30 September 2004	Thursday	14 Shaban 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 29: The Federal Cabinet on Wednesday approved a bill to amend the Companies Ordinance (1984) to facilitate investors and bring further efficiency in the operations of companies.

The amendments were proposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan as part of a process to update the Companies Ordinance.

According to a press release, a notable amendment in the Companies Ordinance is the reduction in time period for payment of dividend to shareholders of listed companies to 30 days from 45 days of the date of declaration. The amendment is aimed at ensuring expeditious distribution of profits of companies among shareholders.

Furthermore, the period of notice for convening general meetings of shareholders has been reduced from 21 days to 14 days. This amendment would provide companies with a reasonable time period to call shareholders' meetings.

Another significant amendment relates to allowing members of companies limited by guarantee to attend general meetings through proxy. As a result, they will have the flexibility to attend meetings in person or through proxy.

Previously the members of such companies could attend meetings in person only. Considering the practical difficulties encountered in the matter, attendance through proxy has been permitted to companies limited by guarantee.