Background paper prepared for the World Development Report 2005

Business Registration
Reforms in Pakistan
By

SHAMIM AHMAD KHAN

Former Chairman,
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan

April 23, 2004

Abstract

Well structured and implemented policies for registration of business activities constitute
an important factor in creating a positive investment climate. This paper describes the
reforms in the business registration system in Pakistan during the 1990s. In particular, it
describes the creation of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)
and subsequent changes in laws and regulations, automation and capacity building, and
other facilitation measures. Successful implementation of the reforms become possible
due to financial, administrative and operational autonomy of the SECP and the
commitment of the new organization to upgrade its efficiency and quality of services to
the public.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect official views
of the World Bank.
 Table of Contents
Pages

1. Introduction 1-4

2. Pre-Reform Period 4-8

3. The Reforms 8-19

4. Implementation of Reforms 20

5. Post Reforms Period 21-23

6. Conclusion 23-25

7. Annexure (Number of incorporated Companies) 26

8. References 27
 Business Registration Reforms
in
Pakistan

1. Introduction

1.1 Well-structured and well-implemented policies for registration of business

activities constitute an important factor in creating a positive investment climate.
An investor has to channalise his investment through a legal vehicle enabling him
to carry out business and raise financial resources from the credit institutions and
the general public. It is important that a range of options of legal vehicles should
be available to investors who may select the most appropriate vehicle to meet
specific needs. Following are broad categories of options available to investors in
Pakistan:

• Sole proprietorship

• Partnership Firm

• Registered Company

- Private Limited Companies

- Public Limited Companies
- Companies with unlimited liability
- Non-Profit Companies (Companies not using the word “limited”
and Companies limited by guarantee)

• Statutory Corporations

1.2 Through these legal vehicles, a person can undertake any lawful business as this
right is enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. While exercising his option for a
particular legal vehicle, an investor has to take into account a variety of factors
such as:
• Size and nature of business

• Ownership structure

• Requirement of mobilization of financial resources

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1.3 The mode of sole proprietorship is commonly used for carrying out trading or
professional business on a small scale. As there is no separation between the sole
proprietor and his business entity, he is personally liable for all the liabilities and
claims against the entity. The business assets of the sole proprietor are legally
treated as his own. This mode of business is unregulated in most of the countries
including Pakistan.

1.4 Partnership is commonly an association of persons formed through a deed for

carrying out any business or profession, although some partnerships are
unregistered. The partnership is regulated through Partnership Act, 1932. The
Companies Ordinance places limit of twenty on the number of partners for all
partnerships except those of professionals like accountants and lawyers. The
partnership is registered with Registrar of Firms who is an official of the
provincial government. Each of the partners has the right to represent the firm and
to manage its affairs while the tax authorities levy tax on the partners rather than
the partnership. A partnership, not being legal entity, does not have perpetual life
and can be dissolved through an agreement of partners or any change of partners.

1.5 A company, unlike sole proprietorship and partnership has a distinct legal
personality; there is a complete separation between the company and its
shareholders. A company comes into being through registration of documents
with Registrar of Companies. The company can own property in its own name
and can sue and be sued against. An important attribute of a company is that it has
perpetual life and would remain alive even with complete change of shareholders
and directors. Its life comes to an end only through dissolution, which takes place
after following procedure prescribed by Company Law. For the shareholders, the
most attractive feature is that their liability is limited to their investment in the
event of dissolution of the company.

1.6 There are various types of companies, having distinct features, although all of
these possess essential elements of an incorporated entity: deriving life from

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 registration of documents with the Registrar Companies, having distinct legal
personality, having perpetual life, having capacity to own property and having
authority to sue and being sued. However, the legal framework of Pakistan allows
registration of various types of companies to suit the peculiar requirements and
preferences of investors. A private limited company can traditionally be formed
by two members. Recently the concept of a single member company has also been
introduced. These companies are prohibited from inviting the public for
contributing to the capital of the company. Transfer of shares of such companies
is restricted. Therefore, private limited companies are formed by those who may
like to confine shareholding to the family members and friends and who may
either not require or may decide not to raise capital from the public.

1.7 In addition to private companies limited by shares, the law also provides for
companies limited by guarantee, non-profit companies and companies with
unlimited liability. In case of companies limited by guarantee, the liability of its
members is limited by the memorandum of association to such amount as the
members may undertake to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of
its winding up. Non-profit companies are generally formed with the objective of
promoting art, science, social services, etc. and the members are prohibited from
receiving any dividend. Such companies are exempted from the requirements of
using the work “limited” at the end of the name and are authorized to operate
under a licence issued by the regulator. In the case of an unlimited company, the
liability of members to contribute to the assets of the company on winding up is
not limited.

