The Company Act 2017 Updated 18.8.2022

THE COMPANIES ACT, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I .............................................................................................................................. 1
PRELIMINARY ............................................................................................................... 1
1. Short title, extent and commencement.— .................................................................... 1
2. Definitions.—(............................................................................................................... 1
3. Application of Act to non-trading companies with purely provincial objects.— .......... 12
4. Act to override.— ....................................................................................................... 12
PART II .......................................................................................................................... 13
JURISDICTION OF COURT........................................................................................ 13
5. Jurisdiction of the Court and creation of Benches.— .................................................. 13
6. Procedure of the Court and appeal.— ......................................................................... 13
PART III ......................................................................................................................... 16
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE

COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN ................................................................................... 16
7. Powers and functions of the Commission.— ............................................................... 16
8. Reference by the Federal Government or Commission to the Court.— ....................... 17
PART IV ........................................................................................................................ 17
INCORPORATION OF COMPANIES AND MATTERS INCIDENTAL

THERETO .................................................................................................................... 17
9. Obligation to register certain associations, partnerships as companies.— .................. 17
PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO NAMES OF COMPANIES ............................ 17
10. Prohibition of certain names.— .................................................................................. 18
11. Rectification of name of a company.— ....................................................................... 19
I
12. Change of name by a company.— ............................................................................... 19
13. Registration of change of name and effect thereof.— ................................................ 19
14. Mode of forming a company.— .................................................................................. 20
15. Liability for carrying on business with less than three or, in the case of a private
company, two members.— ......................................................................................... 20
GENERAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO REGISTRATION OF

MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES ............................................................................ 21
16. Registration of memorandum and articles.— ............................................................. 21
17. Effect of memorandum and articles.— ....................................................................... 22
18. Effect of registration.—............................................................................................... 23
COMMENCEMENT OF BUSINESS BY A PUBLIC COMPANY ............................ 23
19. Commencement of business by a public company.— ................................................. 23
20. Consequences of non-compliance of section 19.— ..................................................... 24
REGISTERED OFFICE AND PUBLICATION OF NAME ...................................... 24
21. Registered office of company.— ................................................................................. 24
22. Publication of name by a company.— ......................................................................... 25
23. […] .............................................................................................................................. 25
24. Penalties for non-publication of name.— ................................................................... 26
25. Publication of authorised as well as paid-up capital.— ............................................... 26
26. Business and objects of a company.— ........................................................................ 26
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION ......................................... 27
27. Memorandum of company limited by shares.— ......................................................... 27
28. Memorandum of company limited by guarantee.— ................................................... 28
29. Memorandum of unlimited company.— ..................................................................... 29
30. Borrowing powers to be part of memorandum.— ...................................................... 30
31. Memorandum to be printed, signed and dated.— ...................................................... 30
II
32. Alteration of memorandum.— ................................................................................... 30
33. Powers of Commission when confirming alteration.— ............................................... 31
34. Exercise of discretion by Commission.— ..................................................................... 31
35. Effect of alteration in memorandum or articles.— ...................................................... 31
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION ................................................................................... 31
36. Registration of articles.— ........................................................................................... 32
37. Articles to be printed, signed and dated.— ................................................................. 32
38. Alteration of articles.—............................................................................................... 32
39. Copies of memorandum and articles to be given to members.— ................................ 33
40. Alteration of memorandum or articles to be noted in every copy.— .......................... 33
41. Form of memorandum and articles.— ........................................................................ 33
42. Licencing of associations with charitable and not for profit objects.— ....................... 33
43. Effect of revocation of licence.— ................................................................................ 35
44. Penalty.— ................................................................................................................... 36
45. Provision as to companies limited by guarantee.— .................................................... 37
CONVERSION OF A COMPANY OF ANY CLASS INTO A COMPANY OF

OTHER CLASS AND RELATED MATTERS............................................................ 37
46. Conversion of public company into private company and vice-versa.—...................... 37
47. Conversion of status of private company into a single-member company and vice-
versa.— ...................................................................................................................... 38
48. Conversion of status of unlimited company as limited company and vice-versa.— .... 38
49. Conversion of a company limited by guarantee to a company limited by shares and

vice-versa.— ............................................................................................................... 39
50. Issue of certificate and effects of conversion.— .......................................................... 40
51. Power of unlimited company to provide for reserve share capital on conversion of
status to a limited company.— ................................................................................... 40
52. Consequence of default in complying with conditions constituting a company a private

company.— ................................................................................................................ 40
III
SERVICE AND AUTHENTICATION OF DOCUMENTS........................................ 41
53. Service of documents on a company.— ...................................................................... 41
54. Service of documents on Commission or the registrar.— ............................................ 41
55. Service of notice on a member.— ............................................................................... 41
56. Authentication of documents and proceedings.— ...................................................... 41
PART V .......................................................................................................................... 41
PROSPECTUS, ALLOTMENT, ISSUE AND TRANSFER OF SHARES AND

OTHER SECURITIES .................................................................................................. 41
57. Prospectus.—.............................................................................................................. 41
58. Classes and kinds of share capital.— ........................................................................... 42
59. Variation of shareholders’ rights.— ............................................................................ 42
SHARE CAPITAL AND NATURE, NUMBERING AND CERTIFICATE OF

SHARES.......................................................................................................................... 42
60. Numbering of shares.— .............................................................................................. 42
61. Nature of shares or other securities.— ....................................................................... 43
62. Shares certificate to be evidence.— ............................................................................ 43
SPECIAL PROVISIONS AS TO DEBENTURES ...................................................... 43
63. Issue of debentures.— ................................................................................................ 43
64. Payment of certain debts out of assets subject to floating charge in priority to claims
under the charge.— .................................................................................................... 44
65. Powers and liabilities of trustee.— ............................................................................. 44
66. Issue of securities and redeemable capital not based on interest.—........................... 46
ALLOTMENT ................................................................................................................ 47
67. Application for, and allotment of, shares and debentures.— ...................................... 47
68. Repayment of money received for shares not allotted.— ........................................... 47
69. Allotment of shares and other securities to be dealt in on securities exchange.— ...... 47
70. Return as to allotments.— .......................................................................................... 48
IV
CERTIFICATE OF SHARES AND OTHER SECURITIES ...................................... 50
71. Limitation of time for issue of certificates.— .............................................................. 50
72. Issuance of shares in book-entry form.— .................................................................... 50
73. Issue of duplicate certificates.— ................................................................................. 50
TRANSFER OF SHARES AND OTHER SECURITIES ........................................... 51
74. Transfer of shares and other securities.—................................................................... 51
75. Board not to refuse transfer of shares.— .................................................................... 52
76. Restriction on transfer of shares by the members of a private company.— ................ 52
77. Notice of refusal to transfer.— ................................................................................... 53
78. Transfer to successor-in-interest.— ............................................................................ 53
79. Transfer to nominee of a deceased member.— .......................................................... 53
80. Appeal against refusal for registration of transfer.— .................................................. 54
COMMISSION, DISCOUNT AND PREMIUM ......................................................... 54
81. Application of premium received on issue of shares.—............................................... 54
82. Power to issue shares at a discount.— ........................................................................ 54
83. Further issue of capital.— ........................................................................................... 56
INVITATION OF DEPOSITS ..................................................................................... 59
84. Prohibition on acceptance of deposits from public.— ................................................. 59
85. Power of company to alter its share capital.— ........................................................... 59
86. Prohibition of purchase by company or giving of loans by it for purchase of its shares.
(1 ................................................................................................................................ 60
87. Subsidiary company not to hold shares in its holding company.—.............................. 61
88. Power of a company to purchase its own shares.— .................................................... 61
REDUCTION OF SHARE CAPITAL .......................................................................... 63
89. Reduction of share capital.— ...................................................................................... 63
90. Objection by creditors and settlement of list of objecting creditors.— ....................... 63
V
91. Power to dispense with consent of creditor on security being given for his debt.— ... 64
92. Order confirming reduction.— .................................................................................... 64
93. Registration of order of reduction.— .......................................................................... 64
94. Liability of members in respect of reduced shares.—.................................................. 64
95. Penalty on concealment of name of creditor.— .......................................................... 65
96. Publication of reasons for reduction.—....................................................................... 65
97. Increase and reduction of share capital in case of a company limited by guarantee
having a share capital.— ............................................................................................. 65
UNLIMITED LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS .............................................................. 65
98. Limited company may have directors with unlimited liability.— ................................ 65
99. Special resolution of limited company making liability of directors unlimited.— ........ 66
PART VI ......................................................................................................................... 66
REGISTRATION OF MORTGAGES, CHARGES, ETC. .......................................... 66
100. Requirement to register a mortgage or charge.— ....................................................... 66
101. Particulars in case of series of debentures entitling holders pari passu.— .................. 68
102. Register of charges to be kept by registrar.— ............................................................. 68
103. Index to register of mortgages and charges.— ............................................................ 68
104. Endorsement of certificate of registration on debenture or certificate of debenture

stock.— ....................................................................................................................... 68
105. Duty of company and right of interested party as regards registration.— .................. 69
106. Modification in the particulars of mortgage or charge.— ........................................... 69
107. Copy of instrument creating mortgage or charge to be kept at registered office.— .... 69
108. Rectification of register of mortgages.—..................................................................... 69
109. Company to report satisfaction of charge.—............................................................... 70
110. Power of registrar to make entries of satisfaction and release in absence of intimation
from company.— ........................................................................................................ 70
111. Punishment for contravention.—................................................................................ 71
VI
112. Company’s register of mortgages and charges.—( ...................................................... 71
RECEIVERS AND MANAGERS.................................................................................. 71
113. Registration of appointment of receiver or manager.—.............................................. 71
114. Filing of accounts of receiver or manager.— ............................................................... 72
115. Disqualification for appointment as receiver or manager.— ....................................... 72
116. Application to Court.— ............................................................................................... 72
117. Power of Court to fix remuneration of receiver or manager.— ................................... 73
PART VII ....................................................................................................................... 74
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION ............................................................ 74
118. Members of a company.— .......................................................................................... 74
REGISTER AND INDEX OF MEMBERS .................................................................. 74
119. Register of members.— .............................................................................................. 74
120. Index of members.— .................................................................................................. 74
121. Trust not to be entered on register.— ........................................................................ 74
122. Register of debenture-holders.— ................................................................................ 75
123. Index of debenture-holders.— .................................................................................... 75
124. Rights to inspect and require copies.— ....................................................................... 76
125. Power to close register. — .......................................................................................... 76
126. Power of Court to rectify register.— ........................................................................... 77
127. Punishment for fraudulent entries in and omission from register.— .......................... 77
128. Notice to registrar of rectification of register.— ......................................................... 78
129. Register to be evidence.— .......................................................................................... 78
130. Annual return.— ......................................................................................................... 78
MEETINGS AND PROCEEDINGS ............................................................................. 79
131. Statutory meeting of company.— ............................................................................... 79
VII
132. Annual general meeting.— ......................................................................................... 80
133. Calling of extra-ordinary general meeting.— .............................................................. 81
134. Provisions as to meetings and votes.— ....................................................................... 82
135. Quorum of general meeting.— ................................................................................... 84
136. Power of the Court to declare the proceedings of a general meeting invalid.— .......... 85
137. Proxies.— ................................................................................................................... 85
138. Representation of body corporate or corporation at meetings.— .............................. 87
139. Representation of Federal Government at meetings of companies.— ........................ 87
140. Notice of resolution.—................................................................................................ 87
141. Voting to be by show of hands in first instance.— ...................................................... 88
142. Declaration by chairman on a show of hands.— ......................................................... 88
143. Demand for poll.— ..................................................................................................... 88
144. Poll through secret ballot.— ....................................................................................... 88
145. Time of taking poll.— .................................................................................................. 89
146. Resolutions passed at adjourned meeting.— .............................................................. 89
147. Power of Commission to call meetings.— ................................................................... 89
148. Punishment for default in complying with provisions of section 147.— ...................... 90
149. Passing of resolution by the members through circulation.— ..................................... 90
150. Filing of resolution.—.................................................................................................. 90
151. Records of resolutions and meetings.— ...................................................................... 90
152. Inspection of records of resolutions and meetings.— ................................................. 91
APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS ............................................. 91
153. Ineligibility of certain persons to become director.— ................................................. 91
154. Minimum number of directors of a company.— ......................................................... 92
155. Number of directorships.—......................................................................................... 93
156. Compliance with the Code of Corporate Governance.— ............................................. 93
VIII
157. First directors and their term.—.................................................................................. 93
158. Retirement of first and subsequent directors.— ......................................................... 93
159. Procedure for election of directors.— ......................................................................... 94
160. Powers of the Court to declare election of directors invalid.— ................................... 95
161. Term of office of directors.— ...................................................................................... 95
162. Fresh election of directors.— ...................................................................................... 95
163. Removal of directors.— .............................................................................................. 96
164. Nominee directors.— .................................................................................................. 96
165. Certain provisions not to apply to directors representing special interests.— ............ 96
166. Manner of selection of independent directors and maintenance of databank of

independent directors.— ............................................................................................ 97
167. Consent to act as director to be filed with company—................................................ 99
168. Validity of acts of directors.— ..................................................................................... 99
169. Penalties.— ................................................................................................................ 99
170. Restriction on director's remuneration.— .................................................................. 99
171. Vacation of office by the directors.—.......................................................................... 99
DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS BY THE COMMISSION ..................... 100
172. Disqualification orders.— ......................................................................................... 100
173. Personal liability for company’s debts where person acts while disqualified.— ....... 101
174. Prohibition on assignment of office by directors.— .................................................. 102
175. Penalty for unqualified person acting as director.— ................................................. 102
176. Proceedings of the board.— ..................................................................................... 103
177. Ineligibility of bankrupt to act as director.—............................................................. 103
178. Records of resolutions and meetings of board.— ..................................................... 103
179. Passing of resolution by the directors through circulation.— .................................... 104
180. Liabilities of directors and officers.— ........................................................................ 104
181. Protection to independent and non-executive directors.— ...................................... 105
IX
182. Loans to directors: requirement of members’ approval.— ....................................... 105
183. Powers of board.— ................................................................................................... 106
184. Prohibition regarding making of political contributions.— ....................................... 108
185. Prohibition regarding distribution of gifts.— ............................................................ 108
CHIEF EXECUTIVE................................................................................................... 108
186. Appointment of first chief executive.— .................................................................... 108
187. Appointment of subsequent chief executive.— ........................................................ 109
188. Terms of appointment of chief executive.— ............................................................. 109
189. Restriction on appointment of chief executive.— ..................................................... 109
190. Removal of chief executive.—................................................................................... 110
191. Chief executive not to engage in business competing with company's business.—... 110
192. Chairman in a listed company.— .............................................................................. 110
193. Penalty.— ................................................................................................................. 110
194. Public company required to have secretary.—.......................................................... 111
195. Listed company to have share registrar.— ................................................................ 111
196. Bar on appointment of sole purchase, sales agents.— .............................................. 111
REGISTER OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER OFFICERS ...................................... 111
197. Register of directors, officers.—................................................................................ 111
198. Rights to inspect.— ................................................................................................... 112
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS REGARDING INVESTMENTS, CONTRACTS

OFFICERS AND SHAREHOLDINGS, TRADING AND INTERESTS ............... 113
199. Investments in associated companies and undertaking.— ........................................ 113
200. Investments of company to be held in its own name.— ........................................... 114
201. Method of contracting.— ......................................................................................... 115
202. Execution of bills of exchange, promissory notes and deeds.— ................................ 115
203. Company to have official seal for use abroad.— ....................................................... 115
X
204. Duties of directors.— ................................................................................................ 116
205. Disclosure of interest by director.— ......................................................................... 117
206. Interest of officers. ................................................................................................... 118
207. Interested director not to participate or vote in proceedings of board. .................... 118
208. Related party transactions. ....................................................................................... 119
209. Register of contracts or arrangements in which directors are interested.— ............. 121
210. Contract of employment with directors.—................................................................ 122
211. Restriction on non-cash transactions involving directors.— ...................................... 122
212. Declaring a director to be lacking fiduciary behaviour.— .......................................... 123
213. Disclosure to members of directors’ interest in contract appointing chief executive or

secretary.— .............................................................................................................. 123
214. Contracts by agents of company in which company is undisclosed principal.— ........ 123
215. Liability for undesired activities of the shareholders.— ............................................ 124
216. Company deemed to be a public interest company in certain circumstances.— ....... 124
217. Securities and deposits.— ......................................................................................... 124
218. Employees’ provident funds, contributory retirement funds and securities. ............ 125
219. Penalty for contravention of section 217 or 218.— ................................................... 126
ACCOUNTS OF COMPANIES ................................................................................. 126
220. Books of account, to be kept by company................................................................. 126
221. Inspection of books of account by the Commission.— .............................................. 127
222. Default in compliance with provisions of section 221.— ........................................... 128
223. Financial Statements.— ............................................................................................ 128
224. Classification of Companies.— .................................................................................. 129
225. Contents of Financial Statements.— ......................................................................... 129
226. Duty to prepare directors’ report and statement of compliance.— .......................... 130
227. Contents of directors’ report and statement of compliance.— ................................. 130
228. Consolidated financial statements.— ....................................................................... 132
XI
229. Financial year of holding company and subsidiary.—................................................ 133
230. Rights of holding company’s representatives and members.— ................................. 133
231. Financial Statements of modaraba company to include modaraba accounts.— ....... 133
232. Approval and authentication of Financial Statements.— .......................................... 134
233. Copy of Financial Statements to be forwarded to the registrar.— ............................ 134
234. […] ............................................................................................................................ 135
235. Right of member of a company to copies of the Financial Statements and the auditor’s
report.— ................................................................................................................... 135
236. Penalty for improper issue, circulation or publication of Financial Statements.— .... 135
237. Quarterly financial statements of listed companies.— ............................................. 135
238. Power of Commission to require submission of additional statements of accounts and

reports.— ................................................................................................................. 136
239. Rights of debenture-holders to obtain copies of financial statements.— .................. 136
DIVIDENDS AND MANNER AND TIME OF PAYMENT THEREOF .............. 137
240. Certain restrictions on declaration of dividend.—..................................................... 137
241. Dividend to be paid only out of profits.— ................................................................. 137
242. Dividend not to be paid except to registered shareholders.— .................................. 137
243. Directors not to withhold declared dividend.— ........................................................ 137
244. Unclaimed shares, modaraba certificates and dividend to vest with the Federal
Government.— ......................................................................................................... 138
245. Establishment of Investor Education and Awareness Fund.—................................... 140
AUDIT ......................................................................................................................... 142
246. Appointment, removal and fee of auditors.— .......................................................... 142
247. Qualification and disqualification of auditors.— ....................................................... 143
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF AUDITOR ................................................................... 145
248. Auditors’ right to information.— .............................................................................. 145
249. Duties of auditor.— .................................................................................................. 146
XII
250. Audit of cost accounts.— .......................................................................................... 148
251. Signature of auditor’s report.— ................................................................................ 148
252. Penalty for non-compliance with provisions by companies.— .................................. 148
253. Penalty for non-compliance with provisions by auditors.— ...................................... 148
POWER OF REGISTRAR TO CALL FOR INFORMATION ............................... 149
254. Power of registrar to call for information or explanation.— ..................................... 149
255. Seizure of documents by registrar, inspector or investigation officer.— ................... 150
INVESTIGATION AND RELATED MATTERS .................................................... 152
256. Investigation into affairs of company.— ................................................................... 152
257. Investigation of company’s affairs in other cases.— ................................................. 152
258. Serious Fraud Investigation.— .................................................................................. 153
259. Inspector to be a Court for certain purposes.— ........................................................ 154
260. Power of inspectors to carry investigation into affairs of associated companies.— .. 155
261. Duty of officers to assist the inspector.— ................................................................. 155
262. Inspector’s report.— ................................................................................................. 156
263. Prosecution............................................................................................................... 156
264. Power of Commission to initiate action against management.— .............................. 157
265. Effect of Court’s order.— .......................................................................................... 158
266. No compensation to be payable for annulment or modification of contract.— ........ 158
267. No right to compensation for loss of office.—........................................................... 158
POWERS OF COURT HEARING APPLICATION ............................................... 159
268. Application for winding up of company or an order under section 286.— ................ 159
269. Proceedings for recovery of damages or property.— ................................................ 159
270. Expenses of investigation.— ..................................................................................... 159
271. Inspector's report to be evidence.— ......................................................................... 160
XIII
272. Imposition of restrictions on shares and debentures and prohibition of transfer of
shares or debentures in certain cases.— ................................................................... 161
273. Saving for legal advisers and bankers.— ................................................................... 163
274. Enquiries and investigation not to be affected by winding up.— .............................. 163
275. Application of sections 254 to 274 to liquidators and foreign companies.— ............. 163
PART VIII ................................................................................................................... 163
MEDIATION, ARBITRATION, ARRANGEMENTS AND RECONSTRUCTION

...................................................................................................................................... 163
276. Mediation and Conciliation Panel.— ......................................................................... 163
277. Resolution of disputes through mediation.— ........................................................... 164
278. Power for companies to refer matter to arbitration.— ............................................. 164
279. Compromise with creditors and members.—............................................................ 164
280. Power of Commission to enforce compromises and arrangements.— ...................... 165
281. Information as to compromises or arrangements with creditors and members.— ... 165
282. Powers of Commission to facilitate reconstruction or amalgamation of companies.—

