Farooq Awan said that the appointment of consultant and completion of transaction would be completed in a transparent manner.

He said that around 10 to 12 interested parties showed their interest for the slot of consultant and this process would be completed by the end of this month.

Sources said that the short-listed parties would be asked to submit RFP (Request for Proposal) and financing bidding after which the lowest bidder would be selected for appointment of consultant.

The consultant would be assigned to evaluate 'Reserved Price' for this transaction on the basis of his or her expertise and appointment of independent consultant would give credibility to this crucial transaction.