1.8 A public limited company can be formed by a minimum of seven (recently

reduced to three in the case of unlisted companies) sponsors and is allowed to
mobilise funds from the public and to allow transfer of shares. This is the most
popular type of companies established to undertake business of substantial size
requiring considerable capital. These are able to enlist themselves on the stock
exchanges and can have access to funds through the capital market. As listed
companies are subject to comparatively more stringent standards of corporate
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 governance, these are also able to avail of better financing facilities from the
banks.
1.9 Statutory corporations are established under government statutes to undertake
specialized activities necessasitated by public interest. The operational parameters
of such corporations are laid down by the statute and the Company Law becomes
applicable when the statute does not contain any inconsistent provision.

2. Pre-Reform Period

2.1 At the time of independence in 1947, Pakistan inherited Companies Act of 1913.
The Act was amended from time to time till 1984 when a consolidated law,
Companies Ordinance was promulgated. Over the years, there has been change of
agencies responsible for administration of the law. The Provincial Governments
were responsible for the administration of the Act till 1974 when it was
transferred to Ministry of Commerce in the Federal Government. Later, it was
transferred to the Ministry of Finance. In 1981, the government established
Corporate Law Authority responsible for administration of all corporate laws
including Companies Act replaced by Companies Ordinance promulgated in
1984. The Authority was a department of the Ministry of Finance and did not
enjoy financial or administrative autonomy.

2.2 Pakistan’s Companies Ordinance makes it mandatory for every company to be

registered as a company under the Ordinance and any member of the company
defaulting in this regard is liable to penalty. The companies are required to
prepare and file a set of documents with Registrar of Companies. The most
important documents to be filed are the Memorandum and Articles of
Association, which comprise the constitution and regulations of the company. The
contents of the memoranda of association of different types of companies vary.
The Ordinance provides specimen for the memorandum of association of
companies limited by shares, companies limited by guarantee and companies with
unlimited liability. A set of articles of association have been provided in the
Ordinance and companies limited by shares can adopt these or make necessary
adjustments to meet their peculiar requirements. Memorandum of association of

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 companies limited by shares which is the most common type of companies
requires following information:

• Name of the company

• Name of the province in which the registered office is to be situated
• Objects of the company
• Statement that the liability of the members is limited
• Amount of share capital with which the company proposes to be registered

2.3 The articles of association constitute regulations for management of the company
and cover areas like allotment and transfer of shares, alteration of capital,
requirement of general meetings, voting rights of members, powers and duties of
directors, dividends and reserves, accounts and winding up.

2.4 Prior to the preparation of documents, the sponsors are required to obtain an
appropriate name from the Registrar who ensures that the name or an identical
name was not being used by any other company or it was not deceptive in any
manner.

2.5 The regulatory requirement of filing the memorandum and articles of association
for purposes of registration has strong rationale. Firstly, the registration
documents clearly mention the objects and regulations of the company for the
information of all stakeholders including creditors. Secondly, the rights of
shareholders are defined and spelt out clearly. Thirdly, by binding itself to the
statements made in the memorandum and articles of association, the company
becomes accountable to the regulatory body in terms of its stated objectives and
regulations like holding of regular meetings of shareholders and obtaining their
approval for important decisions.

2.6 Registration of a company entails certain steps mandated under the Companies
Ordinance and the procedures prescribed under it. However, during the pre-
reform period, the process took considerable time and entailed difficulties for the
promoters since certain facilities, which have been made available since 2001
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 were not available earlier. The main requirements for registration of a new
company under the Companies Ordinance are:

• Obtaining Availability of Name

A promoter is required to submit an application along with a fee, seeking

availability of certificate for each name. The certificate is issued after the
Registrar is satisfied that the name chosen is not inappropriate in any
manner, is not deceptive, does not offend religious susceptibilities of the
people and is not identical nor closely resembling with the name of an
existing company.

• Submission of Documents

Following documents are required to be submitted to Registrar:

ƒ National Identity Card of each subscriber.

ƒ Four printed copies of memorandum and articles of association, one

copy bearing special stamp of the prescribed value.

ƒ Form-1 evidencing declaration of compliance with the pre-requisites

for formation of the company.

ƒ Authorisation of sponsors in favour of a person to make good the

deficiencies, if any, in the memorandum and articles of association
as may be pointed out by the Registrar.

ƒ In the case of a single member private company, a nomination letter

(prescribed in October, 2003).

ƒ Deposit challan of the authorized bank evidencing payment of filing

and registration fee.

ƒ In case of specialized companies like banking companies, non-bank

finance companies and companies providing security with the help
of armed guards, no-objection-certificate from the designated
authorities.

2.7 Cost of Registration

The break up of cost of registration of companies is:

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 • Name Availability Fee Rs. 200

• Filing Fee (Form-I) Rs. 200

• Filing Fee for Memorandum and Articles of Rs. 200

Association

• Stamp Duty Prescribed rates according

to capital

• Registration Fee Prescribed rates according

to capital

2.8 Corporate Law Authority that administered registration of companies,

experienced difficulties in providing any facilitation to the promoters of new
companies as, being a government department, it lacked financial resources as
well as operational autonomy and flexibility.

