Adagio Therapeutics Provides Update for ADG20 COVID-19 Antibody Program and Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

FDA Feedback Supports Planned Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Submission for ADG20 for Prevention of COVID-19; Interim Clinical Data Package from EVADE Prevention Trial to Support EUA Submission Expected in Second Quarter 2022

Enrollment Progressing in ADG20 STAMP Trial for Treatment of COVID-19; Planned Interim Efficacy Analysis Expected in Second Quarter 2022 to Support Potential EUA Submission

WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Adagio Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq: ADGI) a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of antibody-based solutions for infectious diseases with pandemic potential, today provided an update on its lead COVID-19 antibody program, ADG20, and reported third quarter 2021 financial results. ADG20 is an investigational monoclonal antibody product candidate designed to provide broad and potent neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2, including variants of concern, for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

“ADG20 continues to be the only monoclonal antibody in late-stage development that has the potential to offer a unique combination of potency, breadth of neutralization across known SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern as well as additional SARS-like viruses with pandemic potential, and durable protection against COVID-19 for up to one year. Further, our single injection delivery avoids the inconveniences associated with IV administration or multiple injections,” said Lynn Connolly, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer of Adagio. “The world continues to face a host of challenges in fully addressing the COVID-19 crisis. Alternatives or supplements to vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 are needed for immunocompromised individuals and those who remain hesitant to receive a vaccine or to vaccinate their children. Certain patient populations may not be ideal candidates for emerging oral treatment options due to adherence concerns, comorbidities or possible drug interactions. Based on its combined attributes, ADG20 has the potential to be a differentiated alternative for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 that may address the needs of these populations, and our commitment to its advancement is unwavering.”

“We’ve made significant progress over the course of 2021, and 2022 is set to be a landmark year for Adagio as we prepare for potential EUA submissions for ADG20 for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19,” said Tillman Gerngross, Ph.D., co-founder and chief executive officer of Adagio. “We recently received clear feedback from the FDA on a strategy to submit an EUA for ADG20 for the prevention of COVID-19, and have initiated efforts to expand our clinical program to additional patient subsets, including immunocompromised individuals and children. Our commercial-readiness efforts are well underway and with a strong balance sheet, we are ready to move quickly to enable access to individuals in need of COVID-19 prevention and treatment options, if authorization and/or approval is granted.”

ADG20 COVID-19 Program Updates

Prevention
Adagio continues to enroll adult and adolescent participants in its ongoing, global Phase 3 EVADE clinical trial evaluating ADG20 as a prevention for COVID-19 in both the pre-exposure and recent exposure settings.

  • Adagio has received feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a data package needed and a pathway for an EUA submission for the pre-exposure prevention of COVID-19
  • Adagio anticipates that the data package to support an EUA for ADG20 will be available in the second quarter of 2022 followed by expected submission to the FDA in the third quarter of 2022
  • Adagio plans to add a new cohort in EVADE to evaluate ADG20 as a preventative option in immunocompromised individuals, with enrollment expected to begin in the first quarter of 2022
  • Adagio also plans to initiate a trial evaluating ADG20 as a vaccine supplement
  • Following discussion with the FDA, Adagio has aligned on a plan to evaluate ADG20 as a preventative option in the pediatric population, with a trial in individuals between two and 11 years of age expected to be initiated by mid-year 2022

Treatment
Adagio continues to enroll patients in its ongoing, global Phase 2/3 STAMP clinical trial evaluating ADG20 as a treatment for COVID-19.

