CODE OF CONDUCT FOR DIRECTORS
Approved by the Board of Directors
in their meeting held on June 30, 2012
D.G. Khan Cement Company Limited, (DGKCC) is amongst largest cement manufacturers of Pakistan with a production capacity of 14,000 tons per day (4.200 million tons/annum). DGKCC has three cement plants, two plants located at Dera Ghazi Khan and one at Khairpur Distt. Chakwal. All the plants are based on latest Dry Process Technology.
The Company operates through a countrywide distribution network managed by different Regional Sales offices. The Company's products are preferred on projects of national repute both locally and internationally due to the un-parallel and consistent quality. The Company is listed on all the Stock Exchanges of Pakistan.
D. G. Khan Cement Company Limited (“the Company”) is committed to
maintain highest level of ethical conduct. The Company has adopted the
following code of conduct (“Code”) for directors, which includes the
business practices and principles of behavior to meet this commitment.
We expect every director to read, understand and apply this Code to the
performance of his or her responsibilities. However, we can not
anticipate every situation that may arise or replace the thoughtful
behavior of an ethical director.
Directors are encouraged to bring questions about particular
circumstances that may implicate one or more of the provisions of this
Code to the attention of the Chairman of the Board of Directors (“the
Board”).
Corporate Values
The Company has adopted the following corporate values.
• To fulfill customer needs by producing quality products.
• To act with good governance.
• To achieve sustainable and equitable growth.
• To promote diversity and ethical behavior.
• To develop a dynamic team of professionals to achieve excellence and innovation.
Compliance Officer
The Company has designated Company Secretary, as its Compliance Officer
to administer this Code. Directors, at their discretion may make any
report or complaint provided for in this Code to the Chairman of the
Board or to the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer will refer
complaints submitted to the Chairman of the Board..
Compliance with Law
Directors must comply with all of the laws, rules, and regulations of
Pakistan and other countries applicable to either Company or its
business. The Company will provide to the directors information about
specific laws, rules, and regulations from time to time. Directors are
expected to consult with the Chairman of the Board or the Compliance
Officer if they have questions about laws that they think may be
applicable to either Company or its business.
Conflict of Interest
A "conflict of interest" may exist whenever the interests of a director
conflict in any way (or even appear to conflict) with the interests of
the Company. A conflict of interest may arise where a director derives
personal benefit by making or influencing decisions relating to a
business transaction. A conflict of interest also may arise when a
director, or a member of his or her family, receives improper personal
benefits as a result of his or her position with a Company, whether
received from that Company or a third party. Gifts above a "de minimis"
value to, loans to, or guarantees of obligations of, directors, or their
respective family members may create conflicts of interest.
Although it is not always possible to avoid conflicts of interest, it is
each Company's policy to prohibit such conflicts when possible.
Conflicts of interest may not always be clear-cut, so if directors have
a question, they are expected to consult with the Chairman of the Board
or the Compliance Officer. Any director who becomes aware of a conflict
or potential conflict of interest is expected to bring it to the
attention of the Chairman of the Board or the Compliance Officer.
Corporate Opportunity
Directors shall not:
• Use corporate property, information or position for personal gain; or
• Compete with the Company; or
• Take for themselves personally any business opportunities that belong
to the Company or are discovered through the use of corporate property,
information or position.
Confidentiality
All directors must maintain the confidentiality of confidential
information entrusted to them by either Company, except when the
applicable Company authorizes disclosure or disclosure is required by
laws, regulations, or legal proceedings. The term "confidential
information" includes, but is not limited to, non-public information
that might be of use to competitors of the Company, or harmful to the
Company or its customers if disclosed. Directors are expected to consult
the Chairman of the Board or the Compliance Officer if they believe they
have a legal obligation to disclose confidential information.
Fair Dealing
Each director is expected to deal fairly with the respective customer of
the Company, suppliers, competitors, officers, and employees. None
should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation,
concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of
material facts, or any other unfair dealing practice and will not accept
or receive gifts from any of the customers, stakeholders, suppliers,
bankers etc. Inappropriate use of proprietary information, misusing
trade secret information or inducing such disclosures by past or present
employees of other companies is prohibited.
Protection and Paper Use of Company Assests
All directors are expected to exercise their business judgment in a
manner that protects the assets of the Company and promotes their
efficient use. All assets of the Company are to be used for legitimate
business purposes.
Reporting Any Illegal or Unethical Behaviour
Every director of the Company is encouraged to promptly contact the
Chairman of the Board or the Compliance Officer if he or she has
observed a violation of this Code, illegal or unethical behavior by any
employee, officer or director, or by any one purporting to be acting on
behalf of the Company or any violation or possible violation of this
Code and the reporting director has any doubt as to the best course of
action in a particular situation. Confidentiality will be maintained, to
the extent permitted by law.
Public Company Reporting
As a public company, it is of critical importance that the Company’s
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the
State Bank of Pakistan and the concerned Stock Exchange(s) on which the
shares of the Company are or may be listed be full, fair, accurate,
timely and understandable. Directors may be requested to provide
information necessary to ensure that the Company’s published reports
meet these requirements. The Company expects directors to provide prompt
and accurate answers to enquiries relating to its public disclosure
requirements.
Disclosure of Interest
Directors are also required to disclose, at the time of appointment and
on an annual basis the directorships and/or memberships they hold in
other companies.
Where any director of the Company or his/her spouse sell, buy or
transact, whether directly or indirectly, in shares of the Company,
he/she shall immediately notify in writing to the Company Secretary of
such transaction. Such director shall also deliver a written record of
the price, number of shares, form of share certificate (physical or
electronic), and nature of transaction to the Company Secretary within
four days of effecting the transaction. The notice of the director shall
be presented by the Company Secretary at the meeting of the Board
immediately subsequent to such transaction.
Insider Trading
No director shall, directly or indirectly, deal in the shares of the
Company in any manner during the Closed Period prior to the announcement
of financial results. All directors shall be advised about the closed
period at the time of circulating the agenda and working papers for the
Board meetings.
The Closed Period shall start from the day when any document/statement,
which form the basis of price sensitive information, is sent to the
Board and terminate after the information is made public.
Amendment, Modification and Waiver
This Code may be amended, modified or waived only by the Company’s Board
of Directors and must be publicly disclosed if required by any
applicable law or regulation. As a general Policy, the Board will not
grant waivers to the Code.