2.9 The Authority depended exclusively on budgetary grant from the Federal
Government and all employees, appointed by the government on government pay
scales, were treated as government servants. Registration fee received by the
Registrar of Companies from companies seeking registration went directly into
the Federal Government Consolidated Fund and only a part of the receipts was
allocated to the Authority through the budget for meeting its financial needs.
Beside inadequacy of the allocated funds, the Authority was unable to determine
its own expenditure priorities. Not only was the Authority required to seek
approval of its annual budget, it also needed approval of the Ministry of Finance
for making specific purchases of tangible items including computers.

2.10 The Authority was required to strictly adhere to the government salary scales for
its employees and follow the government procedure for recruitment. Handicapped
by lack of financial resources and autonomy, the Authority was neither able to
engage professionally qualified staff nor could finance professional training of the
available staff. Similarly, sporadic and somewhat halfhearted attempts at
automation of the Authority could not yield tangible results due to inadequacy of

Page # 7
 financial resources and non-availability of skilled staff. The environment was
hardly conducive to efficient working of the organization or developing a sense of
motivation and commitment among the employees.

3. The Reforms
3.1 In early nineties, the Government of Pakistan started a process of liberalization of
economic policies like relaxation of exchange control regime, opening of the
financial sector to private sector and allowing foreign investment in capital
market. Along with these fundamental changes, certain administrative procedures
were also simplified. After introducing macro level changes, it was necessary to
review micro policies. In 1997, the Government with the assistance of Asian
Development Bank prepared Capital Market Development Programme (the
programme), which comprehensively covered key aspects of capital market. The
overall objective of the programme was to enable the country to increase
mobilization of long term resources and improving the efficiency of their
allocation through a diversified and competitive capital market.

3.2 The programme sought to achieve these objectives by addressing issues in seven
areas: Creating an enabling policy environment especially providing level playing
field between public sector and private sector institutions, strengthening
governance, institutions, regulations and supervision of securities market
infrastructure and its linkages, developing the corporate debt market, introducing
reforms in the mutual fund industry, developing the leasing industry and
promoting contractual savings through reforms of the insurance sector and
pension and provident funds. The programme was successfully implemented over
a period of three years.

3.3 A significant outcome of the programme was the establishment of Securities and
Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) as an autonomous and independent
regulatory body, replacing Corporate Law Authority, a government department.
The operational scope of SECP included regulation of securities market and non-
bank financial institutions as well as administration of company law. Exercising
newly vested financial, administrative autonomy, SECP recruited professionally
Page # 8
 qualified staff from the market, paying them market-based salaries that upgraded
the capacity and efficiency of the institutions.

3.4 After a review of the existing regulatory framework, SECP introduced a number
of new regulations governing the securities market and the corporate sector with
the objective of expanding disclosure requirements, ensuring greater transparency
and safeguarding rights of minority shareholders. Regulations were introduced
for: disclosure by listed companies, insider trading, carry forward system,
corporate registrar services, protection of minority shareholders rights, inter-
corporate financing, investment companies, portfolio managers, public issues and
offering, under-writers and substantial acquisition of shares. A number of
measures were also taken to strengthen risk management of market
intermediaries.

3.5 In the area of non-bank financial institutions, the existing regulatory framework
was revamped radically to allow establishment of non-bank finance companies,
capable of undertaking all non-bank activities subject to meeting enhanced capital
requirements prescribed for each additional activity.

3.6 A reform measure of far reaching importance was the introduction of a code of
corporate governance through amendment of Companies Ordinance and listing
rules of the stock exchanges. The introduction of the code has led to adoption of
better corporate governance practices by the listed companies. The main focus of
the code is on strengthening the role of the board of directors and increasing the
frequency of reporting of the financial statements. Listed companies have now
been mandated to issue financial statements every quarter instead of every six
months.

3.7 The reform measures were driven by a host of factors. The process of
liberalization of the economy in early nineties involving relaxation of exchange
control regime was partly motivated by urge to attract foreign investment, both
direct and portfolio and met conditionalities of programme loans and other
financing agreements with multilateral agencies. Foreign investment which
Page # 9
 became possible due to the liberalized environment led to review and streamlining
of administrative procedures and removal of impediments in foreign investment.
Development of capital market infrastructure like introduction of automated
trading, central depository system and national clearing and settlement system can
be attributed to rather sudden boost in portfolio investment including foreign
investment. These reforms became possible because the government was
motivated by the desire to mobilise foreign investment to promote economic
development and it responded positively to the demands of the domestic private
sector and suggestions of foreign investors and multilateral institutions. The
reforms also reflected the re-orientation in the government policy of placing
greater reliance on the private sector instead of the public sector, as engine of
economic growth.

