KARACHI, Dec 20: Karachi Stock Exchange on Friday announced names of 25 top companies selected for the year 2001 award.

Awards distribution ceremony to the companies is scheduled to be held in January 2003 and Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali is likely to be the chief guest on the occasion, said KSE managing director.

Names of the companies are: Pakistan Oilfields Ltd, UniLever Pakistan Ltd, Fauji Fertilizer Company Ltd, Engro Chemical Pakistan Ltd, Pakistan State Oil Company Ltd, Arif Habib Securities Ltd, Grays of Cambridge (Pakistan) Ltd, Al Ghazi Tractors Ltd, Rafhan Maize Products Company Ltd, Clariant Pakistan Ltd, Nestle Milkpak Ltd, Shell Pakistan Ltd, Siemens Pakistan Engineering Company Ltd, Millat Tractors Limited, Dawood Hercules Chemicals Ltd, Bolan Castings Ltd, International Industries Ltd, BOC Pakistan Ltd, Security Papers Ltd, Din Textile Mills Ltd, Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd, First Imrooz Modaraba, Rafhan Bestfoods Ltd, Habib Arkady Ltd, Sitara Chemical Industries Ltd.

The prerequisites for selection of top companies were: a) A minimum distribution of 40 per cent (including at least 15 per cent cash dividend) for the year; b) A minimum of 500 shareholders; c) The company has joined the CDS after its securities have been declared as eligible securities by the Central Depository Company of Pakistan Ltd; and d) The company should not be under violation of the Listing Regulations.—PPI