  • Adagio is planning to modify the trial design in order to expand the at-risk patient population eligible for enrollment in STAMP
  • Based on current enrollment, Adagio anticipates reaching the Phase 2 independent data monitoring committee evaluation in the first quarter of 2022 and the interim efficacy analysis in the second quarter of 2022 to potentially support a subsequent EUA submission

Recent ADG20 Data Presentations at ISIRV-WHO and IDWeek2021

  • New in vitro data demonstrated retained neutralizing activity of ADG20 against a diverse panel of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the newly emerged Lambda, Mu and Delta plus variants. Notably, findings showed that ADG20 demonstrated potent neutralizing activity against all SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern tested, including those with reduced susceptibility to mAb products currently available under EUA or in late-stage development.
  • Data from a six-month evaluation in Adagio’s Phase 1 healthy volunteer trial of ADG20 confirmed the extended half-life of ADG20, which approached 100 days based on data from the 300 mg intramuscular dose that was given as a single injection. In addition, an exploratory analysis showed that 50% serum virus neutralization titers at six months after a 300 mg intramuscular dose of ADG20 were similar to observed peak titers with the mRNA-1273 vaccine and exceeded those achieved with the AZD1222 vaccine series. ADG20 was well-tolerated with no study drug-related adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, or injection-site or hypersensitivity reactions reported through a minimum of three months follow-up across all cohorts.
  • To support dose selection for Adagio’s global Phase 2/3 STAMP and EVADE clinical trials, the company modified an existing quantitative systems pharmacology whole-body physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (QSP/PBPK) model to better characterize the PK of extended half-life mAbs in serum and key sites of viral replication in the respiratory tract. Adagio’s model adequately a priori predicted the observed ADG20 serum PK in non-human primates (NHPs) and humans. The model was further optimized based on data from Adagio’s Phase 1 clinical trial and then applied for dose selection for STAMP and EVADE, ultimately informing selection of the 300 mg intramuscular dose for the trials.

Intellectual Property

On October 29, 2021, the United States Patent and Trademark Office mailed a notice of allowance to the company for a patent application that will provide patent protection for ADG20 in the U.S.

Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

  • As of September 30, 2021, Adagio had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $666.3 million, which are expected to support the company’s current operating plans into 2023.
  • Research & development expenses including in-process research and development for the third quarter of 2021 were $49.4 million.
  • Selling, general & administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2021 were $11.1 million.
  • Net loss for the third quarter was $60.4 million, or $0.98 per share.

About ADG20
ADG20, an investigational monoclonal antibody targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses, is advancing through global clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. ADG20 was designed and engineered to possess high potency and broad neutralization activity against SARS-CoV-2 and additional clade 1 sarbecoviruses by targeting a highly conserved epitope in the receptor binding domain. ADG20 was further engineered to provide an extended half-life for durable protection. ADG20 has demonstrated potent neutralizing activity against the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, all known SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and additional SARS-like viruses in preclinical studies. ADG20 is administered in clinical trials by a single intramuscular injection. To date, ADG20 has been well-tolerated in a Phase 1 trial with no safety signals identified through a minimum of three months follow-up across all cohorts. ADG20 has not been approved for use in any country, and safety and efficacy have not yet been established.

About Adagio Therapeutics
Adagio (Nasdaq: ADGI) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of antibody-based solutions for infectious diseases with pandemic potential, including COVID-19 and influenza. The company’s portfolio of antibodies has been optimized using Adimab’s industry-leading antibody engineering capabilities and is designed to provide patients and clinicians with the potential for a powerful combination of potency, breadth, durable protection (via half-life extension), manufacturability and affordability. Adagio’s portfolio of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies includes multiple non-competing, broadly neutralizing antibodies with distinct binding epitopes, led by ADG20. Adagio has secured manufacturing capacity for the production of ADG20 with third-party contract manufacturers to support the completion of clinical trials and initial commercial launch, ensuring the potential for broad accessibility to people around the world. For more information, please visit www.adagiotx.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “projects,” and “future” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning, among other things, the timing, progress and results of our preclinical studies and clinical trials of ADG20, including the timing of our planned EUA submissions, initiation, modification and completion of studies or trials and related preparatory work, the period during which the results of the trials will become available and our research and development programs; our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for, our product candidates; our ability to identify patients, including in specific populations, with the diseases treated by our product candidates and to enroll these patients in our clinical trials; our expectations regarding the scope of any approved indication for ADG20; and the benefits of our product candidates to patients; our manufacturing capabilities and strategy; and our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, clinical trials and financial position, unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical studies or clinical trials, clinical trial site activation or enrollment rates that are lower than expected, changes in expected or existing competition, changes in the regulatory environment, and the uncertainties and timing of the regulatory approval process. Other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements in this press release are described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Adagio’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 and in Adagio’s future reports to be filed with the SEC, including Adagio’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. Such risks may be amplified by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of this date, and Adagio undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Contacts:
Media Contact:
Dan Budwick, 1AB
Dan@1abmedia.com