3.8 In the context of business registration system in Pakistan, establishment of SECP

had two significant positive implications. Firstly, the Securities and Exchange
Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997 that governed the establishment of SECP
provided full administrative, financial and operational autonomy to the new
organization. Except for the chairman and the commissioners, SECP is
empowered to employ staff and offer them financial terms it considered suitable
after obtaining approval from its Policy Board. Both the commissioners and the
chairman can have maximum of two tenures of three years. SECP has also been
authorized to retain all taxes, fees, penalties and other charges levied while
administering laws under its purview. SECP has been given adequate powers of
expenditure. Secondly, administration of Companies Ordinance was also brought
within the purview of SECP in addition to its core function of regulating the
securities market and the non-bank financial institutions. The autonomy as well as
its access to sizable financial resources has enabled the SECP to strengthen its
capability to administer Companies Ordinance in terms of professional expertise
and development of infrastructure including automation. Since its establishment,
SECP has inducted twelve professionals being chartered accountants, MBAs and
law graduates in the Company Law Division and the eight field officers. It has
also provided training to officers dealing with the administration of Companies
Page # 10
 Ordinance in the Lahore University of Management Sciences, a premier
institution for business studies. Three officers have visited and studied registration
offices in Malaysia and Australia. An annual conference of registration officers of
eight regional offices and headquarters is being held to review the performance of
these offices. This also provides platform for discussing new policy initiatives.

3.9 Simultaneously with introduction of reforms in other areas of its jurisdiction,

SECP started reviewing policies for registration of companies in 2001. An
internal exercise carried out by the Company Law Division identified issues
contributing to delay in the process of registration of companies. Commissioner,
Company Law who visited the UK to study the working of UK’s Company House
at Cardiff in 2000 brought back a number of ideas for streamlining of
administration of Company Law and the registration process. A team of software
experts who were engaged for automation of SECP also looked at the registration
process in detail and made useful recommendations.

3.10 In 2001, Corporate Registration System was developed and implemented as the
core database application. The system facilitates registration of companies and
development of their database. Later a more comprehensive system named
Corporate Registration and Compliance was developed which also facilitates
management of information contained in statutory returns. In addition, all major
registers have been automated. These include register of companies, register of
mortgages, chronological index of mortgages, register of companies whose names
have been struck off, register of companies in liquidation and company profiles
being maintained in the regional registration offices. The database of companies
now includes list of incorporated companies, list of foreign companies, list of
companies wound up, list of companies struck off the register, list of companies
which changed their name and list of companies by capital. The system for
incorporation of companies and the existing information is accessible to the
regional registration offices through the existing server. SECP is planning to
develop a system, which would enable companies to submit statutory returns
electronically.
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3.11 The process of formulation of the reform agenda in all areas falling within the
purview of SECP was led by Mr. Khalid A. Mirza, Chairman, SECP who took
over the assignment in March 2000. Possessed with vast experience of capital
market and private sector development as well as dynamism, he guided the new
organization in chalking out and implementing a comprehensive reform
programme.

3.12 The main objective of the reforms in business registration system was to reduce
the time taken in registration by streamlining the process, development of
infrastructure facilities like automation and human resource development and
educating the investor public. The reforms can be placed in three categories:

• Changes in Laws, Regulations and Rules

• Development of infrastructure and Capacity Building
• Facilitation measures

Changes in Laws, Regulations and Rules

3.13 Since the establishment of SECP, a number of changes have been made in the
Companies Ordinance and rules subordinate thereto. Some of these changes,
reflecting investor friendly policies, were aimed at improving investment climate.
While formulating proposals for changes in the laws and the rules SECP placed
the proposals on its website and solicited public views in view of the provisions of
the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997 which makes it
mandatory on SECP to publish all new draft rules in the official gazette to elicit
public opinion thereon within a period of not less than thirty days from the date of
publication. In some cases, meetings were also held with professional bodies like
the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

3.14 Key changes made in Companies Ordinance since the establishment of SECP are:

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• Policy regarding issuance of capital by companies was changed to allow
certain percentage of right shares to employees of the companies under
Employees Stock Option Scheme. This measure aimed at establishment of
such schemes, which had not been in existence.

• Companies were allowed to issue different classes of shares like

preference shares. Previously, companies were allowed to issue only
ordinary shares. The measure was of a radical nature, providing wider
range of market instruments, catering to specific requirements of
companies and investors.

• Companies were allowed to buy back their own shares. The option was
made available to companies having excess liquidity and if their shares
were traded below their intrinsic value.