................................................................................................................................. 166
283. Notice to be given to registrar for applications under section 279 and 282............... 169
284. Amalgamation of wholly owned subsidiaries in holding company.— ....................... 169
285. Power to acquire shares of members dissenting from scheme or contract. .............. 170
PART IX ...................................................................................................................... 172
PREVENTION OF OPPRESSION AND MIS-MANAGEMENT.......................... 172
286. Application to Court.— ............................................................................................. 172
287. Powers of Court under section 286.—....................................................................... 173
288. Interim order.— ........................................................................................................ 174
289. Claim for damages inadmissible.— ........................................................................... 174
290. Application of certain sections to proceedings under this Part.— ............................. 174
291. Management by Administrator.— ............................................................................ 174
XIV
292. Rehabilitation of sick public sector companies.— ..................................................... 176
PART X........................................................................................................................ 179
WINDING UP ............................................................................................................. 179
PRELIMINARY .......................................................................................................... 179
293. Modes of winding up. ............................................................................................... 179
294. Liability as contributories of present and past members.— ...................................... 179
295. Liability of directors whose liability is unlimited.—................................................... 180
296. Liability of Contributory having fully paid share.— ................................................... 180
297. Nature of liability of contributory.—......................................................................... 180
298. Contributories in case of death of member.— .......................................................... 181
299. Contributory in case of insolvency of member.— ..................................................... 181
300. Contributories in case of winding up of a body corporate which is a member.— ...... 181
WINDING UP BY COURT ....................................................................................... 181
301. Circumstances in which a company may be wound up by Court.— ........................... 181
302. Company when deemed unable to pay its debts.— .................................................. 183
303. Transfer of proceedings to other Courts.— ............................................................... 184
PETITION FOR WINDING UP ............................................................................... 184
304. Provisions as to applications for winding up.—......................................................... 184
305. Right to present winding up petition where company is being wound up voluntarily or
subject to Court’s supervision.— .............................................................................. 185
306. Commencement of winding up by Court.— .............................................................. 185
POWERS OF COURT HEARING APPLICATION ............................................... 185
307. Court may grant injunction.—................................................................................... 185
308. Powers of Court on hearing petition.—..................................................................... 185
309. Copy of winding up order to be filed with registrar.— .............................................. 186
310. Suits stayed on winding up order.— ......................................................................... 187
XV
311. Court may require expeditious disposal of suits.— ................................................... 187
312. Effect of winding up order.— .................................................................................... 187
313. Power of Court to stay winding up.— ....................................................................... 187
314. Court may ascertain wishes of creditors or contributories.— ................................... 188
OFFICIAL LIQUIDATORS....................................................................................... 188
315. Appointment of official liquidator.— ........................................................................ 188
316. Removal of official liquidator.— ............................................................................... 189
317. Remuneration of official liquidator.— ...................................................................... 190
318. Style and title of official liquidator.— ....................................................................... 190
319. General provisions as to liquidators.— ..................................................................... 190
320. Statement of affairs to be made to official liquidator.— ........................................... 191
321. Report by official liquidator.—.................................................................................. 193
322. Court directions on report of official liquidator.— .................................................... 194
323. Settlement of list of contributories and application of assets.— ............................... 194
324. Custody of company's properties.— ......................................................................... 195
325. Power to require delivery of property.— .................................................................. 195
326. Power to summon persons suspected of having property of company.—................. 195
327. Power to order public examination of promoters, directors.— ................................. 196
328. Power to arrest absconding contributory.— ............................................................. 197
329. Power to order payment of debts by contributory.— ............................................... 197
330. Power of Court to make calls.— ................................................................................ 198
331. Power to order payment into bank.— ...................................................................... 198
332. Regulation of account with Court. ............................................................................ 198
333. Order on contributory conclusive evidence. ............................................................. 198
334. Power to exclude creditors not proving in time. ....................................................... 199
335. Adjustment of rights of contributories. ..................................................................... 199
XVI
336. Power to order costs.— ............................................................................................ 199
337. Powers and duties of official liquidator.— ................................................................ 199
338. Liquidator to keep books containing proceedings of meetings.— ............................. 200
339. Liquidator’s account.— ............................................................................................. 200
340. Exercise and control of liquidator’s powers.— .......................................................... 201
341. Distribution by official liquidator.—.......................................................................... 202
342. Dissolution of company.— ........................................................................................ 202
343. Saving of other proceedings.— ................................................................................. 203
ENFORCEMENT OF ORDERS ................................................................................ 203
344. Power to enforce orders.— ....................................................................................... 203
345. Order made by any Court to be enforced by other Courts.– ..................................... 203
346. Mode of Dealing with Orders to be enforced by other Courts.– ................................ 203
347. Circumstances in which company may be wound up voluntarily.— .......................... 203
348. Commencement of voluntary winding up. ................................................................ 203
349. Effect of voluntary winding up on status of company.— ........................................... 204
350. Notice of resolution to wind up voluntarily. ............................................................. 204
351. Declaration of solvency in case of proposal to wind up voluntarily.— ...................... 204
352. Distinction between members and creditors voluntary winding up.— ..................... 205
353. Appointment of liquidator.— ................................................................................... 205
354. Power to fill vacancy in office of liquidator. .............................................................. 206
355. Notice by liquidator of his appointment.— ............................................................... 206
356. Power of liquidator to accept shares as consideration for sale of property of

company.— .............................................................................................................. 206
357. Duty of liquidator where company turns out to be insolvent. ................................... 207
358. Duty of liquidator to call general meetings. .............................................................. 208
359. Final meeting and dissolution. .................................................................................. 208
360. Alternative provisions as to annual and final meetings in case of insolvency.— ....... 209
XVII
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO CREDITORS’ ................................................... 209
VOLUNTARY WINDING UP................................................................................... 209
361. Provisions applicable to creditors’ voluntary winding up.— ..................................... 209
362. Meeting of creditors.— ............................................................................................. 210
363. Appointment of liquidator. ....................................................................................... 210
364. Fixing of liquidator’s remuneration.— ...................................................................... 211
365. Cessation of boards’ powers.—................................................................................. 211
366. Power to fill vacancy in office of liquidator.— .......................................................... 211
367. Application of section 356 to a creditors voluntary winding up.— ............................ 211
368. Duty of liquidator to call meeting of company and of creditors. ............................... 212
369. Final meeting and dissolution. .................................................................................. 212
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO EVERY VOLUNTARY WINDING UP .......... 213
370. Distribution of property of company.— .................................................................... 213
371. Application of sections 320 and 321 to voluntary winding up. .................................. 213
372. Powers and duties of liquidator in voluntary winding up. ......................................... 214
373. Power of Court to appoint and remove liquidator in voluntary winding up.—.......... 215
374. Notice by liquidator of his appointment.— ............................................................... 215
375. Arrangement when binding on company and creditors.— ........................................ 216
376. Power to apply to Court to have questions determined or powers exercised.—....... 216
377. Application of liquidator to Court for public examination of promoters, directors.—216
378. Costs of voluntary winding up.— .............................................................................. 217
379. Saving for right of creditors and contributories.— .................................................... 217
380. Power of Court to adopt proceedings of voluntary winding up.— ............................ 217
WINDING UP SUBJECT TO SUPERVISION OF COURT .................................. 217
381. Power to order winding up subject to supervision.— ............................................... 217
382. Effect of petition for winding up subject to supervision.— ....................................... 217
XVIII
383. Court may have regard to the wishes of creditors and contributories.— .................. 217
384. Power to replace liquidator.— .................................................................................. 217
385. Effects of supervision order.— .................................................................................. 218
386. Appointment of voluntary liquidator as official liquidator in certain cases.— .......... 218
387. Status of companies being wound up.— ................................................................... 218
PROOF AND RANKING OF CLAIMS .................................................................... 218
388. Debts of all description to be proved.—.................................................................... 218
389. Application of insolvency rules in winding up of insolvent companies.— ................. 219
390. Preferential payments. ............................................................................................. 219
391. Avoidance of transfers. ............................................................................................. 221
392. Disclaimer of onerous property.— ............................................................................ 221
EFFECT OF WINDING UP ON ANTECEDENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS

...................................................................................................................................... 223
393. Fraudulent preference.—.......................................................................................... 223
394. Liabilities and rights of certain fraudulently preferred persons.— ............................ 223
395. Avoidance of certain attachments, executions.— ..................................................... 224
396. Effect of floating charge.— ....................................................................................... 224
OFFENCES ANTECEDENT TO OR IN COURSE OF WINDING UP ................ 224
397. Power of Court to assess damages against delinquent directors.— .......................... 224
398. Liability for fraudulent conduct of business.— .......................................................... 225
399. Liability under sections 397 and 398 to extend to partners or directors in firm or body
corporate.— ............................................................................................................. 226
400. Penalty for fraud by officers of companies which have gone into liquidation.— ....... 226
401. Liability where proper accounts not kept.— ............................................................. 226
402. Penalty for falsification of books.— .......................................................................... 227
403. Prosecution of delinquent directors.— ..................................................................... 227
404. Penalty for false evidence.— .................................................................................... 228
XIX
405. Penal Provisions.— ................................................................................................... 228
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS AS TO WINDING UP.................................. 231
406. Liquidator to exercise certain powers subject to sanction.— .................................... 231
407. Meetings to ascertain wishes of creditors or contributories.— ................................. 231
408. Documents of company to be evidence.— ................................................................ 232
409. Summary disposal of certain suits by liquidators.— .................................................. 232
410. Limitation.— ............................................................................................................. 232
411. Court fees.— ............................................................................................................. 232
412. Inspection of documents.— ...................................................................................... 232
413. Disposal of books and papers of company.—............................................................ 233
414. Power of Court to declare dissolution of company void.— ....................................... 233
415. Information as to pending liquidations.—................................................................. 234
416. Payments by liquidator into bank.—......................................................................... 234
417. Unclaimed dividends and undistributed assets to be paid to the account maintained
under section 244.— ................................................................................................. 235
418. Books of accounts and other proceedings to be kept by liquidators.— ..................... 235
419. Application of provisions relating to audit.—............................................................ 236
420. Enforcement of duty of liquidator to make return.—................................................ 236
421. Notification that a company is in liquidation.— ........................................................ 236
422. Court or person before whom affidavit may be sworn.— ......................................... 237
423. Power to make rules.— ............................................................................................ 237
424. Inactive Company.— ................................................................................................. 238
425. Registrar may strike defunct company off register.— ............................................... 239
426. Easy exit of a defunct company.— ............................................................................ 240
PART XI ...................................................................................................................... 241
WINDING UP OF UNREGISTERED COMPANIES ............................................. 241
XX
427. Meaning of "unregistered company".— ................................................................... 241
428. Winding up of unregistered companies.— ................................................................ 241
429. Contributories in winding up of unregistered companies.— ..................................... 243
430. Power to stay or restrain proceedings.— .................................................................. 243
431. Suits stayed on winding up order.— ......................................................................... 243
432. Directions as to property in certain cases.— ............................................................. 243
433. Provisions of this part cumulative.— ........................................................................ 243
PART XII..................................................................................................................... 244
COMPANIES ESTABLISHED OUTSIDE PAKISTAN ......................................... 244
PROVISIONS AS TO ESTABLISHMENT OF PLACES OF BUSINESS IN

PAKISTAN.................................................................................................................. 244
434. Application of this Part to foreign companies.— ....................................................... 244
435. Documents to be delivered to registrar by foreign companies. ................................. 244
436. Return to be delivered to registrar by foreign companies whose documents altered.—

................................................................................................................................. 246
437. Accounts of foreign companies. ................................................................................ 246
438. Certain obligations of foreign companies.— ............................................................. 247
439. Power of the Commission to require information from foreign companies. ............. 248
440. Service on foreign company. ..................................................................................... 248
441. Company’s failure to comply with this part not to affect its liability under contracts.—
................................................................................................................................. 248
442. Provisions relating to names, inquiries to apply to foreign companies.— ................. 248
443. Intimation of ceasing to have place of business to be given.— ................................. 249
444. Penalties.— .............................................................................................................. 249
445. Interpretation of provisions of this Part.— ............................................................... 249
PROSPECTUS ............................................................................................................ 250
446. Issue of prospectus.— ............................................................................................... 250
XXI
447. Restriction on canvassing for sale of securities.— ..................................................... 250
448. Registration of charges.— ......................................................................................... 250
449. Notice of appointment of receiver.— ....................................................................... 251
450. Notice of liquidation.— ............................................................................................. 251
PART XIII ................................................................................................................... 252
GENERAL ................................................................................................................... 252
451. Certification of Shariah compliant companies and Shariah compliant securities. ...... 252
452. Companies’ Global Register of Beneficial Ownership.— ........................................... 252
453. Prevention of offences relating to fraud, money laundering and terrorist financing. 253
454. Free Zone Company.— .............................................................................................. 253
455. Filing of documents through intermediaries.— ......................................................... 254
456. Acceptance of advances by real estate companies engaged in real estate projects .—
................................................................................................................................. 254
457. Agriculture Promotion Companies.— ....................................................................... 256
458. Power to give exemptions by the Federal Government.— ........................................ 257
459. Quota for persons with disabilities in the public interest companies.— ................... 258
460. Valuation by registered valuers.— ............................................................................ 259
461. Security clearance of shareholder and director.— .................................................... 259
REGISTRATION OFFICES AND FEES .................................................................. 259
462. Registration offices.—............................................................................................... 259
463. Production of documents kept by registrar.— .......................................................... 260
464. Registrar not to accept defective documents.— ....................................................... 261
465. Special return to rectify the data.— .......................................................................... 262
466. Jurisdiction in the disputes relating to shareholding and directorship.— .................. 262
467. Approval of transfer of shares by the agents licenced by the Commission.— ........... 262
468. Acceptance of documents presented after prescribed time.— ................................. 263
XXII
469. Fees.— ...................................................................................................................... 264
470. Power to specify fees chargeable by companies.— ................................................... 264
471. Filing of documents electronically.— ........................................................................ 264
472. Destruction of physical record.— .............................................................................. 265
473. Supply of documents, information, notices to the members electronically.— .......... 265
474. Enforcing compliance with provisions of Act.— ........................................................ 265
475. Power of Court trying offences under Act to direct compliance with the provisions.—
................................................................................................................................. 265
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, OFFENCES ..................................................................... 266
476. Offences to be cognizable.—..................................................................................... 266
477. Complaint to the court by the Commission, registrar, member or creditor in case of
certain offences.— .................................................................................................... 266
478. Penalty to be imposed by the Commission.— ........................................................... 266
479. Adjudication of offences and standard scale of penalty.— ....................................... 266
480. Appeal against order passed by officer of the Commission. ...................................... 267
481. Appeal before the Appellate Bench.— ...................................................................... 268
482. Adjudication of offences involving imprisonment.— ................................................ 268
483. Powers of the Commission in relation to enquiries and proceedings.—.................... 268
484. Procedure for trial of a corporate body.— ................................................................ 269
485. Recovery of penalty.—.............................................................................................. 269
486. Prosecution of offences by the Commission.— ......................................................... 269
487. Appeal against acquittal.— ....................................................................................... 269
488. Payment of compensation in cases of frivolous or vexatious prosecution.— ............ 269
489. Application of fines or penalties.— ........................................................................... 270
490. Production and inspection of books where offence suspected.— ............................. 271
491. Power to require limited company to give security for costs.— ................................ 271
492. Power of Court to grant relief in certain cases.— ...................................................... 272
XXIII
493. Enforcement of orders of Court.— ............................................................................ 272
494. Enforcement of orders of Court by other courts.— ................................................... 272
495. Protection of acts done in good faith.— ................................................................... 273
496. Penalty for false statement, falsification, forgery, fraud, deception.— ..................... 273
497. Penalty for wrongful withholding of property.— ...................................................... 274
498. Liability of directors for allotment of shares for inadequate consideration.— .......... 274
499. Punishment for non-compliance of directive of Court.— .......................................... 274
500. Penalty for carrying on ultra vires business.— .......................................................... 275
501. Penalty for improper use of word “Limited”.—......................................................... 275
502. Penalty where no specific penalty is provided.— ...................................................... 275
503. Power to accord approval subject to conditions.— ................................................... 275
504. Delegation of powers.— ........................................................................................... 276
505. Application of Act to companies governed by special enactments.— ....................... 276
SCHEDULES, TABLES, FORMS AND GENERAL RULES.................................. 277
506. Forms.— ................................................................................................................... 277
507. Power to alter schedules.— ...................................................................................... 277
508. Power of the Federal Government to make rules.— ................................................. 277
509. Repeal and savings.— ............................................................................................... 277
510. Power to issue directives, circulars, guidelines.— ..................................................... 279
511. Power of the Commission to permit use of Urdu words of abbreviations.—............. 279
512. Power to make regulations.— .................................................................................. 279
513. Validation of laws.— ................................................................................................. 279
514. Former registration offices and registers continued.— ............................................. 280
515. Removal of difficulty.— ............................................................................................ 280
FIRST SCHEDULE .................................................................................................... 281
SECOND SCHEDULE ................................................................................................ 342
XXIV
THIRD SCHEDULE ................................................................................................... 349
FOURTH SCHEDULE ............................................................................................... 353
FIFTH SCHEDULE .................................................................................................... 364
SIXTH SCHEDULE .................................................................................................... 372
SEVENTH SCHEDULE ............................................................................................. 373
EIGHTH SCHEDULE ................................................................................................ 391
STATEMENT OF OBJECT AND REASONS ......................................................... 392
XXV
ISLAMABAD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017
PART I
Acts, Ordinances, President’s Orders and Regulations
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT
Islamabad, the 30th May, 2017
No. F. 22(40)/2016-Legis.—The following Act of Majlis-e-Shoora
(Parliament) received the assent of the President on the 30th May, 2017 is hereby
published for general information:—
ACT No. XIX OF 2017
AN
ACT
to reform and re-enact the law relating to companies and for matters connected
therewith
WHEREAS it is expedient to reform company law with the objective of

facilitating corporatization and promoting development of corporate sector,
encouraging use of technology and electronic means in conduct of business and
regulation thereof, regulating corporate entities for protecting interests of
shareholders, creditors, other stakeholders and general public, inculcating
principles of good governance and safeguarding minority interests in corporate
entities and providing an alternate mechanism for expeditious resolution of
corporate disputes and matters arising out of or connected therewith;
It is hereby enacted as follows:—
1
PART I
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title, extent and commencement.— (1) This Act may be

called the Companies Act, 2017.
(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan.