Investor Contact:
Monique Allaire, THRUST Strategic Communications
monique@thrustsc.com

ADAGIO THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 478,269 $ 114,988
Marketable securities 188,053
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 13,833 2,394
Total current assets 680,155 117,382
Other non-current assets 6,115
Total assets $ 686,270 $ 117,382
Liabilities, Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 17,564 $ 8,153
Accrued expenses 35,485 4,919
Total current liabilities 53,049 13,072
Early-exercise liability 8 11
Total liabilities 53,057 13,083
Commitments and contingencies
Convertible preferred stock (Series A, B and C) $0.0001 par value; no shares authorized, issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021; 12,647,934 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020; aggregate liquidation preference of $0 and $169,900 at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively 169,548
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Preferred stock:
Undesignated preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2021; no shares authorized at December 31, 2020; no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2021; 150,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2020; 111,251,660 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021; 28,193,240 shares issued and 5,593,240 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020 5 1
Treasury stock, at cost; no shares and 22,600,000 shares at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively (85 )
Additional paid-in capital 842,272 154
Accumulated other comprehensive income 3
Accumulated deficit (209,067 ) (65,319 )
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) 633,213 (65,249 )
Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity (deficit) $ 686,270 $ 117,382

ADAGIO THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Three Months
Ended
September 30,
Three Months
Ended
September 30,
Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
Period from
June 3, 2020
(Inception) to
September 30,
2021 2020 2021 2020
Operating expenses:
Research and development(1) $ 45,366 $ 7,251 $ 114,465 $ 7,299
Acquired in-process research and development(2) 4,000 39,915 7,500 39,915
Selling, general and administrative 11,052 842 21,853 892
Total operating expenses 60,418 48,008 143,818 48,106
Loss from operations (60,418 ) (48,008 ) (143,818 ) (48,106 )
Other income (expense):
Interest income 48 80
Other expense (5 ) (10 )
Total other income (expense), net 43 70
Net loss (60,375 ) (48,008 ) (143,748 ) (48,106 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax 3 3
Comprehensive loss $ (60,372 ) $ (48,008 ) $ (143,745 ) $ (48,106 )
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (0.98 ) $ (25.98 ) $ (7.06 ) $ (7.55 )
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted 61,297,086 1,847,826 20,346,771 6,375,000

(1)   Includes related-party amounts of $1,826 and $2,261 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and $291 for both the three months ended September 30, 2020 and for the period from June 3, 2020 (inception) to September 30, 2020.
(2)   Includes related-party amounts of $4,000 and $7,500 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and $39,915 for both the three months ended September 30, 2020 and for the period from June 3, 2020 (inception) to September 30, 2020.

ICC Under Fire For Robbing Babar Azam of Player of Tournament Award

Experts, former cricketers, and fans alike have criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for awarding the Player of the Tournament to the Australian opening batter, David Warner, instead of Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, who statistically outperformed the former during the T20 World Cup.

According to the statistics, David Warner made a total of 289 runs, including 3 half-centuries, in 7 innings. He had an average of 48.16 and a strike rate of 146.70 in the mega event. His highest score in the tournament was 89 not out while he remained not out in 6 out of 7 innings.