• A new concept of single member company was introduced to provide an

additional option to the investors. This enables an individual businessman
to set up corporate entity with limited liability. Prior to this change, a
private limited company could be established by minimum of two
members. The main rationale behind the establishment of a single member
company is to encourage the use of the corporate structure by small
businesses and sole proprietorship that would be able to avail of the
protection of limited liability.

• The requirement of minimum number of seven members and directors of

an unlisted public limited company was reduced to three. This change was
made in view of the practical difficulties faced by prospective promoters
of public limited companies to arrange seven members.

• Issuance of shares at a discount by companies was simplified.

• The period of holding annual general meeting within six months following
the close of the financial year has been reduced to four months. This
measure aimed at improving corporate governance by obliging companies

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 to provide annual audited financial statements within a shorter period of
time.

• Quorum of a general meeting of a public listed company has been

increased from three members to ten members present in person
representing not less than 25% of total voting power either on their own
account or as proxies. This measure seeks to ensure representation of
substantial shareholding in the general meetings thus strengthening the
role of shareholders in the general meetings where important decisions are
taken.

• It has been made mandatory that minutes of the meetings of the board of
directors of companies are circulated among the directors within fourteen
days. The measure is aimed at ensuring that the management places the
minutes of the board meetings before the directors within reasonable
period of time.
• Eligibility criteria for directors of listed companies has been made
stringent by making stock brokers ineligible. This measure seeks to ensure
that stockbrokers do not misuse inside information relating to listed
companies.

• Policy regarding investment in associated companies has been liberalized

by removing the maximum limit of 30% of paid up capital and leaving the
financial decision with the shareholders. Prior to the amendment, approval
of SECP was necessary.

• Listed companies have been mandated to prepare and furnish quarterly

accounts. The measure is aimed at ensuring greater degree of transparency
and minimizing possibility of insider trading.

3.15 The legal framework for registration of companies was revamped. SECP notified
Companies (Registration Offices) Regulations in September 2003 that stipulated
obligations of registration offices in registering companies within the time

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framework provided in the Regulations. The main provisions of the Regulations
are:

• Company Registration Offices were established for registration of

companies, in eight cities of the country.

• Procedure for registration of companies was automated like assigning

system generated registration number and the certificate of incorporation
to be issued was standarised.

• All incoming documents are required to be entered into an electronic

database and certain documents to be image stored in the Document
Management System.

• Maximum period for processing of each document received by the

Registrar has been prescribed. Time framework prescribed for processing
of important documents is as under:

• Availability of Name Application 1 day

• Change of Name 1 day
• Conversion of private company to public 2 days
company

• Registration of Mortgage charge 1 day

• Commencement of Business Certificate 2 days
• Application for certified copy 1 day
• Issuance of Registration Certificate 3 days
• Filing Certificate by a Foreign Company 2 days

• Registrar is obliged to allow the members of the public to inspect registers

and record of documents and to provide copies of documents authorized
by Companies Ordinance.

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 In the case, the Registrar takes more than three days in registering a company; he
is required to give reasons.

3.16 The SECP notified amendments in the Companies (General Provisions and
Forms) Rules in July 2003. Through these amendments, application forms for
registration of different types of companies as well as for other returns to be filed,
were simplified.

3.17 All the registration offices are required to send statements at the end of each
month to the SECP headquarters showing the date when each application is
received and the date when the company is registered enabling monitoring of
compliance of the registration offices with the legal provisions.

Development of Infrastructure and Capacity Building

3.18 With the support of multilateral agencies and its own financial resources, SECP
launched a programme for automation. Implementation of the programme started
soon after establishment of SECP in 1999. As part of comprehensive automation
of SECP, a registration and compliance software system was developed and
implemented. The system facilitates registration of companies and development
of their database. Later a more comprehensive system called Corporate
Registration and Compliance System (CRCS) was developed which also
facilitates regulation of corporate compliance. In addition, all major registers have
been automated. These include registers of companies showing their capital,
register of mortgages, chronological index of mortgages, register of companies
whose names have been struck off, register of companies in liquidation and
company profiles being maintained in the regional registration offices. The
database of companies now includes list of incorporated companies, list of foreign
companies, list of companies wound up, list of companies struck off the register
and list of companies which changed their name. Record of 43,000 companies has
been transferred into electronic database. The entire information is available to the
regional registration offices. SECP is developing a system, which would enable
companies to submit statutory returns electronically and to open its corporate
database to the public.
Page # 16
3.19 Exercising financial autonomy vested through the SECP Act, the organization has
been able to recruit professionally qualified staff for the Company Law Division
in the headquarters and the Company Registration Offices in the field. SECP has
inducted twelve professionals being Chartered Accountants, MBAs and law
graduates, in registration offices. Training courses for the existing staff has been
arranged in the Lahore University of Management Sciences, a premier institution
for business studies. Some officers have been sent for training in the U.S,
Australia and Malaysia and Australia.