(3) This Act shall come into force at once, except section 456 which shall
come into force on such date as the Federal Government or an authority or person
authorized by it may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint.
2. Definitions.—(1) In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the

subject or context,—
(1) “advocate” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in section

2 of the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Act, 1973 (XXXV of
1973);
(2) “alter” or “alteration” includes making of additions or omissions

without substituting or destroying main scheme of the document;
(3) “articles” mean the articles of association of a company framed in

accordance with the company law or this Act;
(4) “associated companies” and “associated undertakings” mean any

two or more companies or undertakings, or a company and an
undertaking, interconnected with each other in the following
manner, namely:—
(a) if a person who is owner or a partner or director of a

company or undertaking, or who, directly or indirectly, holds
or controls shares carrying not less than twenty percent of
the voting power in such company or undertaking, is also the
owner or partner or director of another company or
undertaking, or directly or indirectly, holds or controls
shares carrying not less than twenty percent of the voting
power in that company or undertaking; or
(b) if the companies or undertakings are under common

management or control or one is the subsidiary of another;
or
(c) if the undertaking is a modaraba managed by the company;
and a person who is the owner of or a partner or director in a

company or undertaking or, who so holds or controls shares carrying
not less than ten percent of the voting power in a company or
undertaking, shall be deemed to be an "associated person" of every
such other person and of the person who is the owner of or a partner
1
or director in such other company or undertaking, or who so holds
or controls such shares in such company or undertaking:
Provided that—
(i) shares shall be deemed to be owned, held or controlled by a

person if they are owned, held or controlled by that person
or by the spouse or minor children of the person;
(ii) directorship of a person or persons by virtue of nomination

by concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal
Government or as the case may be, a Provincial Government
or a financial institution directly or indirectly owned or
controlled by such Government or National Investment
Trust; or
(iii) directorship of a person appointed as an “independent

director”; or
(iv) shares owned by the National Investment Trust or a financial

institution directly or indirectly owned or controlled by the
Federal Government or a Provincial Government; or shares
registered in the name of a central depository, where such
shares are not beneficially owned by the central depository;
shall not be taken into account for determining the status of a

company, undertaking or person as an associated company,
associated undertaking or associated person;
(5) “authorised capital” or “nominal capital” means such capital as is

authorised by the memorandum of a company to be the maximum
amount of share capital of the company;
(6) “banking company” means a banking company as defined in clause

(c) of section 5 of the Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962 (LVII
of 1962);
(7) “beneficial ownership of shareholders or officer of a company”

means ownership of securities beneficially owned, held or
controlled by any officer or substantial shareholder directly or
indirectly, either by—
(a) him or her;
(b) the wife or husband of an officer of a company, not being

herself or himself an officer of the company;
(c) the minor son or daughter of an officer where “son” includes

step-son and “daughter” includes step-daughter; and
“minor” means a person under the age of eighteen years;
2
(d) in case of a company, where such officer or substantial
shareholder is a shareholder, but to the extent of his
proportionate shareholding in the company:
Provided that “control” in relation to securities

means the power to exercise a controlling influence over the
voting power attached thereto:
Provided further that in case the substantial

shareholder is a non-natural person, only those securities
will be treated beneficially owned by it, which are held in its
name.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this Act

“substantial shareholder”, in relation to a company, means
a person who has an interest in shares of a company-
(a) the nominal value of which is equal to or more than

ten per cent of the issued share capital of the
company; or
(b) which enables the person to exercise or control the

exercise of ten per cent or more of the voting power
at a general meeting of the company;
(8) “board”, in relation to a company, means board of directors of the

company;
(9) “body corporate” or "corporation" includes—
(a) a company incorporated under this Act or company law; or
(b) a company incorporated outside Pakistan, or
(c) a statutory body declared as body corporate in the relevant

statute, but does not include—
(i) a co-operative society registered under any law

relating to cooperative societies; or
(ii) any other entity, not being a company as defined in

this Act or any other law for the time being which the
concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal
Government may, by notification, specify in this
behalf;
(10) “book and paper” and “book or paper” includes books of account,
cost accounting records, deeds, vouchers, writings, documents,
minutes and registers maintained on paper or in electronic form;
3
(11) “books of account” include records maintained in respect of—
(a) all sums of money received and expended by a company and

matters in relation to which the receipts and expenditure take
place;
(b) all sales and purchases of goods and services by the

company;
(c) all assets and liabilities of the company; and
(d) items of cost in respect of production, processing,

manufacturing or mining activities;
(12) “central depository” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it

under the Securities Act, 2015 (III of 2015);
(13) “chartered accountant” shall have the same meaning as assigned

to it under the Chartered Accountants Ordinance, 1961 (X of 1961);
(14) “chief executive”, in relation to a company means an individual

who, subject to control and directions of the board, is entrusted with
whole, or substantially whole, of the powers of management of
affairs of the company and includes a director or any other person
occupying the position of a chief executive, by whatever name
called, and whether under a contract of service or otherwise;
(15) “chief financial officer” means an individual appointed to perform

such functions and duties as are customarily performed by a chief
financial officer;
(16) “Commission” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it under

the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997
(XLII of 1997);
(17) “company” means a company formed and registered under this Act
or the company law;
(18) “company law” means the repealed Companies Act, 1913 (VII of
1913), Companies Ordinance, 1984(XLVII of 1984), Companies
Ordinance, 2016 (VI of 2016) and also includes this Act unless the
context provides otherwise;
(19) “company limited by guarantee” means a company having the

liability of its members limited by the memorandum to such amount
as the members may respectively thereby undertake to contribute to
the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up;
(20) “company limited by shares” means a company; having the

liability of its members limited by the memorandum to the extent of
amount, if any, remaining unpaid on the shares respectively held by
4
them;
(21) “company secretary” means any individual appointed to perform

secretarial and other duties customarily performed by a company
secretary and declared as such, having such qualifications and
experience, as may be specified;
(22) “cost and management accountant” shall have the same meaning
as assigned to it under the Cost and Management Accountants Act,
1966 (XIV of 1966);
(23) “Court” means a Company Bench of a High Court having

jurisdiction under this Act;
(24) “debenture” includes debenture stock, bonds, term finance

certificate or any other instrument of a company evidencing a debt,
whether constituting a mortgage or charge on the assets of the
company or not;
(25) “director” includes any person occupying the position of a director,

by whatever name called;
(26) “document” includes any information or data recorded in any

legible form or through use of modern electronic devices or
techniques whatsoever, including books and papers, returns,
requisitions, notices, certificates, deeds, forms, registers,
prospectus, communications, financial statements or statement of
accounts or records maintained by financial institutions in respect of
its customers;
(27) “e-service” means any service or means provided by the

Commission for the lodging or filing of electronic documents;
(28) “electronic document” includes documents in any electronic form

and scanned images of physical documents;
(29) “employees’ stock option” means the option given to the directors,
officers or employees of a company or of its holding company or
subsidiary company or companies, if any, which gives such
directors, officers or employees, the right to purchase or to subscribe
for shares of the company at a price to be determined in the manner
as may be specified;
(30) “expert” includes an engineer, a valuer, an actuary, a chartered

accountant or a cost and management accountant and any other
person who has the power or authority to issue a certificate in
pursuance of any law for the time being in force or any other person
notified as such by the Commission;
(31) “financial institution” includes—
5
(a) any company whether incorporated within or outside
Pakistan which transacts the business of banking or any
associated or ancillary business in Pakistan through its
branches within or outside Pakistan and includes a
government savings bank, but excludes the State Bank of
Pakistan;
(b) a modaraba or modaraba management company, leasing

company, investment bank, venture capital company,
financing company, asset management company and credit
or investment institution, corporation or company; and
(c) any company authorised by law to carry on any similar

business, as the concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal
Government may by notification in the official Gazette,
specify;
(32) “financial period” in relation to a company or any other body

corporate, means the period (other than financial year) in respect of
which any financial statements thereof are required to be made
pursuant to this Act;
(33) “financial statements” in relation to a company, includes—
(a) a statement of financial position as at the end of the period;
(b) a statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

or in the case of a company carrying on any activity not for
profit, an income and expenditure statement for the period;
(c) a statement of changes in equity for the period;
(d) a statement of cash flows for the period;
(e) notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting

policies and other explanatory information;
(f) comparative information in respect of the preceding period;

and
(g) any other statement as may be prescribed;
(34) “financial year” in relation to a company or any other body

corporate, means the period in respect of which any financial
statement of the company or the body corporate, as the case may be,
laid before it in general meeting, is made up, whether that period is
a year or not;
(35) “foreign company” means any company or body corporate

incorporated outside Pakistan, which—
6
(a) has a place of business or liaison office in Pakistan whether
by itself or through an agent, physically or through electronic
mode; or
(b) conducts any business activity in Pakistan in any other

manner as may be specified;
(36) “Government” includes Federal Government or, as the case may

be, Provincial governments unless otherwise expressly provided in
this Act;
(37) “holding company”, means a company which is another company’s

holding company if, but only if, that other company is its subsidiary;
(38) “listed company” means a public company, body corporate or any

other entity whose securities are listed on securities exchange;
(39) “listed securities” means securities listed on the securities

exchange;
(40) “memorandum” means the memorandum of association of a

company as originally framed or as altered from time to time in
pursuance of company law or of this Act;
(41) “modaraba" and "modaraba company” shall have the same

meaning as assigned to it in the Modaraba Companies and Modaraba
(Floatation and Control) Ordinance, 1980 (XXXI of 1980);
(42) “mortgage or charge” means an interest or lien created on the

property or assets of a company or any of its undertakings or both
as security;
(43) “net worth” means the amount by which total assets exceed total
liabilities;
(44) “notification” means a notification published in the official Gazette

and the expression “notify” shall be construed accordingly;
(45) "officer" includes any director, chief executive, chief financial

officer, company secretary or other authorised officer of a company;
(46) “ordinary resolution” means a resolution passed by a simple

majority of such members of the company entitled to vote as are
present in person or by proxy or exercise the option to vote through
postal ballot, as provided in the articles or as may be specified, at a
general meeting;
(47) “postal ballot” means voting by post or through any electronic

mode:
7
Provided that voting through postal ballot shall be subject to
the provision in the articles of association of a company, save as
otherwise provided in this Act;
(48) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made by the Federal
Government under this Act;
(49) “private company” means a company which, by its articles-
(a) restricts the right to transfer its shares1[, save as otherwise

provided under this Act];
(b) limits the number of its members to fifty not including

persons who are in the employment of the company; and
(c) prohibits any invitation to the public to subscribe for the

shares, if any, or debentures or redeemable capital of the
company:
Provided that, where two or more persons hold one

or more shares in a company jointly, they shall, for the
purposes of this definition, be treated as a single member;
(50) “promoter” means a person—
(a) who is named as a subscriber to the memorandum of

association of a company; or
(b) who has been named as such in a prospectus; or
(c) who has control over affairs of the company, directly or

indirectly whether as a shareholder, director or otherwise; or
(d) in accordance with whose advice, directions or instructions

the board of the company is accustomed to act:
Provided that—
(i) nothing in sub-clause (d) shall apply to a person who
is acting merely in a professional capacity; and
(ii) nothing contained in sub-clause (d) shall apply to the
Commission, registrar or any authorised officer by
virtue of enforcement or regulation of the provisions
of this Act or any rules, regulations, instructions,
directions, orders thereof;
(51) “prospectus” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it under
the Securities Act, 2015 (III of 2015);
1
Inserted vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1 st December, 2021.
8
(52) “public company” means a company which is not a private
company;
(53) “public interest company” means a company which falls under the
criteria as laid down in the Third Schedule to this Act or deemed to
be such company under section 216;
(54) “public sector company” means a company, whether public or

private, which is directly or indirectly controlled, beneficially
owned or not less than fifty-one percent of the voting securities or
voting power of which are held by the Government or any agency
of the Government or a statutory body, or in respect of which the
Government or any agency of the Government or a statutory body,
has otherwise power to elect, nominate or appoint majority of its
directors and includes a public sector association not for profit,
licenced under section 42:
Provided that nomination of directors by the Commission on

the board of the securities exchange or any other entity or operation
of any other law shall not make it a public sector company;
(55) “redeemable capital” includes sukuk and other forms of finances

obtained on the basis of participation term certificate (PTC),
musharika certificate, term finance certificate (TFC) or any other
security or obligation not based on interest, representing an
instrument or a certificate of specified denomination, called the face
value or nominal value, evidencing investment of the holder in the
capital of the company other than share capital, on terms and
conditions of the agreement for the issue of such instrument or
certificate or such other certificate or instrument as the concerned
Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government may, by notification
in the official Gazette, specify for the purpose.
Explanation.- “sukuk” represents redeemable investment in

certificates of equal nominal value representing undivided shares in
ownership of tangible assets of a particular project or specific
investment activity, usufruct and services;
(56) “register of companies” means the register of companies
maintained by the registrar on paper or in any electronic form under
this Act;
(57) “registrar” means registrar, an additional registrar, an additional

joint registrar, a joint registrar, a deputy registrar, an assistant
registrar or such other officer as may be designated by the
Commission, performing duties and functions under this Act;
(58) “regulations” means the regulations made by the Commission

under this Act;
(59) “rules” means rules made by the Federal Government under this
Act;
9
(60) “scheduled bank” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it
under the State Bank of Pakistan Act, 1956 (XXXIII of 1956);
(61) “securities” include the securities as provided in sub-clauses (a) to

(i) of clause (lii) of section 2 of the Securities Act, 2015 (III of 2015)
whether listed or not;
(62) “securities exchange” means a public company licenced by the

Commission as a securities exchange under the Securities Act, 2015
(III of 2015);
(63) “share” means a share in the share capital of a company;
(64) “Shariah compliant company” means a company which is

conducting its business according to the principles of Shariah;
(65) “single member company” means a company which has only one
member;
(66) “special resolution” means a resolution which has been passed by

a majority of not less than three-fourths of such members of the
company entitled to vote as are present in person or by proxy or vote
through postal ballot at a general meeting of which not less than
twenty-one days' notice specifying the intention to propose the
resolution as a special resolution has been duly given:
Provided that if all the members entitled to attend and vote

at any such meeting so agree, a resolution may be proposed and
passed as a special resolution at a meeting of which less than twenty-
one days notice has been given;
(67) “specified” means specified through regulations made under this

Act;
2
[(67A) “startup company” means a company that—
(a) is in existence for not more than ten years from the date of
its incorporation or such other period or periods as may be
specified;
(b) has a turnover for any of the financial years since

incorporation that is not greater than five hundred million
rupees or such other amount or amounts as may be specified;
(c) is working towards the innovation, development or

improvement of products or processes or services or is a
scalable business model with a high potential of employment
generation or wealth creation or for such other purposes as
may be specified; or
2
Inserted vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1 st December, 2021.
10
(d) such other companies or classes of companies as may be
notified by the Commission:
Provided that a company formed by the splitting up

or re-construction of an existing company shall not be
considered as a startup company;]
(68) “subsidiary company” or “subsidiary”, in relation to any other

company (that is to say the holding company), means a company in
which the holding company-
(a) controls the composition of the board; or
(b) exercises or controls more than one-half of its voting

securities either by itself or together with one or more of its
subsidiary companies:
Provided that such class or classes of holding companies

shall not have layers of subsidiaries beyond such numbers, as may
be notified,
Explanation.- For the purposes of this clause-
(i) a company shall be deemed to be a subsidiary company of
the holding company even if the control referred to in sub-
clause (a) or sub-clause (b) is of another subsidiary company
of the holding company;
(ii) the composition of a company’s board shall be deemed to be

controlled by another company if that other company by
exercise of power exercisable by it at its discretion can
appoint or remove all or a majority of the directors;
(iii) the expression “company” includes any body corporate;
(iv) “layer” in relation to a holding company means its

subsidiary or subsidiaries;
(69) “Table” means Table in a Schedule to this Act;
(70) “turnover” means the aggregate value of sale, supply or distribution

of goods or on account of services rendered, or both, net of
discounts, if any, held by the company during a financial year;
(71) “unlimited company” means a company not having any limit on

the liability of its members;
(72) “valuer” means a valuer registered with the Commission;
11
(73) “voting right” means the right of a member of a company to vote
on any matter in a meeting of the company either present in person
or through video-link or by proxy or by means of postal ballot:
Provided that attending of meeting through video-link shall

be subject to such facility arranged by the company and in the
manner as may be specified, save as otherwise provided in this Act;
and
(74) “wholly owned subsidiary” a company shall be deemed to be a

wholly owned subsidiary of another company or the statutory body
if all its shares are owned by that other company or the statutory
body.
(2) The words and expressions used and not defined in this Act but
defined in the Securities Act, 2015 (III of 2015) or the Securities and Exchange
Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997(XLII of 1997) or the Central Depositories Act,
1997 (XIX of 1997) shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in those
Acts.
3. Application of Act to non-trading companies with purely
provincial objects.—(1) The powers conferred by this Act on the concerned
Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government or the Commission, in relation to
companies which are not trading corporations and the objects of which are confined
to a single Province, may be exercised by the Minister-in-Charge of the Provincial
Government:
Provided that where the licence is issued by the Provincial Government or,
as the case may be, its concerned Minister-in-Charge, in exercise of the powers
conferred by this section, the company shall mention this fact in all its documents.
(2) A non-trading corporation formed under sub-section (1) extending

its operational activities beyond the territorial limits of its respective province shall
be liable to a penalty of level 3 on the standard scale and be wound up on the
application by the Commission.
4. Act to override.—Save as otherwise expressly provided herein—
(a) the provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything
contained in any other law or the memorandum or articles of a
company or in any contract or agreement executed by it or in any
resolution passed by the company in general meeting or by its
directors, whether the same be registered, executed or passed, as the
case may be, before or after the coming into force of the said
provisions; and
(b) any provision contained in the memorandum, articles, contract,

agreement, arrangement or resolution aforesaid shall, to the extent
to which it is repugnant to the aforesaid provisions of this Act,
become, or be, void, as the case may be.
12
PART II
JURISDICTION OF COURT
5. Jurisdiction of the Court and creation of Benches.—(1) The

Court having jurisdiction under this Act shall be the High Court having jurisdiction
in the place at which the registered office of the company is situate.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law no civil court

as provided in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908) or any other court
shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of any matter
which the Court is empowered to determine by or under this Act.
(3) For the purposes of jurisdiction to wind up companies, the

expression “registered office” means the place which has longest been the
registered office of the company during the one hundred and eighty days
immediately preceding the presentation of the petition for winding up.
(4) There shall be, in each High Court, one or more benches on
permanent basis, each to be known as the Company Bench, to be constituted by the
Chief Justice of the High Court to exercise the jurisdiction vested in the High Court
under this Act:
Provided that Benches constituted under the Companies Ordinance, 1984

(XLVII of 1984), shall continue to function accordingly unless otherwise notified
by the respective Chief Justice of the High Court:
Provided further that provisions of section 6 shall be effective from the date
of notification by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court within one hundred
and eighty days from the date of the commencement of this Act.
(5) There shall be a Registrar to be known as “Registrar of the Company

Bench” duly notified by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court who shall
be assisted by such other officers as may be assigned by the Chief Justice of the
respective High Court.
(6) The Registrar of the Company Bench shall perform all the functions
assigned to it under this Act including all ministerial and administrative business
of the Company Bench such as the receipt of petitions, applications, written replies,
issuance of notices, service of summons and such other functions or duties as may
be prescribed under section 423.
(7) The Chief Justice of the respective High Court, if deemed

appropriate, may also establish a secretariat in each Company Bench of the
respective High Court in such form and manner to provide secretarial support and
to perform such functions as may be prescribed under section 423.
6. Procedure of the Court and appeal.—(1) Notwithstanding

anything contained in any other law for the time being in force all written
submissions to the Court under this Act shall be filed with the Registrar of the
Company Bench.
13
(2) For the purposes of this Act, written submissions shall, inter alia,
include-
(a) a petition or application setting out a concise statement of facts,

grounds and the relief claimed;
(b) a written reply with particulars of set off, if any;
(c) an affidavit of facts by the petitioner or applicant, or respondent, as

the case may be, including affidavits, if required, of other persons in
support of the case, duly attested by the oath commissioner, or as
may be provided under the rules;
(d) any other relevant documents in possession of the petitioner or

applicant or respondent, as the case may be;
(e) any application for discovery of documents 3[or any category or

classes of documents] or interim injunction, if required;
(f) a list of any case law along with a summary of the same on which
the petitioner or applicant is placing reliance;
(g) address for effecting service, mobile number, email and fax or any
other mode notified by the Court; and
(h) any other document as may be required by the Registrar of the

Company Bench.
(3) Where any petition or application is filed under any provision of this
Act, summons may be issued by the Registrar of the Company Bench along with a
copy of the petition or application and the documents annexed therewith and the
same shall be served on the respondent through the bailiff or process-server of the
Court, through registered post, acknowledgement due, by courier and by
publication in one English language and one Urdu language daily newspaper and,
in addition, if so directed by the Court through electronic modes, and the service
duly effected through any one of the modes mentioned under this sub-section shall
be deemed to be valid service.
Explanation.− “electronic modes” means service of summons on a party

or other person by electronic transmission through devices such as, facsimile,
email, or in such other form or mode as may be notified by the Court.
(4) The respondent shall file a written reply and particulars of set-off, if
any, as set out in sub-section (2) of this section with the concerned Registrar of the
Company Bench within thirty days from the date of first service through any of the
modes as laid down in sub-section (3).
3
Inserted vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
14
(5) Where the respondent fails to file the written reply within the time
prescribed in sub-section (4), a report shall be submitted by the Registrar of the
Company Bench before the Court and the Court may pass necessary orders to
proceed exparte and announce the final order on the basis of the documents
available on record.
(6) The Registrar of the Company Bench, on completion of receipt of

all written submissions and after ensuring that all copies of such written
submissions are duly supplied to the parties as per procedure laid down by the
Court, shall present the case file to the Court on a day fixed under notice to the
parties, within forty-five days of the first service of notices or such extended time
as may be granted by the Court.
(7) The Court after consulting the counsel of the parties shall fix a date
and allocate time for hearing of the case.
(8) No adjournment shall be granted once the Court has fixed a date of
hearing under sub-section (7) and it will be duty of the parties to ensure the presence
of their respective counsel or in absence of the counsel make alternate
arrangements:
Provided that only in exceptional circumstances beyond control of a party,

the Court may grant another opportunity of hearing subject to the payment of an
amount of rupees ten thousand or such higher amount as may be determined by the
Court as costs to be paid to the Court.
(9) The Court shall treat affidavits, counter affidavits and other
documents filed by the parties to the proceedings as evidence and decide the matter
on the basis of the documents and affidavits placed before the Court, in a summary
manner and pass final orders within the time stipulated in sub-section (11).
(10) In exceptional circumstances where the Court is of the view that any
issue of facts requires cross examination, the Court may order attendance of the
relevant deponent or deponents for the purposes of cross examination by such
opposing party or parties as the Court deems fit and for the purposes of this section
the affidavit filed by such deponent shall be considered as his examination-in-chief:
Provided that—
(i) the Court may refer the matter to the Registrar of the Company
Bench or any other person for recording of cross examination of the
deponent who shall complete recording of cross examination within
thirty days from the date of the order of the Court, or such extended
time as may be allowed by the Court which shall not be more than
fifteen days on payment of rupees ten thousand or such higher
amount as may be determined by the Court as costs payable to the
Court and to submit a report accordingly;
(ii) all questions and answers along with any objections raised by any
party shall be duly recorded in writing; and
15
(iii) the Registrar of the Company Bench shall have all the powers of the
Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (V of 1908) for
the purposes of execution of service and summoning of deponents
and conducting cross examination in accordance with the directions
of the Court.
(11) The petition presented before the Court shall be decided within a
period of one hundred and twenty days from the date of presentation of the case
and for this purpose the Court may, if it is in the interest of justice, conduct the
proceedings on a day to day basis and if the Court deems fit it may impose costs
which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees per day or such higher amount
as the Court may determine against any party to the proceeding causing the delay.
(12) The Court may, at any time, take notice of serious misstatements
and material non-disclosure of facts by any party to the proceedings and dismiss
the petition or application or close the right of defence of the respondent with costs
of the proceedings and impose a fine which may extend to one hundred thousand
rupees whichever is higher and pass a final order.
(13) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the Registrar of

the Company Bench shall place any application for interim relief including any
interlocutory order before the Court for adjudication immediately upon its filing.
(14) Any person aggrieved by any judgment or final order of the Court
passed in its original jurisdiction under this Act may, within sixty days, file a
petition for leave to appeal in the Supreme Court of Pakistan:
Provided that no appeal or petition shall lie against any interlocutory order
of the Court.
(15) Save as otherwise expressly provided under this Act, the provisions
of the Qanun-e-Shahadat (Order)1984 (P.O. No. X of 1984) and the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908) shall not apply to the proceedings under this
section except to such extent as the Court may determine in its discretion.
PART III
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN
7. Powers and functions of the Commission.— (1) The Commission

shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as are conferred on it by or
under this Act.
(2) The powers and functions of the Commission under this Act shall
be in addition to and not in derogation to the powers and functions of the
Commission under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997
(XLII of 1997).
16
8. Reference by the Federal Government or Commission to the
Court.—(1) Without prejudice to the powers, jurisdiction and authority exercisable
by the concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government or any functionary
thereof or the Commission under this Act, the concerned Minister-in-Charge of the
Federal Government or the Commission, as the case may be, may make a reference
to the Court, on any question or matter which is considered to be of special
significance requiring orders, determination or action concerning affairs of a
company or class of companies or any action of any officer thereof.
Explanation.—In this sub-section "officer" includes an auditor, liquidator

or agent of the company.
(2) Where a reference is made to the Court under sub-section (1), the
Court may make such order as it may deem just and equitable under the
circumstances.
PART IV
INCORPORATION OF COMPANIES AND MATTERS INCIDENTAL