On the other hand, Babar Azam made a total of 303 runs, including 4 half-centuries, in 6 innings. He had an average of 60.60 and a strike rate of 126.25 in the mega event. His highest score in the tournament was 70 while he remained not out in 5 out of 6 innings.

Despite being the leading run-getter of the mega event, the ICC-nominated jury decided to award the Player of the Tournament to David Warner.

The jury for this award consisted of 5 members. 3 of them were ICC’s TV commentary representatives while the remaining were media representatives.

The commentary representatives included Ian Bishop, former West Indian cricketer, Natalie Germanos, South African sports broadcaster, and Shane Watson, former Australian all-rounder. The media representatives included Laurence Booth, British sports journalist at Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, and Shahid Hashmi, Pakistani sports journalist at AFP and ARY.

In light of the above-mentioned stats, experts, former cricketers, and fans have accused the ICC jury of being biased towards Babar Azam.

In a similar development, another ICC panel excluded Mohammad Rizwan from the 2021 T20 World Cup’s Team of the Tournament. Although the panel made Babar Azam the captain of the 12-man squad—probably to rectify the earlier error— Rizwan failed to gain attention from the panel despite being the third top scorer of the tournament.

Source: Pro Pakistani

PCB Announces Test Squad For Bangladesh Tour

National selectors today announced the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the two Tests against Bangladesh, which will be played in Chittagong (26-30 November) and Dhaka (4-8 December).

Opener Imam-Ul-Haq, middle-order batter Kamran Ghulam and off-spinner Bilal Asif have been named in the 20-player squad, replacing Haris Rauf, Imran Butt, Shahnawaz Dahani and Yasir Shah, who were part of the 21-player side that toured the West Indies in July/August.

Left-handed Imam has been recalled following his stellar performances in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in which he has aggregated 488 runs in five innings of four matches, including an unbeaten double-century. Imam had played his 11th and last Test against Australia in Adelaide in November/December 2019.

Bilal has replaced Yasir Shah who is still recovering from a thumb injury he sustained during the National T20 and is yet to feature in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The off-spinner has taken 16 wickets in five Tests and has been drafted in the side considering Bangladesh squad includes left-handed batters and also looking ahead to the home Tests against Australia.

Kamran has returned to the side after missing the West Indies tour. He was in the squad for the home series against South Africa after scoring a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy record 1,249 runs in the 2020-21 season. Kamran is presently in Sri Lanka with the Pakistan Shaheens where he scored 58 not out and 45 in two innings of the rain-affected two-match four-day series.

Here is the complete Pakistan Test squad:

• Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab)

• Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

• Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab)

• Abid Ali (Central Punjab)

• Azhar Ali (Central Punjab)

• Bilal Asif (Central Punjab)

• Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab)

• Fawad Alam (Sindh)

• Hasan Ali (Central Punjab)

• Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan)

• Kamran Ghulam (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

• Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab)

• Mohammad Nawaz (Northern)

• Naseem Shah (Southern Punjab)

• Nauman Ali (Northern)

• Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

• Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh)

• Saud Shakeel (Sindh)

• Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

• Zahid Mahmood (Sindh)

Speaking in this regard, Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim said, “We have selected the squad following discussions with the team management and after taking into consideration the opposition’s potential make-up and the conditions in which the Tests will be played.

“As we already have four frontline fast bowlers, we have allowed Haris Rauf and Shahnawaz Dahani to return to Pakistan after the T20Is so that they can play in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and prepare for Australia Tests. An in-form left-handed Imam-Ul-Haq has replaced Imran Butt, who managed to score at 17.8 in 10 Test innings, but he has a chance to continue to play and perform in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy so that he can force his way back in the side.

“Bangladesh are a strong side in their backyard but we have the resources, talent and experience to perform strongly and then carry that momentum into the Australia Tests, which will be part of the ICC World Test Championship.”

Source: Pro Pakistani

Privatization of Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC) Reaches Final Stages

The privatization of the Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC) has entered into its final stages.