3.20 Presently, there are eight registration offices in the country, offering services to
the investor public in different regions. SECP has instituted system of an annual
conference of heads of all registration offices at the headquarters, providing a
platform for review of performance and discussion of outstanding issues.

3.21 CRCS facilitates monitoring of Company Registration Officers’ performance on a

regular basis.

Facilitation Measures

3.22 In addition to providing legal framework for streamlining the process of

registration of companies through the Companies (Registration Offices)
Regulations, 2003 and the capacity building of registration offices, a number of
facilities have been provided helping the investors in registration of companies.
Some of these facilities are:

• Company Registration Offices have been automated which enables them

to serve the investors better through improved efficiency.

• A facility for ‘Name Search’ is available on the website of SECP. Through

this facility, promoters of companies can easily confirm whether or not a
particular name is available for incorporation of a company.

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• Forms required to be filed have been placed on SECP’s website. These
can be downloaded and used for purposes of incorporation of a company
as well as filing of statutory returns.

• SECP’s website also details fee structure for services, incorporation of a

company, grant of a licence, alteration in the memorandum of association,
registration, modification and satisfaction of charge and filing of other
statutory returns.

• A comprehensive Promoter’s Guide has been placed on the website

advising on steps to be taken for registration of companies.

• Model memorandum and articles of association for each type of company

have been placed on SECP’s website. Promoters can use these for
incorporation of companies.

• A document management system has been integrated with the main

system for storage of companies’ documents as electronic images.

• SECP has reduced the initial fees to be paid by the promoters at the time
of registration of new companies. The lowest slab of fee for registration of
companies having nominal capital of Rs. 100,000 has been reduced from
Rs. 5000 to Rs. 2500. Following table gives the rate of fee before and after
reduction.

Authorized Capital (Rs.) Previous Fee (Rs.) Reduced Fee (Rs.)

100,000 5,000 2,500
500,000 5,000 4,500
1,000,000 7,500 7,000
5,000,000 27,500 27,000
10,000,000 40,000 39,500
20,000,000 65,000 64,500
Source: SECP
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 • At the instance of SECP, three provincial governments have reduced
stamp duty on registration of memorandum and articles of association.
Following table shows the old and the new rates.

Province / Previous Rates of Stamp Duty Present Rates of Stamp Duty

Territory
Maximum Rate Levied on (Rs.) Maximum Rate Levied on (Rs.)
Memorandum Articles of Total Memorandum Articles of Total
of Association Association of Association Association
Islamabad 60 200 260 60 200 260
NWFP 200 3125 3325 200 3125 3325
Baluchistan 2,000 5,000 7,000 200 500 700
Sindh 5,000 5,000 10,000 2,000 2,000 4,000
Punjab 5,000 5,000 10,000 1,000 1,000 2,000
Source: SECP
• An innovative scheme was introduced to give amnesty to defaulting
companies. It was noticed that while compliance of listed companies with
statutory requirement of filing periodical returns was satisfactory, more
than 26,000 unlisted private and public limited companies had defaulted.
An amnesty scheme namely, Companies Regularisation Scheme was
devised to waive penal action against the management of defaulting
companies if they submitted statutory returns from January 1, 2002 to
January 30, 2002 along with normal fee. 4779 companies availed of the
scheme.

• Another scheme was devised to provide exit to dormant unlisted private

and public companies, which had no asset or liabilities and were not in
operation. Such companies were given an opportunity to be struck off the
register of companies subject to furnishing special resolution of the board
of directors and a certificate from a practicing chartered accountant. Under
the Companies Easy Exit Scheme applications could be filed between
April 1, 2003 to May 31, 2003. 2922 companies availed of the
opportunity. This helped in cleaning up the record of the Registration
Offices.

Page # 19
4. Implementation of Reforms

4.1 Successful implementation of the reforms become possible due to financial,

administrative and operational autonomy of SECP and the commitment of the
new organization to upgrade its efficiency and quality of services to the public.
The process of preparation of the reform agenda and its implementation was led
by Mr. Khalid A. Mirza, who took over as Chairman of SECP in March 2000. He
had worked for many years in the capital market department of IFC and was
associated with capital market projects in a number of countries including
Pakistan. His earlier experience of handling projects in Pakistan like the
establishment of central depository for the stock exchanges had exposed him to
the issues of the corporate sector in the country and this immensely helped him to
develop a vision for capital market development. He was helped by a team
comprising both experienced and newly recruited professionals drawn from the
market. SECP was able to attract qualified professionals from the market due to
its ability to pay them salaries higher than the government departments. Another
factor which contributed to successful implementation was the exposure of the
senior and middle level officers to institutions and systems in developing
countries which they had opportunity of visiting.