THERETO
9. Obligation to register certain associations, partnerships as

companies.—(1) No association, partnership or entity consisting of more than
twenty persons shall be formed for the purpose of carrying on any business that has
for its object the acquisition of gain by the association, partnership or entity, or by
the individual members thereof, unless it is registered as a company under this Act
and any violation of this section shall be an offence punishable under this section.
(2) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable to a

penalty not exceeding of level 1 on the standard scale and also be personally liable
for all the liabilities incurred in such business.
(3) Nothing in this section shall apply to—
(a) any society, body or association, other than a partnership, formed or
incorporated under any law for the time being in force in Pakistan;
or
(b) a joint family carrying on joint family business; or
(c) a partnership of two or more joint families where the total number
of members of such families, excluding the minor members, does
not exceed twenty; or
(d) a partnership formed to carry on practice as lawyers, accountants or

any other profession where practice as a limited liability company is
not permitted under the relevant laws or regulations for such
practice.
PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO NAMES OF COMPANIES
17
10. Prohibition of certain names.—(1) No company shall be
registered by a name which contains such word or expression, as may be notified
by the Commission or in the opinion of the registrar is—
(a) identical with or resemble or similar to the name of a company; or
(b) inappropriate; or
(c) undesirable; or
(d) deceptive; or
(e) designed to exploit or offend religious susceptibilities of the people;

or
(f) any other ground as may be specified.
(2) Except with prior approval in writing of the Commission, no

company shall be registered by a name which contains any word suggesting or
calculated to suggest—
(a) the patronage of any past or present Pakistani or foreign head of
state;
(b) any connection with the Federal Government or a Provincial

Government or any department or authority or statutory body of any
such Government;
(c) any connection with any corporation set up by or under any Federal
or Provincial law;
(d) the patronage of, or any connection with, any foreign Government
or any international organisation;
(e) establishing a modaraba management company or to float a

modaraba; or
(f) any other business requiring licence from the Commission.
(3) Whenever a question arises as to whether or not the name of a

company is in violation of the foregoing provisions of this section, decision of the
Commission shall be final.
(4) A person may make an application, in such form and manner and
accompanied by such fee as may be specified, to the registrar for reservation of a
name set out in the application for a period not exceeding sixty days.
(5) Where it is found that a name was reserved under sub-section (4),
by furnishing false or incorrect information, such reservation shall be cancelled and
in case the company has been incorporated, it shall be directed to change its name.
The person making application under sub-section (4) shall be liable to a penalty not
exceeding level 1 on the standard scale.
18
(6) If the name applied for under sub-section (4) is refused by the
registrar, the aggrieved person may within thirty days of the order of refusal prefer
an appeal to the Commission.
(7) An order of the Commission under sub-section (6) shall be final and
shall not be called in question before any court or other authority.
11. Rectification of name of a company.—(1) A company which,

through inadvertence or otherwise, is registered by a name in contravention of the
provisions of section 10 or the name was obtained by furnishing false or incorrect
information—
(a) may, with approval of the registrar, change its name; and
(b) shall, if the registrar so directs, within thirty days of receipt of such
direction, change its name with approval of the registrar:
Provided that the registrar shall, before issuing a direction for change of the
name, afford the company an opportunity to make representation against the
proposed direction.
(2) If the company fails to report compliance with the direction issued
under sub-section (1) within the specified period, the registrar may enter on the
register a new name for the company selected by him, being a name under which
the company may be registered under this Act and issue a certificate of
incorporation on change of name for the purpose of section 13.
(3) If a company makes default in complying with the direction issued

by the registrar under sub-section (1) or continue using previous name after the
name has been changed by the registrar under sub-section (2), shall be liable to a
penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
12. Change of name by a company.—A company may, by special

resolution and with approval of the registrar signified in writing, change its name:
Provided that no approval under this section shall be required where the
change in the name of a company is only the addition thereto, or the omission
therefrom, of the expression “(Private)” or “(SMC-Private)” or “(Guarantee)
Limited” or “Limited” or “Unlimited”, as the case may be, consequent upon the
conversion of the status of a company in accordance with the provisions of sections
46 to 49.
13. Registration of change of name and effect thereof.—(1) Where a

company changes its name the registrar shall enter the new name on the register in
place of the former name, and shall issue a certificate of incorporation altered to
meet the circumstances of the case and, on the issue of such a certificate, the change
of name shall be complete.
(2) Where a company changes its name it shall, for a period of ninety
days from the date of issue of a certificate by the registrar under sub-section (1),
19
continue to mention its former name along with its new name on the outside of
every office or place in which its business is carried on and in every document or
notice referred to in section 22.
(3) The change of name shall not affect any rights or obligations of the
company, or render defective any legal proceedings by or against the company and
any legal proceedings that might have been continued or commenced against the
company by its former name may be continued by or commenced against the
company by its new name.
14. Mode of forming a company.— (1) Any—
(a) three or more persons associated for any lawful purpose may, by
subscribing their names to a memorandum of association and
complying with the requirements of this Act in respect of
registration, form a public company; or
(b) two or more persons so associated may in the like manner form a
private company; or
(c) one person may form a single member company by complying with
the requirements in respect of registration of a private company and
such other requirement as may be specified. The subscriber to the
memorandum shall nominate a person who in the event of death of
the sole member shall be responsible to-
(i) transfer the shares to the legal heirs of the deceased subject
to succession to be determined under the Islamic law of
inheritance and in case of a non-Muslim members, as per
their respective law; and
(ii) manage the affairs of the company as a trustee, till such time
the title of shares are transferred:
Provided that where transfer by virtue of this sub-section is made to more

than one legal heir, the company shall cease to be a single member company and
comply with the provisions of section 47.
(2) A company formed under this section may be a company with or

without limited liability, that is to say—
(a) a company limited by shares; or
(b) a company limited by guarantee; or
(c) an unlimited company.
15. Liability for carrying on business with less than three or, in the
case of a private company, two members.—If at any time the number of members
of a company is reduced, in the case of a private company other than a single
member company, below two or in the case of any other company, below three and
20
the company carries on business for more than one hundred and eighty days while
the number is so reduced, every person who is a member of the company during
the time that it so carries on business after those one hundred and eighty days and
is cognizant of the fact that it is carrying on business with fewer than two members
or three members, as the case may be, shall be severally liable for payment of whole
debts of the company contracted during that time and may be sued therefor without
joinder in the suit of any other member.
GENERAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO REGISTRATION OF

MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES
16. Registration of memorandum and articles.—(1) There shall be

filed with the registrar an application on the specified form containing the following
information and documents for incorporation of a company, namely:—
(a) a declaration on the specified form, by an authorized intermediary

or by a person named in the articles as a director, of compliance with
all or any of the requirements of this Act and the rules and
regulations made thereunder in respect of registration and matters
precedent or incidental thereto;
(b) memorandum of association of the proposed company signed by all

subscribers, duly witnessed and dated;
(c) there may, in the case of a company limited by shares and there shall,
in the case of a company limited by guarantee or an unlimited
company, be the articles of association signed by the subscribers
duly witnessed and dated; and
(d) an address for correspondence till its registered office is established

and notified.
(2) Where the registrar is of the opinion that any document or

information filed with him in connection with the incorporation of the company
contains any matter contrary to law or does not otherwise comply with the
requirements of law or is not complete owing to any defect, error or omission or is
not properly authenticated, the registrar may either require the company to file a
revised document or remove the defects or deficiencies within the specified period.
(3) Where the applicant fails under sub-section (2) to remove the
deficiencies conveyed within the specified period, the registrar may refuse
registration of the company.
(4) If the registrar is satisfied that all the requirements of this Act and
the rules or regulations made thereunder have been complied with, he shall register
the memorandum and other documents delivered to him.
(5) On registration of the memorandum of a company, the registrar shall

issue a certificate that the company is incorporated.
(6) The certificate of incorporation shall state—
21
(a) the name and registration number of the company;
(b) the date of its incorporation;
(c) whether it is a private or a public company;
(d) whether it is a limited or unlimited company; and
(e) if it is limited, whether it is limited by shares or limited by guarantee.
(7) The certificate under sub-section (5) shall be signed by the registrar
or authenticated by the registrar’s official seal.
(8) The certificate under sub-section (5) shall be conclusive evidence
that the requirements of this Act as to registration have been complied with and that
the company is duly registered under this Act.
(9) If registration of the memorandum is refused, the subscribers of the
memorandum or any one of them authorised by them in writing may, within thirty
days of the order of refusal, prefer an appeal to the Commission.
17. Effect of memorandum and articles.—(1) The memorandum and

articles shall, when registered, bind the company and the members thereof to the
same extent as if they respectively had been signed by each member and contained
a covenant on the part of each member, his heirs and legal representatives, to
observe and be bound by all the provisions of the memorandum and of the articles,
subject to the provisions of this Act.
4
(2) [All moneys payable by a subscriber in pursuance of his
undertaking in the memorandum of association against the shares subscribed shall
be a debt due from him and be payable in such time, manner and condition as may
be notified by the Commission.]
(3) 5
[…]
4
Substituted vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021. The substituted
sub-section (2) was read as under:
“(2) All moneys payable by a subscriber in pursuance of his undertaking in the
memorandum of association against the shares subscribed shall be a debt due from him
and be payable in cash within thirty days from the date of incorporation of the company:
Provided that in case the share money is not deposited within the prescribed time,
the shares shall be deemed to be cancelled and the name of that subscriber shall be
removed from the register and the registrar shall give such direction to the company in
each case as deemed appropriate for compliance with the provisions of the company law.”
5
Omitted vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021. The omitted sub-
section (3) was read as under:
“(3) The receipt of subscription money from the subscribers shall be reported by the
company to the registrar on a specified form within forty-five days from the date of
incorporation of the company, accompanied by a certificate by a practicing chartered
22
(4) Any violation of this section 6[direction given by the registrar] shall
be an offence liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
18. Effect of registration.—The registration of the company has the

following effects, as from the date of incorporation—
(a) the subscribers to the memorandum, together with such other

persons as may from time to time become members of the company,
are a body corporate by the name stated in the certificate of
incorporation;
(b) the body corporate is capable of exercising all the functions of an

incorporated 7[company and having perpetual succession];
(c) the status and registered office of the company are as stated in, or in
connection with, the application for registration;
(d) in case of a company having share capital, the subscribers to the

memorandum become holders of the initial shares; and
(e) the persons named in the articles of association as proposed directors,

are deemed to have been appointed to that office.
COMMENCEMENT OF BUSINESS BY A PUBLIC COMPANY
19. Commencement of business by a public company.—(1) A public

company shall not start its operations or exercise any borrowing powers unless—
(a) shares held subject to payment of the whole amount thereof in cash
have been allotted to an amount not less in the whole than the
minimum subscription and the money has been received by the
company;
(b) every director of the company has paid to the company full amount
on each of the shares taken or contracted to be taken by him and for
which he is liable to pay in cash;
(c) no money is or may become liable to be repaid to applicants for any

shares which have been offered for public subscription;
(d) there has been filed with the registrar a duly verified declaration by
the chief executive or one of the directors and the secretary in the
accountant or a cost and management accountant verifying receipt of the money so

subscribed.”
6
7
Substituted the words “company, having perpetual succession and a common seal” vide the
Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1 st December, 2021.
23
specified form that the aforesaid conditions have been complied
with; and
(e) in the case of a company which has not issued a prospectus inviting
the public to subscribe for its shares, there has been filed with the
registrar a statement in lieu of prospectus as per the Second Schedule
annexed to this Act.
Explanation.—“minimum subscription” means the amount, if any, fixed

by the memorandum or articles of association as minimum subscription upon which
the directors may proceed to allotment or if no amount is so fixed and specified, the
whole amount of the share capital other than that issued or agreed to be issued as
paid up otherwise than in cash.
(2) The registrar shall, on filing of a duly verified declaration in

accordance with the provisions of sub-section (l) and after making such enquiries
as he may deem fit to satisfy himself that all the requirements of this Act have been
complied with in respect of the commencement of business and matters precedent
and incidental thereto, accept and register all the relevant documents.
(3) The acceptance and registration of documents under sub-section (2)

shall be a conclusive evidence that the company is entitled to start its operations
and exercise any borrowing powers.
(4) Nothing in this section shall apply—
(a) to a company converted from private to a public;
(b) to a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital.
20. Consequences of non-compliance of section 19.— (1) If any

company starts its business operations or exercises borrowing powers in
contravention of section 19, every officer or other person who is responsible for
contravention shall without prejudice to other liabilities be liable to a penalty not
exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.
(2) Any contract made by a company before the date at which it is

entitled to commence business shall be provisional only and shall not be binding
on the company until that date and on that date it shall become binding.
REGISTERED OFFICE AND PUBLICATION OF NAME
21. Registered office of company.—(1) A company shall have a

registered office to which all communications and notices shall be addressed and
within a period of thirty days of its incorporation, notify to the registrar in the
specified manner.
24
(2) Notice of any change in situation of the registered office shall be
given to the registrar in a specified form within a period of fifteen days after the
date of change:
Provided that the change of registered office of a company from—
(a) one city in a Province to another; or
(b) a city to another in any part of Pakistan not forming part of a

Province;
shall require approval of general meeting through special resolution.
(3) If a company fails to comply with the requirements of sub-section

(1) or (2), the company and its every officer who is responsible for such non-
compliance shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding of level 1 on the standard
scale.
22. Publication of name by a company.—Every company shall—
(a) display in a conspicuous position, in letters easily legible in English

or Urdu characters its name and incorporation number outside the
registered office and every office or the place in which its business
is carried on;
(b) display a certified copy of certificate of incorporation at every place

of business of the company;
(c) get its name, address of its registered office, telephone number, fax
number, e-mail and website addresses, if any, printed on letter-head
and all its documents, notices and other official publications; and
(d) have its name mentioned in legible English or Urdu characters, in

all bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements, cheques and
orders for money or goods purporting to be signed by or on behalf
of the company and in all bills of parcels, invoices, receipts and
letters of credit of the company.
23. 8
[…]
8
Omitted vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1 st December, 2021. The omitted
section was read as under:
“23. Company to have common seal.—(1) Every company shall have a
common seal.
(2) A company’s common seal must be a seal having the company’s name
engraved on it in legible form.
(3) If any of the provision of this section is contravened or an officer of a
company or a person on behalf of a company uses or authorises the use of another seal
that purports to be the company’s common seal, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding
of level 1 on the standard scale.”
25
24. Penalties for non-publication of name.—(l) If a company does not
display its name in the manner provided for by this Act, it shall be liable to a penalty
not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale and every officer of the company who
authorises or permits the default shall be liable to the like penalty.
(2) If any officer of a limited company issues or authorises the issue of

any bill-head, letter paper, document, notice or other official publication of the
company, or signs or authorises to be signed on behalf of the company any bill of
exchange, promissory note, endorsement, cheque or order for money or goods, or
issues or authorises to be issued any bill of parcels, invoice, receipt or letter of credit
of the company, wherein its name is not mentioned in the manner aforesaid, he shall
be liable to a penalty not exceeding of level 1 on the standard scale and shall further
be personally liable to the holder of any such bill of exchange, promissory note or
order for money or goods, for the amount thereof unless the same is duly paid by
the company.
25. Publication of authorised as well as paid-up capital.—(1) Where

any notice, advertisement or other official publication of a company contains a
statement of amount of authorised capital of the company, such notice,
advertisement or other official publication shall also contain a statement in an
equally prominent position and in equally conspicuous characters of amount of the
paid up capital.
(2) Any company which makes default in complying with the

requirements of sub-section (1) and every officer of the company who is party to
the default shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding of level 1 on the standard
scale.
26. Business and objects of a company.—(1) A company may carry
on or undertake any lawful business or activity and do any act or enter into any
transaction being incidental and ancillary thereto which is necessary in attaining its
business activities:
Provided that—
(i) the principal line of business of the company shall be mentioned in

the memorandum of association of the company which shall always
commensurate with name of the company; and
(ii) any change in the principal line of business shall be reported to the
registrar within thirty days from the date of change, on the form as
may be specified and registrar may give direction of change of name
if it is in violation of this section.
Explanation.—“principal line of business” means the business in which

substantial assets are held or likely to be held or substantial revenue is earned or
likely to be earned by a company, whichever is higher.
(2) A company shall not engage in a business which is—
(a) prohibited by any law for the time being in force in Pakistan; or
26
(b) restricted by any law, rules or regulations, unless necessary licence,
registration, permission or approval has been obtained or
compliance with any other condition has been made:
Provided nothing in sub-section (1) shall be applicable to the extent of such

companies.
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
27. Memorandum of company limited by shares.—In the case of a

company limited by shares-
(A) the memorandum shall state—
(i) the name of the company with the word “Limited” as last
word of the name in the case of a public limited company,
the parenthesis and words “(Private) Limited” as last words
of the name in the case of a private limited company, and the
parenthesis and words “(SMC-Private) Limited” as last
words of the name in the case of a single member company;
(ii) the Province or the part of Pakistan not forming part of a

Province, as the case may be, in which the registered office
of the company is to be situate;
(iii) principal line of business:
Provided that—
(a) the existing companies shall continue with their

existing memorandum of association and the object
stated at serial number 1 of the object clause shall be
treated as the principal line of business;
(b) if the object stated at serial number 1 of the object

clause is not the principal line of business of the
company, it shall be required to intimate to the
registrar their principal line of business within such
time from commencement of this Act and in the form
as may be specified. A revised copy of the
memorandum of association indicating therein its
principal business at serial number 1 of the object
clause shall also be furnished to the registrar; and
(c) the existing companies or the companies to be

formed to carry on or engage in any business which
is subject to a licence or registration, permission or
approval shall mention the businesses as required
under the respective law and the rules and regulations
made thereunder;
27
(iv) an undertaking as may be specified;
(v) that the liability of the members is limited; and
(vi) the amount of share capital with which the company

proposes to be registered and the division thereof into shares
of a fixed amount;
(B) no subscriber of the memorandum shall take less than one share; and
(C) each subscriber of the memorandum shall write opposite to his name
the number of shares he agrees to take.
28. Memorandum of company limited by guarantee.—(1) In the case

of a company limited by guarantee the memorandum shall state—
(a) the name of the company with the parenthesis and words
"(Guarantee) Limited" as last words of its name;
(b) the Province or the part of Pakistan not forming part of a Province,
as the case may be, in which the registered office of the company is
to be situate;
(c) principal line of business:
Provided that—
(i) the existing companies shall continue with their existing

memorandum of association and the object stated at serial
number 1 of the object clause shall be treated as the principal
line of business;
(ii) if the object stated at serial number 1 of the object clause is

not the principal line of business of the company, it shall be
required to intimate to the registrar their principal line of
business within such time from the commencement of this
Act and in the form as may be specified. A revised copy of
the memorandum of association indicating therein its
principal business at serial number 1 of the object clause
shall also be furnished to the registrar; and
(iii) the existing companies or the companies to be formed to

carry on or engage in any business which is subject to a
licence or registration, permission or approval shall mention
the businesses as required under the respective law;
(d) an undertaking as may be specified;
(e) that the liability of the members is limited; and
28
(f) such amount as may be required, not exceeding a specified amount
that each member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the
company in the event of its being wound up while he is a member
or within one year afterwards for payment of the debts and liabilities
of the company contracted before he ceases to be a member and of
the costs, charges and expenses of winding up and for adjustment of
rights of the contributories among themselves.
(2) If the company has a share capital, the memorandum shall also state
the amount of share capital with which the company proposes to be registered and
the division thereof into shares of a fixed amount and the number of shares taken
by each subscriber.
29. Memorandum of unlimited company.—In the case of an
unlimited company the memorandum shall state—
(a) the name of the company with the word “Unlimited” as last words
of its name;
(b) the Province or the part of Pakistan not forming part of a Province,
as the case may be, in which registered office of the company is to
be situate;
(c) principal line of business:
Provided that—
(i) the existing companies shall continue with their existing

memorandum of association and the object stated at serial number 1
of the object clause shall be treated as the principal line of business;
(ii) if the object stated at serial number 1 of the object clause is not the
principal line of business of the company, it shall be required to
intimate to the registrar their principal line of business within such
time from the commencement of this Act and in the form as may be
specified. A revised copy of the memorandum of association
indicating therein its principal business at serial number 1 of the
object clause shall also be furnished to the registrar; and
(iii) the existing companies or the companies to be formed to carry on or

engage in any business which is subject to a licence or registration,
permission or approval shall mention the businesses as required
under the respective law; and
(d) an undertaking as may be specified;
(e) that the liability of the members is unlimited.
(2) If the company has a share capital, the memorandum shall also state
the amount of share capital with which the company proposes to be registered and
the number of shares taken by each subscriber.
29
30. Borrowing powers to be part of memorandum.—
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any other law for the time
being in force or the memorandum and articles, the memorandum and articles of a
company shall be deemed to include and always to have included the power to enter
into any arrangement for obtaining loans, advances, finances or credit, as defined
in the Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962 (LVII of 1962) and to issue other
securities not based on interest for raising resources from a scheduled bank, a
financial institution or general public.
31. Memorandum to be printed, signed and dated.—The

memorandum shall be—
(a) printed in the manner generally acceptable;
(b) divided into paragraphs numbered consecutively;
(c) signed by each subscriber, who shall add his present name in full, his
occupation9[, nationality,] usual residential address and such other
particulars as may be specified, in the presence of a witness who shall
attest the signature and shall likewise add his particulars; and
(d) dated.
32. Alteration of memorandum.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this