Currently, different options for the determination of Reserve Price for the bidding of HEC shares are being considered by the Privatisation Commission (PC) before the bidding process is initiated with the approval of the Federal Cabinet.

Importantly, a breakthrough has been achieved in several of the pending matters related to Employees and settlement of liabilities due towards the financial institutions. PC is ensuring that no further liabilities are added to the balance sheet of HEC while the Ministry of Industries & Production is also playing a positive role to retain the credit rating of the entity.

HEC is a Government-owned entity under the administrative control of State Engineering Corporation, the shares of which are fully owned by the Ministry of Industries & Production/Federal Government. Located in Taxila, Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC) started its commercial operations in 1998.

The prime business of the HEC is to prepare high voltage electric transformers used by the power distribution entities along with services for testing, repairs, and onsite commissioning of transformers.

Also, Power Division is in agreement that no adverse action is taken against HEC by any DISCO. The settlement of long-standing dues of KPEZDMC is another milestone that has been successfully achieved with the cooperation of the concerned stakeholders.

The privatization of HEC has generated interest from a number of investors. The bidders have been prequalified by PC and the pre-bid meeting was also held in August 2021. Most of the issues raised by the pre-qualified bidders in the meeting were satisfactorily addressed.

It is expected that privatization of HEC will lead to the creation of positive sentiment for the overall privatization program presently underway. Multiple other privatization transactions of a larger ticket size and quantum are also queued up, which include the two RLNG based Power Plants, Pakistan Steel Mills, Guddu Power Plant, and Nandipur Power Plant. The bidding of HEC is likely to be held within this quarter after the approval of the Reserve Price of bidding by CCOP and Cabinet.

Privatization is a very thorough process wherein extensive due diligence and due care are involved in each phase. Starting from the financial, legal, and technical analysis of the entity being privatized to its marketing, inviting interests of potential bidders, outreaching to potential investors, and most importantly, clearing the encumbrances which could adversely impact the transaction.

Most of the entities offered for privatization by the Ministries are loss-making and have complex financial and legal issues, which take extensive efforts by Privatization Commission to bring to a level where the HEC transaction has eventually reached.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Privatization Commission Generated Over Rs. 1 Billion by Auctioning Properties

Privatization Commission on Monday informed the senate standing committee on privatization, that 23 properties in various cities have been sold in September through an open auction, and a sum of Rs 1.11 billion was generated for the national exchequer.

The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Privatization was held under the Chairmanship of Senator Shammim Afridi at the Parliament House on Monday.

The committee directed that the implementation status on the recommendations made by the committee in its last meeting on the capacity of the National Power Parks Management Company Limited (NPPMCL) plant should be re-evaluated and completed without further delay.

In this regard, the committee was apprised that Annual Capacity tests on both the power plants of NPPMCL are being conducted every year regularly and witnessed by Central Power Purchasing Agency (Guarantee) Limited (CPPA-G) as per provisions of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPAs). Accordingly, the annual Capacity Tests of both the power plants were conducted on completion of 3rd anniversaries of Commercial Operation Dates (CODs) and current capacities of NPPMCL’s power plants for 4th Agreement Year are better than the agreed capacities under the PPAs,i.e., Net Capacity of Haveli Bahadur Shah Power Plant: 1176.042 MW, net capacity of Balloki Power Plant: 1164.608 MW.

Briefing by the Ministry of Privatization on “Sale of properties owned/ controlled by the Federal Government” under the ongoing Privatization Programme was also taken up. Auctions were held from 7 to 28 September 2021 in different cities of the country under the supervision of the auction committee. Twenty–three (23) properties having a reserve price of PKR 1.01 billion were successfully auctioned for Rs. 1.11 billion. Whereas, three (3) properties, having a reserve price of PKR 5.4 billion were unable to attract any bidder. The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), PC Board, and Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP), and Federal Cabinet approved the auctions and bid prices.

