Business
Companies Act 2017 with SECP e-filing and broad foreign ownership
The Companies Act 2017 replaced the 1984 Ordinance. SECP administers incorporation electronically, and 100 percent foreign equity is permitted in most sectors under the Investment Policy.
Key rules
- Deadline — Annual return to SECP within 30 days of the AGM
- Deadline — AGM within 120 days of financial year end
- Deadline — Beneficial ownership declarations to SECP as prescribed
Governing law
- Companies Act, 2017
- Foreign Private Investment (Promotion and Protection) Act, 1976
- Special Economic Zones Act, 2012
- Competition Act, 2010
In practice
A single member company is permitted. Minimum capital requirements were largely removed, though sector regulators impose their own. Repatriation of profits is permitted through authorised dealers subject to State Bank of Pakistan documentation, and this is where practical friction concentrates during balance-of-payments stress. SEZ enterprises receive customs and income tax exemptions for defined periods.