Act, a company may by special resolution alter the provisions of its memorandum
so as to—
(a) change the place of its registered office from.—
(i) one Province to another Province or Islamabad Capital

Territory and vice versa; or
(ii) one Province or Islamabad Capital Territory to a part of

Pakistan not forming part of a Province and vice versa;
or
(b) change its principal line of business; or
(c) adopt any business activity or any change therein which is subject
to licence, registration, permission or approval under any law.
(2) The alteration shall not take effect until and except in so far as it is
confirmed by the Commission on petition:
Provided that an alteration so as to change its principal line of business shall

not require confirmation by the Commission.
9
Substituted the expression “and father’s name or, in the case of a married woman or widow, her
husband’s or deceased husband’s name in full, his nationality and his” vide the Companies
(Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021
30
(3) A copy of the order confirming the alteration duly certified by an
authorised officer of the Commission shall be forwarded to the company and to the
registrar within seven days from the date of the order.
(4) A copy of the memorandum of association as altered pursuant to the

order under this section shall within thirty days from the date of the order be filed
by the company with the registrar, who shall register the same and issue a certificate
which shall be conclusive evidence that all the requirements of this Act with respect
to the alteration and the confirmation thereof have been complied with and
thenceforth the memorandum so filed shall be the memorandum of the company:
Provided that the Commission may by order, at any time on an application

by the company, on sufficient cause shown extend the time for the filing of
memorandum with the registrar under this section for such period as it thinks
proper.
(5) Where the alteration involves a transfer of registered office from the
jurisdiction of one company registration office to another, physical record of the
company shall be transferred to the registrar concerned of the company registration
office in whose jurisdiction the registered office of the company has been shifted.
(6) Where the alteration involves change in principal line of business,
the company shall file the amended memorandum of association with the registrar
within thirty days, which shall be recorded for the purposes of this Act.
33. Powers of Commission when confirming alteration.—The
Commission may make an order confirming the alteration on such terms and
conditions as it thinks fit and make such order as to costs as it thinks proper.
34. Exercise of discretion by Commission.—The Commission shall in

exercising its discretion under sections 32 and 33 have regard to the rights and
interests of the members of the company or of any class of them, as well as to the
rights and interests of the creditors and may, if it thinks fit, give such directions and
make such orders as it may think expedient for facilitating or carrying into effect
any such arrangement.
35. Effect of alteration in memorandum or articles.—Not

withstanding anything contained in the memorandum or articles of a company, no
member of the company shall be bound by an alteration made in the memorandum
or articles after the date on which he became a member if and so far as the alteration
requires him to take or subscribe for more shares than the number held by him at
the date on which the alteration is made or in any way increases his liability as at
that date to contribute to the share capital of or otherwise to pay money to the
company:
Provided that this section shall not apply in any case where the member
agrees in writing either before or after the alteration is made to be bound thereby.
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
31
36. Registration of articles.—(1) There may, in the case of company
limited by shares and there shall, in the case of a company limited by guarantee or
an unlimited company, be registered with the memorandum, articles of association
signed by the subscribers to the memorandum and setting out regulations for the
company.
(2) Articles of association of a company limited by shares may adopt all

or any of the regulations contained in Table A in the First Schedule to this Act.
(3) In the case of an unlimited company or a company limited by

guarantee, the articles, if the company has a share capital, shall state the amount of
share capital with which the company proposes to be registered.
(4) In the case of an unlimited company or a company limited by

guarantee, if the company has no share capital, the articles shall state the number
of members with which the company proposes to be registered.
(5) In the case of a company limited by shares and registered after the
commencement of this Act, if articles are not registered, or, if articles are registered,
in so far as the articles do not exclude or modify the regulations in Table A in the
First Schedule to this Act, those regulations shall, so far as applicable, be the
regulations of the company in the same manner and to the same extent as if they
were contained in duly registered articles.
(6) The articles of every company shall be explicit and without

ambiguity and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, shall list and
enumerate the voting and other rights attached to the different classes of shares and
other securities, if any, issued or to be issued by it.
(7) If a company contravenes the provisions of its articles of
association, the company and every officer of the company shall be liable to a
penalty not exceeding of level 1 on the standard scale.
37. Articles to be printed, signed and dated.—The articles shall be—

(a) printed in the manner generally acceptable;
(b) divided into paragraphs numbered consecutively;
(c) signed by each subscriber, who shall add his present name in full,
his occupation10[, nationality,] usual residential address and such
other particulars as may be specified, in the presence of a witness
who shall attest the signature and shall likewise add his particulars;
and
(d) dated.
38. Alteration of articles.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and
10
Substituted the expression “and father’s name or, in the case of a married woman or widow, her
husband’s or deceased husband’s name in full, his nationality and his” vide the Companies
(Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
32
to the conditions contained in its memorandum, a company may, by special resolution,
alter its articles and any alteration so made shall be as valid as if originally contained
in the articles and be subject in like manner to alteration by special resolution:
Provided that, where such alteration affects the substantive rights or

liabilities of members or of a class of members, it shall be carried out only if a
majority of at least three-fourths of the members or of the class of members affected
by such alteration, as the case may be, exercise the option through vote personally
or through proxy vote for such alteration.
(2) A copy of the articles of association as altered shall, within thirty

days from the date of passing of the resolution, be filed by the company with the
registrar and he shall register the same and thenceforth the articles so filed shall be
the articles of the company.
39. Copies of memorandum and articles to be given to members.—

(1) Each company shall send to every member, at his request and within fourteen
days thereof, on payment of such sum, as the company may fix, a copy of the
memorandum and the articles, if any.
(2) If a company makes default in complying with the requirements of

sub-section (1), it shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding of level 1 on the standard
scale.
40. Alteration of memorandum or articles to be noted in every

copy.—(1) Where an alteration is made in the memorandum or articles of a
company, every copy of the memorandum or articles issued after the date of the
alteration shall conform to the memorandum or articles as so altered.
(2) If, where any such alteration has been made, the company at any
time after the date of the alteration issues any copies of the memorandum or articles
which do not conform to the memorandum or articles as so altered it shall be liable
to a penalty not exceeding of level 1on the standard scale for each copy so issued
and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to the like penalty.
41. Form of memorandum and articles.—The form of—
(a) memorandum of association of a company limited by shares;
(b) memorandum and articles of association of a company limited by

guarantee and not having a share capital;
(c) memorandum and articles of association of a company limited by

guarantee and having a share capital; and
(d) memorandum and articles of association of an unlimited company

having a share capital,
shall be respectively in accordance with the forms set out in Tables B, C, D and E
in the First Schedule or as near thereto as circumstances admit.
42. Licencing of associations with charitable and not for profit
33
objects.—(1) Where it is proved to the satisfaction of the Commission that an
association is to be formed as a limited company—
(a) for promoting commerce, art, science, religion, health, education,

research, sports, protection of environment, social welfare, charity
or any other useful object;
(b) such company—
(i) intends to apply the company’s profits and other income in

promoting its objects; and
(ii) prohibits the payment of dividends to the company’s

members; and
(c) such company’s objects and activities are not and shall not, at any
time, be against the laws, public order, security, sovereignty and
national interests of Pakistan,
the Commission may, by licence for a period to be specified, permit the association
to be registered as a public limited company, without addition of the word
“Limited” or the expression “(Guarantee) Limited”, to its name.
(2) A licence under sub-section (1) may be granted on such conditions

and subject to such regulations as the Commission thinks fit and those conditions
shall be inserted in and deemed part of the memorandum and articles, or in one of
those documents.
(3) Memorandum and articles of association of a company, licenced

under this section, shall be in accordance with the form set out in Table F in the
First Schedule or as near thereto as circumstances admit and approved by the
Commission.
(4) The association on registration under this section shall enjoy all the
privileges and be subject to all the obligations of a limited company.
(5) The Commission may at any time by order in writing, revoke a

licence granted under sub-section (1), with such directions as it may deem fit, on
being satisfied that—
(a) the company or its management has failed to comply with any of the
terms or conditions subject to which a licence is granted; or
(b) any of the requirements specified in sub-section (1) or any

regulations made under this section are not met or complied with; or
(c) affairs of the company are conducted in a manner prejudicial to

public interest; or
34
(d) the company has made a default in filing with the registrar its
financial statements or annual returns for immediately preceding
two consecutive financial years; or
(e) the company has acted against the interest, sovereignty and integrity
of Pakistan, the security of the State and friendly relations with
foreign States; or
(f) the number of members is reduced, below three; or
(g) the company is—
(i) conceived or brought forth for, or is or has been carrying on,

unlawful or fraudulent activities; or
(ii) run and managed by persons who fail to maintain proper and
true accounts or they commit fraud, misfeasance or
malfeasance in relation to the company; or
(iii) run and managed by persons who are involved in terrorist

financing or money laundering; or
(iv) managed by persons who refuse to act according to the

requirements of the memorandum or articles or the
provisions of this Act or failed to carry out the directions or
decisions of the Commission or the registrar given in
exercise of the powers conferred by this Act; or
(v) not carrying on its business or is not in operation for one

year; or
(h) it is just and equitable that the licence should be revoked:
Provided that before a licence is so revoked, the Commission shall give to

the company a notice, in writing of its intention to do so, and shall afford the
company an opportunity to be heard.
(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law, no

association shall be registered as a company with the objects as mentioned in clause
(a) and the conditions provided in clause (b) of sub-section (1) without a licence
granted in pursuance of this section.
43. Effect of revocation of licence.— (1) On revocation of licence of

a company under section 42, by the Commission—
(a) the company shall stop all its activities except the recovery of money
owed to it, if any;
(b) the company shall not solicit or receive donations from any source;
and
35
(c) all the assets of the company after satisfaction of all debts and
liabilities shall, in the manner as may be specified, be transferred to
another company licenced under section 42, preferably having
similar or identical objects to those of the company, within ninety
days from the revocation of the licence or such extended period as
may be allowed by the Commission:
Provided that a reasonable amount to meet the expenses of voluntary

winding up or making an application to the registrar for striking the name
of the company off the register in terms of sub-section (3), may be retained
by the company.
(2) After compliance of the requirements mentioned in sub-section (1),

the board of the company shall file within fifteen days from the date of such
compliance, a report to the registrar containing such information and supported
with such documents as may be specified.
(3) Within thirty days of acceptance of the report by the registrar,

submitted by the company under sub-section (2), the board shall initiate necessary
proceedings for winding up of the company voluntarily or where it has no assets
and liabilities make an application to the registrar for striking the name of the
company off the register.
(4) If the company fails to comply with any of the requirements of this
section within the period specified or such extended period as may be allowed by
the Commission, the Commission may, without prejudice to any other action under
the law, appoint an administrator to manage affairs of the company subject to such
terms and conditions as may be specified in the order and initiate necessary
proceedings for winding up of the company.
(5) The provisions of section 291, except those of sub-section (1)

thereof, shall apply mutatis mutandis to the administrator appointed under this
section.
(6) Where any assets of the company are transferred, in consequence of

revocation of licence, to another company licenced under section 42, the members
and officers of the first mentioned company or any of their family members shall
not be eligible to hold any office in the later company for a period of five years
from the date of transfer of such assets.
(7) Where the licence of a company has been revoked before the
commencement of this Act and such company is not in the process of winding up,
this section shall apply as if the licence was revoked immediately after the
commencement of this Act.
44. Penalty.—If a company licenced under section 42 or any of its

officers makes default in complying with any of the requirements of sections 42
and 43 or the rules or regulations or the terms or conditions to which the licence is
subject or any directions contained in a revocation order, it shall without prejudice
to any other action be punishable by a penalty not exceeding of level 2 on the
36
standard scale.
45. Provision as to companies limited by guarantee.—(1) A company

limited by guarantee may have share capital.
(2) In the case of a company limited by guarantee and not having a share
capital, every provision in the memorandum or articles or in any resolution of the
company purporting to give any person a right to participate in the divisible profits
of the company otherwise than as a member shall be void.
(3) For the purpose of the provisions of this Act relating to the
memorandum of a company limited by guarantee and of sub-section (2), every
provision in the memorandum or articles, or in any resolution, of a company limited
by guarantee purporting to divide the undertaking of the company into shares or
interests shall be treated as a provision for a share capital, notwithstanding that the
nominal amount or number of the shares or interests is not mentioned thereby.
CONVERSION OF A COMPANY OF ANY CLASS INTO A COMPANY

OF OTHER CLASS AND RELATED MATTERS
46. Conversion of public company into private company and vice-

versa.—(1) A public company may be converted into a private company with the
prior approval of the Commission in writing by passing a special resolution in this
behalf by the public company amending its memorandum and articles of association
in such a manner that they include the provisions relating to a private company in
the articles and complying with all the requirements as may be specified:
Provided that in case of conversion of a listed company into a private

company, the Commission shall give notice of every application made to it, to the
securities exchange and shall take into consideration the representation if any,
made to it by the securities exchange.
(2) On an application for change in status of a company under sub-

section (1), if the Commission is satisfied that the company is entitled to be so
converted, such conversion shall be allowed by an order in writing.
(3) A copy of the order, confirming the conversion under sub-section

(2), duly certified by an authorised officer of the Commission shall be forwarded
to the company and to the registrar within seven days from the date of the order.
(4) A copy of the memorandum and articles of association as altered

pursuant to the order under sub-section (2) shall, within fifteen days from the date
of the order, be filed by the company with the registrar and he shall register the
same and thenceforth the memorandum and articles so filed shall be the
memorandum and articles of the newly converted company.
(5) If a company, being a private company, alters its articles in such a

manner that they no longer include the provisions which, under sub-section (1) of
section 2, are required to be included in the articles of a company in order to
constitute it a private company, the company shall—
(a) as on the date of the alteration, cease to be a private company; and
37
(b) file with the registrar a copy of the memorandum and articles of
association as altered along with the special resolution.
(6) If default is made in complying with the provisions of any of the

preceding sub-sections, the company and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding of level 2 on the standard scale.
47. Conversion of status of private company into a single-member

company and vice-versa.—(1) A private company may be converted into a single-
member company with prior approval of the Commission in writing by passing a
special resolution in this behalf by the private company amending its memorandum
and articles of association, in such a manner that they include the provisions relating
to a single-member company in the articles and complying with all the requirements
as may be specified.


(2), duly certified by an authorised officer of the Commission shall be forwarded

pursuant to the order under sub- section (2) shall, within fifteen days from the date
of the order, be filed by the company with the registrar and he shall register the
(5) If a company, being a single member company, alters its articles in

such a manner that they no longer include the provisions which are required to be
included in the articles of a company in order to constitute it a single member
company, the company shall—
(a) as on the date of the alteration, cease to be a single member

company; and

preceding sub-sections, the company, and every officer of the company who is in
default, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding of level 2 on the standard scale.
48. Conversion of status of unlimited company as limited company

and vice-versa.—(1) An unlimited company may be converted into a limited
company with prior approval of the Commission in writing by passing a special
resolution in this behalf by the unlimited company amending its memorandum and
articles of association in such a manner that they include the provisions relating to
a company limited by shares in the articles and complying with all the requirements
38


(2) duly certified by an authorised officer of the Commission shall be forwarded
(4) If a company, being a limited company, alters its memorandum and

articles in such a manner that they include the provisions which constitute it as a
company having unlimited liability of its members, the company shall—
(a) as on the date of the alteration, cease to be a limited company; and

49. Conversion of a company limited by guarantee to a company
limited by shares and vice-versa.—(1) A company limited by guarantee may be
converted into a company limited by shares with prior approval of the Commission
in writing by passing a special resolution in this behalf by the company limited by
guarantee amending its memorandum and articles of association in such a manner
that they include the provisions relating to a company limited by shares in the
articles and complying with all the requirements as may be specified.


(2) duly certified by an authorised officer of the Commission shall be forwarded

pursuant to the order under sub-section (2) shall within fifteen days from the date
of the order be filed by the company with the registrar and he shall register the
(5) If a company, being limited by shares, alters its memorandum and

articles in such a manner that they include the provisions which constitute it a
company limited by guarantee, the company shall—
(a) as on the date of the alteration, cease to be a company limited by

shares; and
39

50. Issue of certificate and effects of conversion.—(1) The registrar

upon registration of the memorandum and articles of association as altered by the
company upon conversion under sections 46 to 49, shall issue a certificate to that
effect.
(2) The conversion of status of a company under sections 46 to 49 shall

not affect—
(a) any debts, liabilities, obligations or contracts incurred or entered

into, by or on behalf of the company before conversion and such
debts, liabilities, obligations and contracts may be enforced in the
manner as if such registration had not been done; and
(b) any rights or obligations of the company or render defective any

legal proceedings by or against the company and any legal
proceedings that might have been continued or commenced against
the company before conversion may be continued or commenced
upon its conversion.
51. Power of unlimited company to provide for reserve share capital

on conversion of status to a limited company.—An unlimited company having a
share capital may, by its resolution for registration as a limited company in
pursuance of this Act, increase the nominal amount of its share capital by increasing
the nominal amount of each of its shares, subject to the condition that no part of the
amount by which its capital is so increased shall be capable of being called up
except in the event and for the purpose of the company being wound up.
52. Consequence of default in complying with conditions

constituting a company a private company.—Where the articles of a company
include the provisions which, under sub-section (1) of section 2, are required to be
included in the articles of a company in order to constitute it as a private company,
but default is made in complying with any of those provisions, the company shall
cease to be entitled to the privileges and exemptions conferred on private
companies by or under this Act and this Act shall apply to the company as if it were
not a private company:
Provided that the Commission, on being satisfied that the failure to comply
with the conditions was accidental or due to inadvertence or to some other sufficient
cause or that on other ground it is just and equitable to grant relief, may, on the
application of the company or any other person interested and on such terms and
conditions as seem to the Commission just and expedient, make order that the
company be relieved from such consequences as aforesaid.
40
SERVICE AND AUTHENTICATION OF DOCUMENTS
53. Service of documents on a company.—A document or information

may be served on the company or any of its officers at the registered office of the
company against an acknowledgement or by post or courier service or through
electronic means or in any other manner as may be specified.
54. Service of documents on Commission or the registrar.—A

document or information may be served on the Commission or the registrar against
an acknowledgement or by post or courier service or through electronic means or
in any other manner as may be specified.
55. Service of notice on a member.—(1) A document or information

may be served on a member at his registered address or, if he has no registered
address in Pakistan, at the address supplied by him to the company for the giving
of notices to him against an acknowledgement or by post or courier service or
through electronic means or in any other manner as may be specified.
(2) Where a notice is sent by post, service of the notice shall be deemed
to be effected by properly addressing, prepaying and posting a letter containing the
notice and, unless the contrary is proved, to have been effected at the time at which
the letter will be delivered in the ordinary course of post.
(3) A notice may be given by the company to the joint-holders of a share

by giving the notice to the joint-holder named first in the register in respect of the
share.
(4) A notice may, in the manner provided under sub-section (1), be

given by the company to the person entitled to a share in consequence of death or
insolvency of a member addressed to him by name or by the title or representatives
of the deceased or assignees of the insolvent or by any like description, at the
address supplied for the purpose by the person claiming to be so entitled.
56. Authentication of documents and proceedings.—Save as