4.2 SECP did not have to face any opposition in implementing business registration
reforms mainly due to three factors. Firstly, the reforms received support from the
public as the process of registration of companies became easier and the time
taken was considerably reduced. The promoters guide not only educated the
public but also made the process transparent. Secondly, the Registrars and the
staff working in the registration offices were motivated due to change in the
working environment and better salary structure. Thirdly, SECP maintained its
communication with the stakeholders through meetings and press briefings. As
required by Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997, the
general public was given opportunity of responding to draft rules. The Act
requires that before approving any new rules, the Federal Government must
publish the draft rules in the official gazette for eliciting public opinion. SECP
also placed the draft rules on its website. In some cases, meetings were also held
with stakeholders like the trade bodies.
Page # 20
5. Post Reforms Period

5.1 During the last few years, there has been marked improvement in the culture of
the registration offices. Although the reforms were initiated only recently as the
first measures were taken in the year 2000, the impact has already become visible.
Environment of the registration offices has changed. These offices have become
more responsive to the public. The time taken in completing the registration
process has been considerably reduced. Following table prepared on the basis of
survey of Companies Registration Office, Karachi, which is the premier
registration office, shows considerable reduction in the time taken for registration
of companies.
Time Taken For Incorporation Of Companies in Companies Registration
Office, Karachi

TIME TAKEN 1998 2003 (UPTO NOV.)

Number of registered
companies
1 DAY 37 145
2 DAYS 24 51
3 DAYS 27 59
4 DAYS 32 45
5 DAYS 34 45
6 DAYS 20 32
7 DAYS 21 39
OVER 7 DAYS 169 80
TOTAL 364 496
Source: Additional Registrar of Companies, CRO, Karachi

The above table which compares the pre-reform position in the year 1998 with the
post reform scenario for the year 2003 till November shows that while increasing
number of companies have been registered within three days, the number of
companies taking more than seven days shows a declining trend. A detailed
analysis shows that delay in 56 cases was due to delay in completion of
formalities by the promoters while in the case of 24 cases, there was delay in
obtaining No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Interior as these cases
related to registration of security armed guards companies. Registration of such
companies requires clearance for security reasons.

5.2 The cost of registration of companies has declined due to reduction in the rates of
registration fee and stamp duty. Following tables indicate comparative cost of
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 registration of a public limited company having authorized capital of Rs. 2.5
million and a private limited company having capital of Rs. 0.1 million before and
after the reforms:

Cost of Incorporation of a Company

(Pre Reform Period)
Province/Company
Kind Name reservation Incorporation Stamp Duty Total
Islamabad Capital Territory
Public Company* 200 15,000 260 15,460
Private Company** 200 5,000 260 5,460
Punjab
Public Company 200 15,000 10,000 25,200
Private Company 200 5,000 1,198 6,398
Baluchistan
Public Company 200 15,000 6,000 21,200
Private Company 200 5,000 2,000 7,200
Sindh
Public Company 200 15,000 3,000 18,200
Private Company 200 5,000 2,000 7,200
N. W. F. P.
Public Company 200 15,000 1,450 16,650
Private Company 200 5,000 575 5,775

* Public Company having Authorized capital of Rs. 2.5 million

** Private Company having authorized capital of Rs.0.1 million
Cost of Incorporation of a Company
Post Reform Period
Name
Province/Company Kind reservation Incorporation Stamp Duty Total
Islamabad Capital Territory
Public Company* 200 14,500 260 14,960
Private Company** 200 2,500 260 2,960
Punjab
Public Company 200 14,500 2,000 16,700
Private Company 200 2,500 2,000 4,700
Baluchistan
Public Company 200 14,500 575 15,275
Private Company 200 2,500 175 2,875
Sindh
Public Company 200 14,500 3,000 17,700
Private Company 200 2,500 2,000 4,700
N. W. F. P.
Public Company 200 14,500 1,450 16,150
Private Company 200 2,500 450 3,150

* Public Company having Authorized capital of Rs. 2.5 million

** Private Company having authorized capital of Rs.0.1 million
Page # 22
5.3 Although the process of registration of companies under the Companies
Ordinance has become quite efficient, considerably cutting down the time taken in
registration, certain difficulties still remain to be addressed. One issue is that of
the stamp duty for which adhesive stamps need to be affixed on certain
documents required to be filed for registration. Unfortunately, government stamps
are not available with the registration offices and the promoters have to obtain
these from the government treasuries, which involve wastage of time and energy.
SECP is cognizant of the problem but since the subject falls outside the purview
of SECP, it is planned to approach the government to take remedial action
including withdrawal of stamp duty from the process of registration of companies.
Secondly, the facilitation measures taken by SECP in the area of registration of
companies have not been widely disseminated. There is need to launch a
campaign to generate awareness about these facilities.