Advertisement for the hiring of a financial adviser for the sale of tentative seventeen (17) properties have been placed in media, the committee was briefed. The Chairman Committee gave directions to share with the Senate Committee copies of the approved correspondence with the Cabinet.

The committee was informed that the unsold properties worth Rs 5.65 billion include 120 Kanal Land Adjacent Estate, Phase 1, Multan, under Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), 48 Kanal 18 Marla land adjacent to Link Airport Road, Rahim Yar Khan, under CAA, Aviation Division, and 41.628 Kanal land and properties adjacent to 87 Shahrahe-Quaid-e-Azan, Lahore, under Republic Motors (Private) Limited, Ministry of Industries & Production, and the unauctioned properties also included Ministry of Water Resource’s 2 Kanal Land, near Saidu Sharif Road, Swat, KPK. The auction is postponed on KP Govt. request.

Briefing by the Ministry of Privatizations on, “SME BANK Limited’ under the ongoing Privatizations Programme was also taken. The committee was informed that despite all efforts and iterative interactions with the pre-qualified bidders to date, positive feedback from the pre-qualified bidder is not for the coming. Alternatively, SME Bank is being proposed to be delisted so as Finance Division and SBP may proceed with alternate plans to either re-capitalize or liquidate the bank given piling up colossal losses resulting in negative equity in excess of Rs. 3 .5 Billion. The Chairman Committee acknowledged the current status of delisting and asked to keep the committee informed on the process of delisting.

The meeting was also briefed by the Ministry of Privatization on the current status of Privatization of Services International Hotel, Lahore. The Chairman Committee inquired about the continuous variation in height status, to which the committee was informed that height clearance from CAA was approved as 350 ft, which was further reduced to 310 ft by PAF.

The approved height was one of the key parameters used to determine reserve price by the Financial Advisor. Nonetheless, a reference was received from the CAA, indicating a further reduction in height in the light of the latest approval of the federal Cabinet. According to the revised approval, a maximum of 245 ft height has been communicated by CAA vide their letter dated 24 May 2021, which has a material impact on the valuation of the property.

The committee was informed that on 27 October 2021, the Cabinet took note of the presentation by the Secretary, Aviation Division, on “Height Restrictions under Rule 68 (Obstacle Limitation Surface) of CAA Rules” and Aviation Policy and its implementation status, highlighting any deviations (if any) and the reason thereof. Further, the Cabinet ratified the decision of the CCoP in the case, titled “Privatization of services international Hotel Lahore-Approval of Bidder and Bid Price,” taken in its meeting, the committee was informed that upon ratification/approval of SIH bidding process by the Federal Cabinet, the Privatization Commission on November 02, 2021, has issued a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) to the successful bidder for completion of remaining formalities.

The meeting was attended by Senator Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah, Muhammad Qasim, Anwar Lal Dean, Anwar Lal Dean, Molvi Faiz Muhammad, and Senator Aon Abbas. Senior Officials from the Ministry of Privatization Commission and IT/RE, PC was also in attendance.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Palestinian Envoy Says Working on Extensive Plan to Enhance Trade With Pakistan

Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan, Ahmed Rabei, has reaffirmed his country’s resolve to strengthen the bilateral relations with Pakistan through enhanced cooperation in various areas to benefit the citizens of both countries.

In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the diplomat revealed that the Palestinian government was already working with Pakistan. “We are working on an extensive plan to enhance trade, tourism, cultural and educational exchanges for optimum bilateral relationships between brotherly countries,” the Ambassador stated. He added that an independent economic desk was set up at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to spearhead all related developments.

The ambassador said the Palestinian administration had partnered with the Pakistani government on the level of traders and chambers of commerce.

Thanking Pakistan’s leadership for regularly supporting the Palestinian cause, he expressed gratitude to President Dr. Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi for adopting an “unprecedented” stance in favor of Palestine.

He acknowledged Prime Minister Imran Khan’s iconic speech at the United Nations General Assembly and termed it “highly commendable”.

Source: Pro Pakistani