expressly provided in this Act, a document or proceeding requiring
authentication by a company may be signed either by an officer or a
representative authorized by the board.
PART V
PROSPECTUS, ALLOTMENT, ISSUE AND TRANSFER OF SHARES
AND OTHER SECURITIES
57. Prospectus.—(1) No prospectus shall be issued by or on behalf of

a company unless on or before the date of its publication, a copy thereof signed by
every person who is named therein as a director or proposed director of the
company has been filed with the registrar.
41
(2) In case of any contravention of this section, the company and every
person who is a party to the issue, publication or circulation of the prospectus shall
be liable to a penalty not exceeding of level 2 on the standard scale.
58. Classes and kinds of share capital.—A company having share

capital shall issue only fully paid shares which may be of different kinds and classes
as provided by its memorandum and articles:
Provided that different rights and privileges in relation to the different kinds
and classes of shares may only be conferred in such manner as may be specified.
59. Variation of shareholders’ rights.—(1) The variation of the right

of shareholders of any class shall be effected only in the manner laid down in
section 38.
(2) Not less than ten percent of the class of shareholders who are
aggrieved by the variation of their rights under sub-section (1) may, within thirty
days of the date of the resolution varying their rights, apply to the Court for an order
cancelling the resolution:
Provided that the Court shall not pass such an order unless it is shown to its
satisfaction that some facts which would have had a bearing on the decision of the
shareholders were withheld by the company in getting the aforesaid resolution
passed or, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, that the variation
would unfairly prejudice the shareholders of the class represented by the applicant.
(3) An application under sub-section (2) may be made on behalf of the

shareholders entitled to make it by such one or more of their number as they may
authorise in writing in this behalf.
(4) The company shall, within fifteen days of the service on the
company of any order made on any such application, forward a copy of the order
to the registrar and, if default is made in complying with this provision, the person
making the default shall be guilty of an offence under this section and be liable to
a penalty not exceeding of level 1 on the standard scale.
(5) The expression “variation” under this section includes abrogation,

revocation or enhancement.
SHARE CAPITAL AND NATURE, NUMBERING AND CERTIFICATE

OF SHARES
60. Numbering of shares.—Every share in a company having a share

capital shall be distinguished by its distinctive number:
Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to a share held by a person
whose name is entered as holder of beneficial interest in such share in the records
of a central depository system.
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11[60A. Prohibition on issuance of bearer shares or bearer shares
warrants, etc.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the National
Investment (Unit) Trust Ordinance, 1965 (VII of 1965) or any other law for the
time being in force, no company shall allot, issue, sell, transfer or assign any bearer
shares, bearer shares warrants or any other equity or debt security of a bearer nature,
by whatever name called, and any allotment, issue, sale, transfer, assignment or
other disposition of any such bearer shares or bearer share warrants or any other
equity or debt security of a bearer nature, shall be void.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section, the term “bearer shares or

bearer share warrants” means a negotiable instrument that accords ownership or
control in a company to the person who possess such instrument and includes any
other equity or debt security of a bearer nature.
(2) All existing bearer share or bearer share warrants, if any, shall either
be registered or cancelled, in such manner and within such period, as may be
specified.
(3) Any contravention or default in complying with the requirements of

this section shall be liable in case of,—
(a) a director or officer of the company or any other person, to a penalty

which may extend to one million rupees; and
(b) the company, to a penalty which may extend to ten million rupees.]
61. Nature of shares or other securities.—The shares or other

securities of any member in a company shall be movable property transferable in
the manner provided by the articles of the company.
62. Shares certificate to be evidence.—(1) A certificate, if issued in

physical form under 12[signature of authorized officer of the company as may be
specified] or issued in book-entry form, specifying the shares held by any person
or shares held in central depository system shall be prima facie evidence of the title
of the person to such shares.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the articles of a company,

the manner of issue of a certificate of shares, the form of such certificate and other
matters shall be such as may be specified.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS AS TO DEBENTURES
63. Issue of debentures.—(1) A company may issue different kinds of

debentures having different classes, rights and privileges as may be specified.
11
Inserted vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020 dated 26th August, 2020.
12
Substituted the expression “common seal of the company or under official seal, which must be
facsimile of the company’s common seal,” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st
December, 2021.
43
(2) The rights, privileges and the procedure, for securing the issue of
debentures, the form of debenture trust deed, the procedure for the debenture
holders to inspect the trust deed and to obtain a copy thereof shall be such as may
be specified.
64. Payment of certain debts out of assets subject to floating charge

in priority to claims under the charge.—(1) Where either a receiver is appointed
on behalf of the holders of any debentures of a company secured by a floating
charge, or possession is taken by or on behalf of these debenture holders of any
property comprised in or subject to the charge, then, if the company is not at the
time in course of being wound up, the debts which in every winding up are under
the provisions of Part-X relating to preferential payments to be paid in priority to
all other debts, shall be paid forthwith out of any assets coming to the hands of the
receiver or other person taking possession as aforesaid in priority to any claim for
principal or interest in respect of the debentures.
(2) The periods of time mentioned in the said provisions of Part-X shall
be reckoned from the date of the appointment of the receiver or of possession being
taken as aforesaid, as the case may be.
(3) Any payments made under sub-section (1) shall be recouped, as far
as may be, out of the assets of the company available for payment of general
creditors.
65. Powers and liabilities of trustee.—(1) The trustee nominated or

appointed under the trust-deed for securing an issue of debentures shall, if so
empowered by such deed, have the right to sue for all redemption monies and
interest in the following cases, namely-
(a) where the issuer of the debentures as mortgagor binds himself to

repay the debenture loan or pay the accrued interest thereon, or both
to repay the loan and pay the interest thereon, in the manner
provided on the due date;
(b) where by any cause other than the wrongful act or default of the
issuer the mortgaged property is wholly or partially destroyed or the
security is rendered insufficient within the meaning of section 66 of
the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 (Act IV of 1882), and the trustee
has given the issuer a reasonable opportunity of providing further
security adequate to render the whole security sufficient and the
issuer has failed to do so;
(c) where the trustee is deprived of the whole or part of the security by
or in consequence of any wrongful act or default on the part of the
issuer; and
(d) where the trustee is entitled to take possession of the mortgaged

property and the issuer fails to deliver the same to him or to secure
the possession thereof without disturbance by the issuer or any
person claiming under a title superior to that of the issuer.
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(2) Where a suit is brought under clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section
(1) the Court may at its discretion stay the suit and all proceedings therein
notwithstanding any contract to the contrary, until the trustee has exhausted all his
available remedies against the mortgaged property or what remains of it unless the
trustee abandons his security and, if necessary, retransfers the mortgaged property.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (1) and (2) or

any other law for the time being in force, the trustee or any person acting on his
behalf shall, if so authorised by the trust-deed, sell or concur in selling, without
intervention of the Court, the mortgaged property or any part thereof in default of
payment according to re-payment schedule of any redemption amount or in the
payment of any accrued interest on the due date by the issuer.
Explanation.—“Issuer” for the purpose of this section, shall mean the

company issuing debentures and securing the same by mortgage of its properties or
assets, or both its properties and assets, and appointing a trustee under a trust-deed.
(4) Subject to the provisions of this section, any provision contained in

a trust-deed for securing an issue of debentures, or in any contract with the holders
of debentures secured by a trust-deed, shall be void in so far as it would have the
effect of exempting a trustee thereof from, or indemnifying him against, liability
for breach of trust, where he fails to show the degree of care and diligence required
of him as trustee, having regard to the provisions of the trust-deed conferring on
him any power, authority or discretion.
(5) Sub-section (4) shall not invalidate-
(a) any release otherwise validly given in respect of any act or omission
by a trustee before the giving of the release; or
(b) any provision enabling such a release to be given—
(i) on the agreement thereto of a majority of not less than three-

fourths in value of the debenture-holders present and voting
in person or, where proxies are permitted, by proxy, at a
meeting summoned for the purpose; and
(ii) either with respect to specific acts or omissions or on the

trustee dying or ceasing to act.
(6) Sub-section (4) shall not operate-
(a) to invalidate any provision in force immediately before the

commencement of this Act, so long as any person then entitled to
the benefit of that provision or afterwards given the benefit thereof
under sub-section (7) remains as trustee of the deed in question; or
(b) to deprive any person of any exemption or right to be indemnified

in respect of any act or omission by him while any such provision
was in force.
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(7) While any trustee of a trust-deed remains entitled to the benefit or
provision saved by sub-section (6), the benefits of that provision may be given
either—
(a) to all trustees of the deed, present and future; or
(b) to any named trustees or proposed trustees thereof;
by a resolution passed by a majority of not less than three-fourths in value of the

debenture-holders present in person or, where proxies are permitted, by proxy, at a
meeting called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of the deed or, if
the deed makes no provisions for calling meetings, at a meeting called for the
purpose in any manner approved by the Court.
66. Issue of securities and redeemable capital not based on

interest.— (1) A company may by public offer or, upon terms and conditions
contained in an agreement in writing, issue to one or more scheduled banks,
financial institutions or such other persons as are notified for the purpose by the
Commission either severally, jointly or through their syndicate, any instrument in
the nature of redeemable capital in any or several forms in consideration of funds,
moneys or accommodations received or to be received by the company, whether in
cash or in specie or against any promise, guarantee, undertaking or indemnity
issued to or in favour of or for the benefit of the company.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the forgoing

provisions, the agreement referred to in sub-section (1) for redeemable capital may
provide for, adopt or include, in addition to others, all or any of the following
matters, namely-
(a) mode and basis of repayment by the company of the amount

invested in redeemable capital within a certain period of time;
(b) arrangement for sharing of profit and loss;  
(c) creation of a special reserve called the “participation reserves” by

the company in the manner provided in the agreement for the issue
of participatory redeemable capital in which all providers of such
capital shall participate for interim and final adjustment on the
maturity date in accordance with the terms and conditions of such
agreements; and
(d) in case of net loss on participatory redeemable capital on the date of

maturity, the right of holders to convert the outstanding, balance of
such capital or part thereof as provided in the agreement into
ordinary shares of the company at the break-up price calculated in
the specified manner.
(3) The terms and conditions for the issue of instruments or certificates
of redeemable capital and the rights of their holders shall not be challenged or
questioned by the company or any of its shareholders unless repugnant to any
provision of this Act or any other law or the memorandum or articles or any
46
resolution of the general meeting or directors of the company or any other
document.
(4) The provision of this Act relating to the creation, issue, increase or
decrease of the capital shall not apply to the redeemable capital.
ALLOTMENT
67. Application for, and allotment of, shares and debentures.—(1)

No application for allotment of shares in and debentures of a company in pursuance
of a prospectus shall be made for shares or debentures of less than such nominal
amount as the Commission may, from time to time, specify, either generally or in
a particular case.
(2) The Commission may specify the form of an application for

subscription to shares in or debentures of a company which may, among other
matters, contain such declarations or verifications as it may, in the public interest,
deem necessary; and such form then shall form part of the prospectus.
(3) All certificates, statements and declarations made by the applicant

shall be binding on him.
(4) An application for shares in or debentures of a company which is

made in pursuance of a prospectus shall be irrevocable.
(5) Whoever contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) or sub-

section (2), or makes an incorrect statement, declaration or verification in the
application for allotment of shares, shall be liable to a penalty of level 2 on the
standard scale.
68. Repayment of money received for shares not allotted.—(1)

Where a company issues any invitation to the public to subscribe for its shares or
other securities, the company shall refund the money in the case of the unaccepted
or unsuccessful applications within the time as may be specified.
(2) If the refund required by sub-section (1) is not made within the time
specified, the directors of the company shall be jointly and severally liable to repay
that money with surcharge at the rate of two percent for every month or part thereof
from the expiration of the fifteenth day and, in addition, shall be liable to a penalty
of level 3 on the standard scale.
69. Allotment of shares and other securities to be dealt in on

securities exchange.—(1) Where a prospectus, whether issued generally or not,
states that application has been or will be made for permission for the shares or
other securities offered thereby to be dealt in on the securities exchange, any
allotment made on an application in pursuance of the prospectus shall, whenever
made, be void if the permission has not been applied for before the seventh day
after the first issue of the prospectus or if the permission has not been granted
before the expiration of twenty-one days from the date of the closing of the
subscription lists or such longer period not exceeding forty-two days as may, within
the said twenty-one days, be notified to the applicants for permission by the
securities exchange.
47
(2) Where the permission has not been applied for or has not been
granted as aforesaid, the company shall forthwith repay without surcharge all
money received from applicants in pursuance of the prospectus, and, if any such
money is not repaid within eight days after the company becomes liable to repay it,
the directors of the company shall be jointly and severally liable to repay that money
from the expiration of the eighth day together with surcharge at the rate of two
percent. for every month or part thereof from the expiration of the eighth day
and in addition, shall be liable to a penalty of level 3 on the standard scale.
(3) All moneys received as aforesaid shall be deposited and kept in a
separate bank account in a scheduled bank so long as the company may become
liable to repay it under sub-section (2); and, if default is made in complying with
this sub-section, the company and every officer of the company who authorises or
permits the default shall be liable to a penalty of level 2 on the standard scale.
(4) For the purposes of this section, permission shall not be deemed to
be refused if it is intimated that the application for it, though not at present granted,
will be given further consideration.
(5) This section shall have effect—
(a) in relation to any shares or securities agreed to be taken by a person
underwriting an offer thereof by a prospectus as if he had
applied therefor in pursuance of the prospectus; and
(b) in relation to a prospectus offering shares for sale with the

following modifications, that is to say—
(i) reference to sale shall be substituted for reference to

allotment;
(ii) the person by whom the offer is made and not the company,
shall be liable under sub-section (2) to repay the money
received from applicant, and reference to the company's
liability under that sub-section shall be construed
accordingly; and
(iii) for the reference in sub-section (3) to the company and every
officer of the company there shall be substituted a reference
to any person by or through whom the offer is made and who
authorises or permits the default.
70. Return as to allotments.—(1) Whenever a company having a share

capital makes any allotment of its shares, the company shall, within forty-five days
thereafter-
(a) file with the registrar a return of the allotment, stating the number
and nominal amount of the shares comprised in the allotment
and such particulars as may be specified, of each allottee, and the
amount paid on each share; and
48
(b) in the case of shares allotted as paid up in cash, submit along with
the return of allotment, a report from its auditor to the effect that the
amount of consideration has been received in full by the company
and shares have been issued to each allottee:
Provided that in case, the appointment of auditor is not

mandatory by a company, the report for the purpose shall be
obtained from a practicing chartered accountant or a cost and
management accountant;
(c) in the case of shares allotted as paid up otherwise than in cash,

submit along with the return of allotment, a copy of the document
evidencing the transfer of non-cash asset to the company, or a copy
of the contract for technical and other services, intellectual property
or other consideration, along with copy of the valuation report
(verified in the specified manner) for registration in respect of which
that allotment was made;
(d) file with the registrar—
(i) in the case of bonus shares, a return stating the number and
nominal amount of such shares comprised in the allotment
and the particulars of allottees together with a copy of the
resolution authorising the issue of such shares;
(ii) in the case of issue of shares at a discount, a copy of the

resolution passed by the company authorising such issue and
where the maximum rate of discount exceeds ten per cent, a
copy of the order of the Commission permitting the issue at
the higher percentage.
Explanation.— Shares shall not be deemed to have been paid for in cash
except to the extent that the company shall actually have received cash therefor at
the time of, or subsequent to, the agreement to issue the shares, and where shares
are issued to a person who has sold or agreed to sell property or rendered or agreed
to render services to the company, or to persons nominated by him, the amount of
any payment made for the property or services shall be deducted from the amount
of any cash payment made for the shares and only the balance, if any, shall be
treated as having been paid in cash for such shares, notwithstanding any bill of
exchange or cheques or other securities for money.
(2) If the registrar is satisfied that in the circumstances of any particular

case the period of forty five days specified in sub-sections (1) for compliance with
the requirements of this section is inadequate, he may extend that period as he
thinks fit, and, if he does so, the provisions of sub-sections (1) shall have effect in
that particular case as if for the said period of forty five days the extended period
allowed by the registrar were substituted.
(3) No return of allotment shall be required to be filed for the shares

taken by the subscribers to the memorandum on the formation of the company.
49
(4) Any violation of this section shall be an offence liable to a penalty
(5) This section shall apply mutatis mutandis to shares which are
allotted or issued or deemed to have been issued to a scheduled bank or a financial
institution in pursuance of any obligation of a company to issue shares to such
scheduled bank or financial institution:
Provided that where default is made by a company in filing a return of

allotment in respect of the shares referred to in this sub-section, the scheduled bank
or the financial institution to whom shares have been allotted or issued or deemed
to have been issued may file a return of allotment in respect of such shares with the
registrar together with such documents as may be specified by the Commission in
this behalf, and such return of allotment shall be deemed to have been filed by the
company itself and the scheduled bank the financial institution shall be entitled to
recover from the company the amount of any fee properly paid by it to the registrar
in respect of the return.
CERTIFICATE OF SHARES AND OTHER SECURITIES
71. Limitation of time for issue of certificates.—(1) Every company

shall issue certificates of shares or other securities within thirty days after the
allotment of any of its shares or other securities and ensure delivery of the
certificates to the person entitled thereto at his registered address.

72. Issuance of shares in book-entry form.—(1) After the

commencement of this Act from a date notified by the Commission, a company
having share capital, shall have shares in book-entry form only.
(2) Every existing company shall be required to replace its physical

shares with book-entry form in a manner as may be specified and from the date
notified by the Commission, within a period not exceeding four years from the
commencement of this Act:
Provided that the Commission may notify different dates for different
classes of companies:
Provided further that the Commission may, if it deems appropriate, extend

the period for another two years besides the period stated herein.
(3) Nothing contained in this section shall apply to the shares of such
companies or class of companies as may be notified by the Commission.
73. Issue of duplicate certificates.—(1) A duplicate of a certificate of

shares, or other securities, shall be issued by the company within thirty days from
the date of application if the original-
(a) is proved to have been lost or destroyed, or
50
(b) having been defaced or mutilated or torn is surrendered to the
company.
(2) The company, after making such inquiry as to the loss, destruction,
defacement or mutilation of the original, as it may deem fit to make, shall, subject
to such terms and conditions, if any, as it may consider necessary, issue the
duplicate:
Provided that the company may charge fee and the actual expenses incurred
on such inquiry.
(3) If the company for any reasonable cause is unable to issue duplicate
certificate, it shall notify this fact, along with the reasons within twenty days from
the date of the application, to the applicant.

(5) If a company with intent to defraud, issues a duplicate certificate

thereof, the company shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one
hundred thousand rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall
be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one hundred
and eighty days, or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, or with
both.
TRANSFER OF SHARES AND OTHER SECURITIES
74. Transfer of shares and other securities.—(1) An application for

registration of transfer of shares and other transferable securities along with proper
instrument of transfer duly stamped and executed by the transferor and the
transferee may be made to the company either by the transferor or the transferee,
and subject to the provisions of this section, the company shall within fifteen days
after the application for the registration of the transfer of any such securities,
complete the process and—
(a) ensure delivery of the certificates to the transferee at his registered

address; and
(b) enter in its register of members the name of the transferee:
Provided that in case of conversion of physical shares and other

transferable securities into book-entry form, the company shall, within ten days
after an application is made for the registration of the transfer of any shares or
other securities to a central depository, register such transfer in the name of the
central depository:
Provided further that nothing in this section shall apply to any transfer of
shares or other securities pursuant to a transaction executed on the securities
exchange.
51
(2) Where a transfer deed is lost, destroyed or mutilated before its
lodgment, the company may on an application made by the transferee and bearing
the stamp required by an instrument of transfer, register the transfer of shares or
other securities if the transferee proves to the satisfaction of the board that the
transfer deed duly executed has been lost, destroyed or mutilated:
Provided that before registering the transfer of shares or other securities, the
company may demand such indemnity as it may think fit.
(3) All references to the shares or other securities in this section, shall
in case of a company not having share capital, be deemed to be references to interest
of the members in the company.
(4) Every company shall maintain at its registered office a register of

transfers of shares and other securities and such register shall be open to inspection
by the members and supply of copy thereof in the manner stated in section124.
(5) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall prevent a company from registering

as shareholder or other securities holder a person to whom the right to any share or
security of the company has been transmitted by operation of law.

75. Board not to refuse transfer of shares.—The board shall not

refuse to transfer any shares or securities unless the transfer deed is, for any reason,
defective or invalid:
Provided that the company shall within fifteen days or, where the transferee
is a central depository, within five days from the date on which the instrument of
transfer was lodged with it notify the defect or invalidity to the transferee who shall,
after the removal of such defect or invalidity, be entitled to re-lodge the transfer
deed with the company:
Provided further that the provisions of this section shall, in relation to a

private company, be subject to such limitations and restrictions as may have been
imposed by the articles of such company.
76. Restriction on transfer of shares by the members of a private

company.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 75, a member of a
private company desirous of selling any shares held by him, shall intimate to the
board of his intention through a notice.
(2) On receipt of such notice, the board shall, within a period of ten
days, offer those shares for sale to the members in proportion to their existing
shareholding:
Provided that a private company may transfer or sell its shares in

accordance with its articles of association and agreement among the shareholders,
if any, entered into prior to the commencement of this Act:
Provided further that any such agreement will be valid only if it is filed with
52
the registrar within ninety days of the commencement of this Act.
(3) The letter of offer for sale specifying the number of shares to which
the member is entitled, price per share and specifying the time limit, within which
the offer, if not accepted, be deemed as declined, shall be dispatched to the
members through registered post or courier or through electronic mode.
(4) If the whole or any part of the shares offered is declined or is not
taken, the board may offer such shares to the other members in proportion to their
shareholding.
(5) If all the members decline to accept the offer or if any shares are left
over, the shares may be sold to any other person as determined by the member, who
initiated the offer.
(6) For the purpose of this section, the mechanism to determine the price
of shares shall be such, as may be specified.
77. Notice of refusal to transfer.—(1) If a company refuses to register
a transfer of any shares or other securities, the company shall, within fifteen days
after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged with the company, send
to the transferee notice of the refusal indicating reasons for such refusal:
Provided that failure of the company to give notice of refusal after the expiry
of the period mentioned in this section or section 75, shall be deemed refusal of
transfer.