5.4 Companies registered under the Companies Ordinance also need registration for
other public purposes. Under Income Tax Ordinance, every company is required
to file income tax return by September 30 or December 31 (depending on the
financial year adopted by the company) and for this purpose the company is
required to obtain a national tax number prior to filing of the return. However, this
requirement does not prevent a company from starting business, as national tax
number is required prior to filing the annual income tax return. The law relating to
social security does not distinguish between a company and an individual
employer. All employers including companies having five or more workers have
to get registered with the Provincial Employees Social Security Institution for
purposes of making contribution for the social security of workers. Under the
industrial law, companies are also required to register with Employees Old Age
Benefit Institution, which is an institution of the Ministry of Labour.

6. Conclusion
6.1 Transformation of a government department responsible for regulation of capital
market and administration of company law into an autonomous organization has
led to radical change in the culture of the organization within a relatively short
period of time. The new organization, manifesting its responsibility towards the
Page # 23
 general public, has adopted public friendly approach. To a considerable extent,
the change became possible due to the financial and administrative autonomy,
which enabled the organization to hire professionals from the market, offering
them salaries at much higher scales than those prevalent in the government.
Training of these officers and their exposure through visits to the developed
countries helped them to upgrade their professional competence. The dynamic
role of Mr. Khalid A. Mirza during his three years tenure as Chairman, SECP has
been an important contributing factor in the successful implementation of the
reform process. He took over as Chairman in 2000 after he had worked for many
years in the capital market department of IFC. In this capacity, he had the
opportunity of working on capital market development projects in a number of
countries including Pakistan. His earlier association with projects in Pakistan had
familiarized him with the issues of corporate sector in Pakistan.

6.2 The experience of SECP highlights the importance of quality of human resource
in the regulatory bodies. The institution can move forward only with
professionally qualified staff, motivating environment and dynamic leadership.

6.3 The reform agenda of SECP was formulated through a consultative process. The
code of Corporate Governance was proposed by the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of Pakistan and was discussed at length with various chambers of
commerce as well as with trade industry and professional bodies. As required by
SECP Act, new rules were approved and notified only after draft rules were
circulated for comments from the public. Generally, the public has been
appreciative of the initiatives taken by SECP.

6.4 In implementing business registration reforms, SECP did not face any opposition
from any quarter mainly due to three factors: Firstly, the reforms received support
from the public as the process of registration of companies became easier and the
time taken was considerably reduced. The Promoters Guide not only educated the
public but also made the process transparent. Secondly, the Registrars and the
staff working in the registration offices were motivated due to improvement in the
working environment and better salary structure. Thirdly, SECP maintained its

Page # 24
 communication with the stakeholders like corporate lawyers and management of
companies, through meetings and press briefings.

Study of the reforms in business registration system suggests followings lessons:

• Laws, rules and administrative procedures involving regulations and public

service need continuous review. In fact, one needs to look at these critically to
remove or amend provisions, which may no longer be meeting the desired
objective of public policy.

• Financial and administrative autonomy of regulatory bodies is critical. These

bodies need to have resources for capacity building and infrastructure
development.

• Quality of human resource in the regulatory bodies is essential. Financial

compensation to the staff has to be adequate.

• Policies affecting the public should be formulated after discussion with all the
stakeholders. There is also need for continuous communication and dialogue with
them. Wherever necessary, these policies may also be amended.

• Quality of top leadership of the institutions undertaking reforms is extremely

critical. Backed by expertise and experience in the relevant field, the head of the
organization must possess vision and be capable of motivating his team.

Page # 25
 Annexure

Number of incorporated companies as on Dec. 31,

Company Kind 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

629 630 637 639 646 646 646
Public Listed
1,871 1,893 1,926 1,955 2,016 2,070 2,080
Public Unlisted
32,813 33,746 34,778 35,865 37,127 38,705 39,023
Private Company
0 0 0 0 3 94 109
Single Member Company
191 195 199 219 248 265 266
Association under section 42
42 44 45 45 46 48 48
Companies under section 43
152 153 157 160 162 164 164
Trade Organization
5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Public Unlimited
0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Private Unlimited
394 420 436 472 514 536 544
Foreign Companies
4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Companies under section 503(2)
Total 36,101 37,090 38,187 39,364 40,771 42,537 42,890
Source: SECP

Page # 26
References:

1. Companies Ordinance, 1984, Companies (Amendment) Act, 1999 and Companies

(Amendments) Ordinance, 2002

2. Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997 with subsequent

amendments.

3. Promoters Guide issued by Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.

4. Companies (Registration Offices) Regulations, 2003.

5. Annual Reports of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan particularly

for the year 2003.

6. Non Public documents of SECP:

i. Report of Mr. Adbul Rehman Qureshi, Commissioner, SECP regarding his
visit to Companies House, Cardiff, UK, October 13, 2000.
ii. Presentations made by Company Law Division of SECP to the entire
Commission.

7. Asian Development Bank’s Capital Market Development Programme 1997 (PAK

31108)

Page # 27