78. Transfer to successor-in-interest.—The shares or other securities

of a deceased member shall be transferred on application duly supported by
succession certificate or by lawful award, as the case may be, in favour of the
successors to the extent of their interests and their names shall be entered in the
register of members.
79. Transfer to nominee of a deceased member.—(1)

Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or
in any disposition by a member of a company of his interest represented by the
shares held by him as a member of the company, a person may on acquiring interest
in a company as member, represented by shares, at any time after acquisition of
such interest deposit with the company a nomination conferring on a person the
right to protect the interest of the legal heirs in the shares of the deceased in the
event of his death, as a trustee and to facilitate the transfer of shares to the legal
heirs of the deceased subject to succession to be determined under the Islamic law
of inheritance and in case of a non-Muslim members, as per their respective law.
(2) The person nominated under this section shall, after the death of the
member, be deemed as a member of company till the shares are transferred to the
legal heirs and if the deceased was a director of the company, not being a listed
company, the nominee shall also act as director of the company to protect the
interest of the legal heirs.
53
(3) The person to be nominated under this section shall not be a person
other than the relatives of the member, namely, a spouse, father, mother, brother,
sister and son or daughter.
(4) The nomination as aforesaid, shall in no way prejudice the right of

the member making the nomination to transfer, dispose of or otherwise deal in the
shares owned by him during his lifetime and, shall have effect in respect of the
shares owned by the said member on the day of his death.
80. Appeal against refusal for registration of transfer.—(1) The

transferor or transferee, or the person who gives intimation of the transmission by
operation of law, as the case may be, aggrieved by the refusal of transfer under
section 75 to 79 may appeal to the Commission within a period of sixty days of the
date of refusal.
(2) The Commission shall, provide opportunity of hearing to the parties

concerned and may, by an order in writing, direct that the transfer or transmission
should be registered by the company and the company shall give effect to the
decision within fifteen days of the receipt of the order.
(3) The Commission may, in its aforesaid order, give such incidental
and consequential directions as to the payment of costs or otherwise as it deems fit.
(4) If default is made in giving effect to the order of the Commission

within the period specified in sub-section (2), every director and officer of the
company shall be liable to a penalty of level 3 on the standard scale.
COMMISSION, DISCOUNT AND PREMIUM
81. Application of premium received on issue of shares.—(1) If a

company issues shares at a premium, whether for cash or otherwise, a sum equal to
the aggregate amount or the value of the premiums on those shares must be
transferred to an account, called "the share premium account".
(2) Where, on issuing shares, a company has transferred a sum to the

share premium account, it may use that sum to write off—
(a) the preliminary expenses of the company;
(b) the expenses of, or the commission paid or discount allowed on, any
issue of shares of the company; and
(c) in providing for the premium payable on the redemption of any

redeemable preference shares of the company.
(3) The company may also use the share premium account to issue
bonus shares to its members.
82. Power to issue shares at a discount.—(l) Subject to the provisions

of this section, it shall be lawful for a company to issue shares in the company at a
54
discount:
Provided that—
(a) the issue of shares at a discount must be authorised by special

resolution passed in the general meeting of the company;
(b) the resolution must specify the number of shares to be issued, rate
of discount, not exceeding the limits permissible under this section
and price per share proposed to be issued;
(c) in case of listed companies discount shall only be allowed if the

market price is lower than the par value of the shares for a
continuous period of past ninety trading days immediately preceding
the date of announcement by the board; and
(d) the issue of shares at discount must be sanctioned by the

Commission:
Provided further that approval of the Commission shall not be

required by a listed company for issuing shares at a discount if the
discounted price is not less than ninety percent of the par value;
(e) no such resolution for issuance of shares at discount shall be

sanctioned by the Commission if the offer price per share, specified
in the resolution, is less than-
(i) in case of listed companies, ninety percent of volume

weighted average daily closing price of shares for ninety
days prior to the announcement of discount issue; or
(ii) in case of other than listed companies, the breakup value per
share based on assets (revalued not later than 3 years) or per
share value based on discounted cash flow:
Provided that the calculation arrived at, for the purpose of sub-
clause (i) or (ii) of clause (e) above, shall be certified by the statutory
auditor;
(f) directors and sponsors of listed companies shall be required to

subscribe their portion of proposed issue at volume weighted
average daily closing price of shares for ninety days prior to the
announcement of discount issue;
(g) not less than three years have elapsed since the date on which the
company was entitled to commence business;
(h) the share at a discount must be issued within sixty days after the date
on which the issue is sanctioned by the Commission or within such
extended time as the Commission may allow.
55
(2) Where a company has passed a special resolution authorising the
issue of shares at a discount, it shall apply to the Commission where applicable, for
an order sanctioning the issue. The Commission on such application may, if, having
regard to all the circumstances of the case, thinks proper so to do, make an order
sanctioning the issue of shares at discount subject to such terms and conditions as
it deems fit.
(3) Issue of shares at a discount shall not be deemed to be reduction of

capital.
(4) Every prospectus relating to the issue of shares, and every statement
of financial position issued by the company subsequent to the issue of shares, shall
contain particulars of the discount allowed on the issue of the shares.

83. Further issue of capital.—(1) Where the directors decide to
increase share capital of the company by issue of 13[further shares], such shares
shall be offered:
(a) to persons who, at the date of the offer, are members of the
company in proportion to the existing shares held by 14[such
members through] sending a letter of offer subject to the following
conditions, namely—
(i) the shares so offered shall be strictly in proportion to the

shares already held in respective kinds and classes;
(ii) the letter of offer shall state the number of shares offered
and limiting a time not being less than fifteen days and not
exceeding thirty days from the date of the offer within
which the offer, if not accepted, shall be deemed to have
been declined;
(iii) in the case of a listed company any member, not interested

to subscribe, may exercise the right to renounce the shares
offered to him in favour of any other person, before the date
of expiry stated in the letter of offer; and
(iv) if the whole or any part of the shares offered under this
section is declined or is not subscribed, the directors may
allot such shares in such manner as they may deem fit
within a period of thirty days from the close of the offer as
provided under sub-clause (ii) above or within such
extended time not exceeding thirty day with the approval of
13
Substituted the words “further share capital” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated
1st December, 2021.
14
56
the Commission15[;]
16
[…]
17
(b) [in case of public company and subject to approval of the
Commission, to any person on the basis of a special resolution
either for cash or for consideration other than cash:
Provided that the value of any non-cash asset, net worth of

undertaking, service, benefit or intellectual property shall be
determined by a valuer.]
18
[(c) in case of a private company and subject to its articles and special
resolution, to any person, either for cash or for consideration other
than cash on such conditions and requirements as may be notified.]
(2) The letter of offer referred to in sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) of sub-
section (1) [shall be] duly signed by at least two directors 20[and] dispatched
19
through registered post or courier or through electronic mode to all the existing
members, ensuring that it reaches the members before the commencement of
period for the acceptance of offer.
21
(3) [The letter of offer, referred to in sub-section (2), shall be
accompanied by a circular duly signed by all directors or an officer of the company
authorized by them in this behalf on such form as may be specified containing
material information about the affairs of the company, latest statement of the
accounts and the necessity for issue of further capital:
15
Substituted “:” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
16
Omitted proviso through the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021. The
omitted proviso was read as under:
“Provided that a public company may reserve a certain percentage of further
issue for its employees under “Employees Stock Option Scheme” to be approved by the
Commission in accordance with the procedure and on such conditions as may be
specified.”
17
Substitute vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021. The
substituted clause (b) of sub-section (1) was read as under:
“(b) subject to approval of the Commission, to any person, in the case of public
company on the basis of a special resolution either for cash or for a consideration
other than cash:
Provided that the value of non-cash asset, service, intellectual property shall
be determined by a valuer registered by the Commission.”
18
19
20
Substituted the words “shall the” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st
December, 2021.
21
“(3) A copy of the letter of offer, referred to in sub-section (2) shall,
simultaneously with the dispatch to the members, be sent to the registrar.”
57
Provided that a copy of such circular shall also be filed with the registrar
simultaneously at the time it is dispatched to the shareholders.]
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, where 22[any
loan or finances have] been obtained from any Government by a public sector
company, and if that Government considers it necessary in the public interest so
to do, it may, by order, direct that such loan or 23[finances or] any part thereof shall
be converted into shares in that company, on such terms and conditions as appear
to the Government to be just and reasonable in the circumstances of the case even
if the terms of such loan 24[or finances] do not include the option for such
conversion.
(5) In determining the terms and conditions of conversion under sub-

section (4), the Government shall have due regard to the financial position of the
public sector company, the terms of the rate of interest 25[or profit] payable thereon
and such other matters as it may consider necessary.
(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law

for the time being in force or the memorandum and articles, where the authorised
capital of a company is fully subscribed, or the un-subscribed capital is
insufficient, the same shall be deemed to have been increased to the extent
necessary for issue of shares to the Government, a scheduled bank or financial
institution in pursuance of any obligation of the company to issue shares to such
scheduled bank or financial institution.
(7) In case shares are allotted in terms of sub-section (6), the company
shall be required to file the notice of increase in share capital along with the fee
prescribed for such increase with the registrar within the period prescribed under
this Act:
Provided that where default is made by a company in complying with the

requirement of filing a notice of increase in the authorised capital under this Act as
well as the fee to be deposited on the authorised capital as deemed to have been
increased, the Government, scheduled bank or the financial institution to whom
shares have been issued may file notice of such increase with the registrar and such
notice shall be deemed to have been filed by the company itself and the
Government, scheduled bank or financial institution shall be entitled to recover
from the company the amount of any fee paid by it to the registrar in respect of such
increase.

26
[83A. Employees’ stock options.—Notwithstanding anything
22
Substituted the words “loan has” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December,
2021.
23
24
Substituted word “does” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
25
26
58
contained in section 83 or any other provision of this Act, a company may, under
the authority of special resolution, issue shares in accordance with its articles under
employees’ stock option in accordance with such procedure and subject to such
conditions as may be specified.]
INVITATION OF DEPOSITS
84. Prohibition on acceptance of deposits from public.—(1) On and

after the commencement of this Act, no company shall invite, accept or renew
deposits from the public:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a banking company

and such other company or class of companies or such deposits as the Commission
may, notify in this behalf.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “deposit” means any

deposit of money with, and includes any amount borrowed by, a company, but shall
not include a loan raised by issue of debentures or a loan obtained from a banking
company or financial institution or an advance against sale of goods or provision
of services in the ordinary course of business.
(2) Where a company accepts or invites, or allows or causes any other

person to accept or invite on its behalf, any deposit, the company shall be
punishable—
(a) where such contravention relates to the acceptance of any deposit,

with penalty which shall not be less than the amount of the deposit
so accepted; and
(b) where such contravention relates to the invitation for any deposit, shall
be liable to a penalty of level 3 on the standard scale.
(3) In addition to the fine on the company under sub-section (2), every
officer of the company which is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which may extend to two years and shall also be liable to fine which may
extend to five million rupees.
85. Power of company to alter its share capital.—(1) A company

having share capital may, if so authorised by its articles, alter the conditions of its
memorandum through a special resolution, so as to-
(a) increase its authorised capital by such amount as it thinks expedient;
(b) consolidate and divide the whole or any part of its share capital into
shares of larger amount than its existing shares;
(c) sub-divide its shares, or any of them, into shares of smaller amount
than is fixed by the memorandum:
(d) cancel shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution in
that behalf, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person,
59
and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the
share so cancelled:
Provided that, in the event of consolidation or sub-division of

shares, the rights attaching to the new shares shall be strictly
proportional to the rights attached to the previous shares so
consolidated or sub-divided:
Provided further that, where any shares issued are of a class

which is the same as that of shares previously issued, the rights
attaching to the new shares shall be the same as those attached to the
shares previously held.
(2) The new shares issued by a company shall rank pari passu with the
existing shares of the class to which the new shares belong in all matters, including
the right to such bonus or right issue and dividend as may be declared by the
company subsequent to the date of issue of such new shares.
(3) A cancellation of shares in pursuance of sub-section (1) shall not be

deemed to be a reduction of share capital within the meaning of this Act.
(4) The company shall file with the registrar notice of the exercise of
any power referred to in sub-section (1) within fifteen days from the exercise
thereof.
86. Prohibition of purchase by company or giving of loans by it for
purchase of its shares. (1)27[…]
(2) No public company or a private company being subsidiary of a

public company shall give financial assistance whether directly or indirectly for the
purpose of, or in connection with, a purchase or subscription made or to be made,
by any person of any shares in the company or in its holding company.
(3) Nothing in sub-section (2) shall apply to—
(a) the lending of money by a banking company in the ordinary course
of its business;
(b) the provision by a company of money in accordance with any

scheme approved by company through special resolution and in
accordance with such requirements as may be specified, for the
purchase of, or subscription for shares in the company or its holding
company, if the purchase of, or the subscription for, the shares held
27
“(1) No company having a share capital, other than a listed company shall
have power to buy its own shares.”
60
by a trust for the benefit of the employees or such shares held by the
employee of the company;
(c) the provision or securing an advance to any of its employees,

including a chief executive who, before his appointment as such,
was not a director of the company, but excluding all directors of the
company, for purchase of shares of the company or of its subsidiary
or holding company.

87. Subsidiary company not to hold shares in its holding
company.—(1) No company shall, either by itself or through its nominees, hold
any shares in its holding company and no holding company shall allot or transfer
its shares to any of its subsidiary companies and any such allotment or transfer of
shares of a company to its subsidiary company shall be void:
Provided that a subsidiary shall not be barred—
(a) from acting as a trustee unless its holding company is beneficially

interested under the trust; and
(b) from dealing in shares of its holding company in the ordinary course
of its business, on behalf of its clients only subject to non-provision
of any financial assistance where such subsidiary carries on a bona
fide business of brokerage:
Provided further that a subsidiary dealing in shares of its

holding company in the ordinary course of its brokerage business,
shall not exercise the voting rights attached to such shares.
Provided also that the provisions of this section shall not be

applicable where such shares are held by a company by operation of
law.

88. Power of a company to purchase its own shares.—(1)
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law, for the time being
in force, or the memorandum and articles, a28[…] company may, subject to the
provisions of this section and the regulations specified in this behalf, purchase its
own shares.
(2) The shares purchased by the company may, in accordance with the
provisions of this section and the regulations, either be cancelled or held as treasury
shares29[:]
28
Omitted word “listed” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
29
Substituted “.” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
61
30
[Provided that shares purchased by an unlisted public company or a
private company shall be cancelled and not be held as treasury shares:
Provided further that cancellation of shares under this section shall not be
deemed to be a reduction of share capital within the meaning of section 89 and such
shares shall be cancelled in such form and manner as may be specified.]
(3) The shares held by the company as treasury shares shall, as long as
they are so held, in addition to any other conditions as may be specified, be subject
to the following conditions, namely—
(a) the voting rights of these shares shall remain suspended; and
(b) no cash dividend shall be paid and no other distribution, whether in

cash or otherwise of the company's assets, including any distribution
of assets to members on a winding up shall be made to the company
in respect of these shares:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall prevent—
(a) an allotment of shares as fully paid bonus shares in respect of the

treasury shares; and
(b) the payment of any amount payable on the redemption of the

treasury shares, if they are redeemable.
(4) The board shall recommend to the members purchase of the shares.
The decision of the board shall clearly specify the number of shares proposed to be
purchased, purpose of the purchase i.e. cancellation or holding the shares as
treasury shares, the purchase price, period within which the purchase shall be made,
source of funds, justification for the purchase and effect on the financial position of
the company.
(5) The purchase of shares shall be made only under authority of a

special resolution.
(6) The purchase of shares shall be made within a period as specified in

the regulations.
(7) The proposal of the board to purchase shares shall, on conclusion of

the board's meeting, be communicated to the Commission and to the securities
exchange on which shares of the company are listed.
(8) The purchase of shares shall always be made in cash and shall be
out of the distributable profits or reserves specifically maintained for the purpose.
30
62
(9) The purchase of shares shall be made31[…] through the securities
exchange as may be specified.
(10) The company may dispose of the treasury shares in a manner as may
be specified.
(11) Where a purchase of shares has been made under this section, the
company shall maintain a register of shares so purchased and enter therein the
following particulars, namely—
(a) number of shares purchased;
(b) consideration paid for the shares purchased;
(c) mode of the purchase;
(d) the date of cancellation or re-issuance of such shares;
(e) number of bonus shares issued in respect of treasury shares; and
(f) number and amount of treasury shares redeemed, if redeemable.

of level 3 on the standard scale and shall also be individually and severally liable
for any or all losses or damages arising out of such contravention.
REDUCTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
89. Reduction of share capital.—Subject to confirmation by the Court

a company limited by shares, if so authorised by its articles, may by special
resolution reduce its share capital in any way, namely—
(a) cancel any paid-up share capital which is lost or un-represented by

available assets;
(b) pay off any paid-up share capital which is in excess of the needs of
the company.
90. Objection by creditors and settlement of list of objecting

creditors.—(1) Where the proposed reduction of share capital involves the
payment to any shareholder of any paid-up share capital, and in any other case if
the Court so directs, every creditor of the company who is entitled to any debt or
claim, shall be entitled to object to the reduction.
(2) The Court shall settle a list of creditors so entitled to object, and for
that purpose shall ascertain, as far as possible without requiring an application from
any creditor, the names of those creditors and the nature and amount of their debts
or claims, and may publish notices fixing a period within which creditors not
31
Omitted words “either through a tender offer or” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021
dated 1st December, 2021.
63
entered on the list are to claim to be so entered or are to be excluded from the right
of objecting to the reduction.
91. Power to dispense with consent of creditor on security being

given for his debt.—Where a creditor entered on the list of creditors whose debt
or claim is not discharged or determined does not consent to the reduction, the Court
may, if it thinks fit, dispense with the consent of that creditor, on the company
securing payment of his debt or claim by appropriating as the Court may direct, the
following amount, that is to say-
(a) if the company admits the full amount of his debt or claim, or,
though not admitting it, is willing to provide for it, then the full
amount of the debt or claim; and
(b) if the company does not admit or is not willing to provide for the
full amount of the debt or claim, or if the amount is contingent or
not ascertained, then an amount fixed by the Court after the like
inquiry, and adjudication as if the company were being wound up
by the Court.
92. Order confirming reduction.—If the Court is satisfied with

respect to every creditor of the company who under this Act is entitled to object to
the reduction that either his consent to the reduction has been obtained or his debt
or claim has been discharged or has been determined or has been secured, the Court
may make an order confirming the reduction on such terms and conditions as it
thinks fit.
93. Registration of order of reduction.—(1) The registrar on the filing

with him of a certified copy of order of the Court confirming the reduction of the
share capital of the company, shall register the same.
(2) A resolution for reducing share capital as confirmed by an order of

the Court registered under sub-section (1) shall take effect on such registration and
not before.
(3) The registrar shall certify under his hand the registration of the order
and his certificate shall be conclusive evidence that all the requirements of this Act
with respect to reduction of share capital have been complied with, and that the
share capital of the company is such as is stated in the order.
94. Liability of members in respect of reduced shares.—(1) A
member of the company, past or present, shall not be liable in respect of any share
to any call or contribution exceeding in amount the difference, if any, between the
amount paid, or, as the case may be, the received amount, if any, which is to be
deemed to have been paid, on the share and the amount of the share as fixed by the
order:
Provided that, if any creditor, entitled in respect of any debt or claim to

object to the reduction of share capital, is, by reason of his ignorance of the
proceedings for reduction, or of their nature and effect with respect to his claim not
entered on the list of creditors, and, after the reduction, the company is unable,
64
within the meaning of the provisions of this Act with respect to winding up by the
Court, to pay the amount of his debt or claim, then—
(a) every person who was a member of the company at the date of the
registration of the order for reduction shall be liable to contribute for
the payment of that debt, or claim an amount not exceeding the
amount which he would have been liable to contribute if the
company had commenced to be wound up on the day before that
registration; and
(b) if the company is wound up, the Court on the application of any such
creditor and proof of his ignorance as aforesaid, may, if it thinks fit,
settle accordingly a list of persons so liable to contribute, and make
and enforce calls and orders on the contributories settled on the list
as if they were ordinary contributories in a winding up.
(2) Nothing in this section shall effect the rights of the contributories
among themselves.
95. Penalty on concealment of name of creditor.—If any officer of
the company conceals the name of any creditor entitled to object to the reduction,
or willfully misrepresents the nature or amount of the debt or claim of any creditor,
or if any officer of the company abets any such concealment or misrepresentation
as aforesaid, every such officer shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to five million rupees,
or with both.
96. Publication of reasons for reduction.—In the case of reduction of

share capital, the Court may require the company to publish in the manner specified
by the Court the reasons for reduction, or such other information in regard thereto
as the Court may think expedient with a view to giving proper information to the
public, and, if the Court thinks fit, the causes which led to the reduction.
97. Increase and reduction of share capital in case of a company

limited by guarantee having a share capital.—A company limited by guarantee
may, if it has a share capital and is so authorised by its articles, increase or reduce
its share capital in the same manner and on the same conditions subject to which a
company limited by shares may increase or reduce its share capital under the
provisions of this Act.
UNLIMITED LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
98. Limited company may have directors with unlimited liability.—

(1) In a limited company, the liability of the directors or of any director may, if so
provided by the memorandum, be unlimited.
(2) In a limited company in which the liability of any director is

unlimited, the directors of the company, if any, and the member who proposes a
person for election or appointment to the office of director, shall add to that proposal
a statement that the liability of the person holding that office will be unlimited and
the promoters and officers of the company, or one of them shall, before that person
accepts the office or acts therein, give him notice in writing that his liability will be
unlimited.
65
of level 1 on the standard scale and shall also be liable for any damage which the
person so elected or appointed may sustain from the default, but the liability of the
person elected or appointed shall not be affected by the default.
99. Special resolution of limited company making liability of
directors unlimited.—A limited company, if so authorised by its articles, may, by
special resolution, alter its memorandum so as to render unlimited the liability of
its directors or of any director:
Provided that an alteration of the memorandum making the liability of any

of the directors unlimited shall not apply, without his consent, to a director who was
holding the office from before the date of the alteration, until the expiry of the term
for which he was holding office on that date.
PART VI
REGISTRATION OF MORTGAGES, CHARGES, ETC.
100. Requirement to register a mortgage or charge.—(1) A company

that creates a mortgage or charge to which this section applies must file the
specified particulars of the mortgage or charge, together with a copy of the
instrument, if any, verified in the specified manner, by which the mortgage or
charge is created or evidenced, with the registrar for registration within a period of
thirty days beginning with the day after the date of its creation:
Provided that—
(a) in the case of a mortgage or charge created out of Pakistan

comprising solely property situated outside Pakistan, thirty days
after the date on which the instrument or copy could, in due course
of post, and if dispatched with due diligence, have been received in
Pakistan shall be substituted for thirty days after the date of the
creation of the mortgage or charge as the time within which the
particulars and instrument or copy are to be filed with the registrar;
and
(b) in case the mortgage or charge is created in Pakistan but comprises

property outside Pakistan, a copy of the instrument creating or
purporting to create the mortgage or charge verified in the specified
manner may be filed for registration notwithstanding that further
proceedings may be necessary to make the mortgage or charge valid
or effectual according to the law of the country in which the property
is situate:
Provided further that any subsequent registration of a mortgage or charge

shall not prejudice any right acquired in respect of any property before the
mortgage or charge is actually registered.
(2) This section applies to the following charges—
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(a) a mortgage or charge on any immovable property wherever situate,
or any interest therein; or
(b) a mortgage or charge for the purposes of securing any issue of

debentures;
(c) a mortgage or charge on book debts of the company;
(d) a floating charge on the undertaking or property of the company,

including stock-in-trade; or
(e) a charge on a ship or aircraft, or any share in a ship or aircraft;
(f) a charge on goodwill or on any intellectual property;
(g) a mortgage or charge or pledge, on any movable property of the

company;
(h) a mortgage or charge or other interest, based on agreement for the

issue of any instrument in the nature of redeemable capital; or
(i) a mortgage or charge or other interest, based on conditional sale

agreement, namely, lease financing, hire-purchase, sale and lease
back, and retention of title, for acquisition of machinery, equipment
or other goods:
Provided that where a negotiable instrument has been given to secure the
payment of any book debts of a company, the deposit of the instrument for the
purpose of securing an advance to the company shall not for the purpose of this
sub-section be treated as a mortgage or charge on those book debts.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this Act “charge” includes mortgage
or pledge.
(3) The registrar shall, on registration of a mortgage or charge under
sub-section (1) issue a certificate of registration under his signatures or
authenticated by his official seal in such form and in such manner as may be
specified.
(4) The provisions of this section relating to registration shall apply to

a company acquiring any property subject to a mortgage or charge.
(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time
being in force, no mortgage or charge created by a company shall be taken into
account by the liquidator or any other creditor unless it is duly registered under sub-
section (1) and a certificate of registration of such charge is given by the registrar
under sub-section (3).
(6) Nothing in sub-section (5) shall prejudice any contract or obligation

for repayment of the money thereby secured.
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(7) Where any mortgage or charge on any property or assets of a
company or any of its undertakings is registered under this section, any person
acquiring such property, assets, undertakings or part thereof or any share or interest
therein shall be deemed to have notice of the mortgage or charge from the date of
such registration.
101. Particulars in case of series of debentures entitling holders pari
passu.—Where a series of debentures containing, or giving by reference to any
other instrument, any charge to the benefit of which the debenture-holders of that
series are entitled pari passu is created by a company, it shall be sufficient for the
purposes of section 100 if there are filed with the registrar within thirty days after
the execution of the deed containing the charge or, if there is no such deed, after
the execution of any debentures of the series, the following particulars, namely—
(a) the total amount secured by the whole series;
(b) the dates of the resolutions authorising the issue of the series and the
date of the covering deed, if any, by which the security is created or
defined;
(c) a general description of the property charged; and
(d) the names of the trustees, if any, for the debenture-holders;
together with a copy of the deed verified in the specified manner containing the
charge:
Provided that, where more than one issue is made of debentures in the series,
there shall be filed with the registrar for entry in the register particulars of the date
and amount of each issue, but an omission to do this shall not affect the validity of
the debentures issued.
102. Register of charges to be kept by registrar.—(1) The registrar

shall, in respect of every company, keep a register containing particulars of the
charges registered under this Part in such form and in such manner as may be
specified.
(2) A register kept in pursuance of this section shall be open to

inspection by a person on payment of such fees as may be prescribed.
103. Index to register of mortgages and charges.—The registrar shall

keep a chronological index, in the form, containing such particulars, as may be
specified, of the mortgages or charges registered with him under the company law.
104. Endorsement of certificate of registration on debenture or

certificate of debenture stock.—The company shall cause a copy of every
certificate of registration given under section 100 to be endorsed on every debenture
or certificate of debenture stock which is issued by the company and the payment
of which is secured by the mortgage or charge so registered:
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Provided that in case the certificate of debenture or debenture stock is issued
in the book-entry form, appropriate disclosure in pursuance of this section shall be
made in the manner as may be specified:
Provided further that nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring

a company to cause a certificate of registration of any mortgage or charge so given,
to be endorsed on any debenture or certificate of debenture stock which has been
issued by the company before the mortgage or charge was created.
105. Duty of company and right of interested party as regards
registration.—(1) It shall be the duty of a company to file with the registrar for
registration the specified particulars of every mortgage or charge created by the
company and of the issue of debentures of a series, requiring registration under
section 100, but registration of any such mortgage or charge may be effected on the
application of any person interested therein.
(2) Where the registration is affected on the application of some person

other than the company, that person shall be entitled to recover from the company
the amount of any fees properly paid by him to the registrar on the registration.
106. Modification in the particulars of mortgage or charge.—
Whenever the terms or conditions or extent or operation of any mortgage or charge
registered under this Part are modified, it shall be the duty of the company to send
to the registrar the particulars of such modification together with a copy of the
instrument evidencing such modification verified in the specified manner, and the
provisions of this Part as to registration of mortgage or charge shall apply to such
modification of the mortgage or charge as aforesaid.
107. Copy of instrument creating mortgage or charge to be kept at

registered office.—Every company shall cause a copy of every instrument creating
any mortgage or charge requiring registration under this Part and of every
instrument evidencing modification of the terms or conditions thereof, to be kept at
the registered office of the company.
108. Rectification of register of mortgages.—(1) The Commission on

being satisfied that—
(a) the omission to file with the registrar the particulars of any mortgage
or charge or any modification therein within the time required by
section 100 or 101, as the case may be; or
(b) the omission or mis-statement of any particular with respect to any

such mortgage or charge;
was accidental or due to inadvertence or to some other sufficient cause, or is not of

a nature to prejudice the position of creditors or shareholders of the company, or
that on other grounds it is just and equitable to grant relief, may, on the application
of the company or any person interested and, on such terms and conditions as seem
to the Commission just and expedient, order that the time for filing the required
particulars be extended, or, as the case may be, that the omission or mis-statement
be rectified, and may make such order as to the costs of the application as it thinks
fit.
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(2) A copy of the order passed under this section duly certified by the
Commission or its authorised officer shall be forwarded to the concerned registrar
within seven days from the date of the order.
(3) Where the Commission extends the time for the registration of a
mortgage or charge, the order shall not prejudice any rights acquired in respect of
the property concerned prior to the time when the mortgage or charge is actually
registered.
109. Company to report satisfaction of charge.— (1) A company shall

give intimation to the registrar in the manner specified, of the payment or
satisfaction, in full, of any mortgage or charge created by it and registered under
this Part, within a period of thirty days from the date of such payment or
satisfaction.
(2) The registrar shall, on receipt of intimation under sub-section (1),

cause a notice to be sent to the holder of the mortgage or charge calling upon him
to show cause within such time not exceeding fourteen days, as may be specified
in such notice, as to why payment or satisfaction in full shall not be recorded as
intimated to the registrar, and if no cause is shown, by such holder of the mortgage
or charge, the registrar shall accept the memorandum of satisfaction and make an
entry in the register of charges kept by him under section 102:
Provided that the notice referred to in this sub-section shall not be required
if a no objection certificate on behalf of the holder of the mortgage or charge is
furnished, along with the intimation to be submitted under sub-section (1).
(3) If any cause is shown, the registrar shall record a note to that effect
in the register of charges and shall inform the company.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect the powers of the
registrar to make an entry in the register of charges under section 102 or otherwise
than on receipt of an intimation from the company.
(5) If a company fails to file the particulars of satisfaction of mortgage

or charge within the period specified under this section, the required particulars
may be submitted with the additional fee, as may be specified and imposing the
penalty as specified in this Part.
110. Power of registrar to make entries of satisfaction and release in

absence of intimation from company.—The registrar may, on evidence being
given to his satisfaction with respect to any registered charge-
(a) that the debt for which the charge was given has been paid or
satisfied in whole or in part; or
(b) that part of the property or undertaking charged has been released
from the charge or has ceased to form part of the company’s
property or undertaking;
70
enter in the register of charges a memorandum of satisfaction in whole or in part,
or of the fact that part of the property or undertaking has been released from the
charge or has ceased to form part of the company’s property or undertaking, as the
case may be, and inform the parties concerned, notwithstanding the fact that no
intimation has been received by him from the company.
111. Punishment for contravention.—Any violation of this Part shall

be an offence liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
112. Company’s register of mortgages and charges.—(1) Every

company shall maintain a register of mortgages and charges requiring registration
under this Part, in such form and in such manner as may be specified and any
violation under this section shall be an offence punishable under this Act.
(2) The register of charges maintained under this section and the copies
of instrument creating any mortgage and charge or modification thereof, kept in
pursuance of this part shall be open to inspection of-
(a) any member or creditor of the company without fee; and
(b) any other person on payment of such fee as may be fixed by the
company for each inspection.
(3) The refusal of inspection of the said copies or the register shall be
an offence under this section and any person guilty of an offence under this section
shall be liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale, and every officer of the
company who knowingly authorises or permits the refusal shall incur the like
penalty, and in addition to the above penalty, the registrar may by order compel an
immediate inspection of the copies or register.
(4) If any officer of the company authorises or permits the omission of
any entry required to be made in pursuance of sub-section (1), shall be liable to a
RECEIVERS AND MANAGERS
113. Registration of appointment of receiver or manager.—(1) Where
in order to ensure enforcement of security of a company’s property, a person
obtains an order for the appointment of a receiver or manager, or appoints such a
receiver or manager under any powers contained in any instrument, he shall within
seven days of the order or of the appointment under the powers contained in the
instrument, file a notice of the fact with the registrar.
(2) Where a person appointed as a receiver or manager under this

section ceases to act as such, the person who had obtained the order or appointed
such a receiver or manager pursuant to the powers contained in any instrument
shall on ceasing of the receiver or manager, give the registrar a notice to that effect
within seven days.
(3) The registrar shall enter the fact of which he is given notice under
this section in the register of mortgages and charges.
71
(4) Any violation of sub-sections (1) and (2) shall be an offence liable
to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
114. Filing of accounts of receiver or manager.—(1) Every receiver of
the property of a company who has been appointed under the powers contained in
any instrument, and who has taken possession, shall within thirty days of expiry of
every one hundred and eighty days while he remains in possession, and also within
thirty days on ceasing to act as receiver, file with the registrar an abstract in the
form specified of his receipts and payments during the period to which the abstract
relates, and shall also, within fifteen days of ceasing to act as receiver, file with the
registrar notice to that effect, and the registrar shall enter the notice in the register
of mortgages and charges.
(2) Where a receiver of the property of a company has been appointed,

every invoice, order for goods, or business letter issued by or on behalf of the
company or the receiver of the company, being a document on or in which the name
of the company appears, shall contain a statement that a receiver has been
appointed.
(3) The provisions of sub-sections (1) and (2) shall apply to any person
appointed to manage the property of a company under any powers contained in an
instrument in the same manner as they apply to a receiver so appointed.
(4) Any contravention or default of this section by the receiver, or

person appointed to manage the property of the company referred to sub-section
(3), shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
115. Disqualification for appointment as receiver or manager.—The

following shall not be appointed as a receiver or manager of the company’s
property, namely-
(a) a minor;
(b) a person who is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a

competent court;
(c) a body corporate; 
(d) a director of the company;
(e) an un-discharged insolvent unless he is granted leave by the court

by which he has been adjudged an insolvent; or
(f) a person disqualified by a Court from being concerned with or taking

part in the management of the company in any other way, unless he
is granted leave by the Court.
116. Application to Court.—(l) A receiver or manager of the company’s

property appointed under the powers contained in any instrument may apply to the
Court for directions in relation to any particular matter arising in connection with
the performance of his functions, and on any such application the Court may give
72
such direction, or may make such order declaring the rights of persons before the
Court, or otherwise, as the Court thinks just.
(2) A receiver or manager of the company’s property appointed as

aforesaid shall, to the same extent as if he had been appointed by order of a Court
be personally liable on any contract entered into by him in the performance of his
functions, except in so far as the contract otherwise provides, and entitled in respect
of that liability to indemnity out of the assets; but nothing in this sub-section shall
be deemed to limit any right to indemnity which he would have apart from this sub-
section, or to limit his liability on contracts entered into without authority or to
confer any right to indemnity in respect of that liability.
117. Power of Court to fix remuneration of receiver or manager.—

(1) The Court may, on an application made to it by the receiver or manager of the
property, by order fix the amount to be paid by way of remuneration to any person
who, under the power contained in an instrument, has been appointed as receiver
or manager of the company’s property:
Provided that the amount of remuneration shall not exceed such limits as
may be specified.
(2) The power of the Court under sub-section (1) shall, where no
previous order has been made with respect thereto—
(a) extend to fixing the remuneration for any period before the making
of the order or the application therefore;
(b) be exercisable notwithstanding that the receiver or manager had died

or ceased to act before the making of the order or the application
therefore; and  
(c) where the receiver or manager has been paid or has retained for his
remuneration for any period before the making of the order any
amount in excess of that so fixed for that period, extend to requiring
him or his representative to account for the excess or such part
thereof as may be specified in the order:  
Provided that the power conferred by clause (c) shall not be exercised as
respects any period before the making of the application or the order unless in the
opinion of the Court there are special circumstances making it proper for the
power to be so exercised.
(3) The Court may from time to time, on an application made either by
the liquidator or by the receiver or manager, or by the registrar, vary or amend an
order made under sub-section (1) and issue directions to the receiver respecting his
duties and functions or any other matter as it may deem expedient:
Provided that an order made under sub-section (1) shall not be varied so as
to increase the amount of remuneration payable to any person.
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PART VII
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
118. Members of a company.—The subscribers to the memorandum of

association are deemed to have agreed to become members of the company and
become members on its registration and every other person-
(a) to whom is allotted, or who becomes the holder of any class or kind
of shares; or
(b) in relation to a company not having a share capital, any person who
has agreed to become a member of the company;
and whose names are entered; in the register of members, are members of the
company.
REGISTER AND INDEX OF MEMBERS
119. Register of members.— (1) Every company shall keep a register of

its members and any contravention or default in complying with requirement of this
section shall be an offence punishable under this Act.
(2) There must be entered in the register such particulars of each

member as may be specified.
(3) In the case of joint holders of shares or stock in a company, the

company’s register of members shall state the names of each joint holder. In other
respects joint holders shall be regarded for the purposes of this Part as a single
member and the address of the person named first shall be entered in the register:

120. Index of members.—(1) Every company having more than fifty
members shall keep an index of the names of the members of the company, unless
the register of members is in such a form as to constitute in itself an index.
(2) The company shall make any necessary alteration in the index
within fourteen days after the date on which any alteration is made in the register
of members.
(3) The index shall contain, in respect of each member, a sufficient

indication to enable the account of that member in the register to be readily found.

121. Trust not to be entered on register.—No notice of any trust,
expressed, implied or constructive, shall be entered on the register of members of a
company, or be receivable by the registrar.
74
122. Register of debenture-holders.—(1) Every company shall keep a
register of its debenture-holders and any contravention or default in complying with
requirement of this section shall be an offence punishable under this Act.
(2) There must be entered in the register such particulars of each

debenture-holder as may be specified.
(3) 32
[…]

123. Index of debenture-holders.—(1) Every company having more

than fifty debenture-holders shall keep an index of the names of the debenture-
holders of the company, unless the register of debenture-holders is in such a form
as to constitute in itself an index and any contravention or default in complying
with requirement of this section shall be an offence punishable under this Act.
(2) The company shall make any necessary alteration in the index
within fourteen days after the date on which any alteration is made in the register
of debenture-holders.
(3) The index shall contain, in respect of each debenture-holder, a

sufficient indication to enable the account of that debenture-holder in the register
to be readily found.

33
[123A. Record of ultimate beneficial owner.—(1) A company
shall maintain information of its ultimate beneficial owners in such form and
manner, within such period and obtain such declaration from its members as may
be specified.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section, the term “ultimate beneficial
owner” means a natural person who ultimately owns or controls a company,
whether directly or indirectly, through at least twenty five percent shares or voting
rights or by exercising effective control in that company through such other means,
(2) Every company shall, in such form and manner as may be specified,
maintain a register of its ultimate beneficial owners and shall timely record their
accurate and updated particulars, including any change therein, and provide a
declaration to this effect to the registrar and where any government is a member of
32
Omitted vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020 dated 26 th August, 2020. The omitted sub-
(3) “This section shall not apply with respect to debentures which, ex facie, are payable
to the bearer thereof.”
33
Inserted vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020 dated 26 th August, 2020.
75
a company such particulars of the relevant government shall be entered in the
register of ultimate beneficial owners in the specified manner.
(3) Any contravention or default in complying with requirement of this
section shall be liable in case of,—
(a) a director or officer of the company or any other person, to a penalty
which may extend to one million rupees; and
(b) the company, to a penalty which may extend to ten million rupees.]
124. Rights to inspect and require copies.—(1) The registers and the
index referred to in sections 119, 120, 122 and 123 shall, be open to the inspection
of members or debentures-holders during business hours, subject to such
reasonable restrictions, as the company may impose, so that not less than two hours
in each day be allowed.
(2) Inspection by any member or debenture-holder of the company shall

be without charge, and in the case of any other person on payment of such fee as
may be fixed by the company for each inspection.
(3) Any person may require a certified copy of register and index or any
part thereof, on payment of such fee as may be fixed by the company.
(4) The certified copies requested under this section shall be issued
within a period of seven days, exclusive of the days on which the transfer book of
the company is closed.
(5) A person seeking to exercise either of the rights conferred by this
section must make a request to the company to that effect.
(6) The request must contain the following information—
(a) in the case of an individual, his name and address;
(b) in the case of an organisation, its name and address and also of the
authorised person; and
(c) the purpose for which the information is to be used.
(7) Any refusal of inspection required under sub-section (1), or if any

copy required under sub-section (3) is not issued within the specified period shall
be an offence and any person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable
to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale; and the registrar may by an order
compel an immediate inspection of the register and index or direct that copies
required shall be sent to the persons requiring them.
125. Power to close register. — (1) A company may, on giving not less
than seven days' previous notice close its register of members, or the part of it
relating to members holding shares of any class, for any period or periods not
exceeding in the whole thirty days in each year:
Provided that the Commission may, on the application of the company

extend the period mentioned in sub-section (1), for a further period of fifteen days.
76
(2) In the case of listed company, notice for the purposes of sub-section
(1), must be given by advertisement in English and Urdu languages at least in one
issue each of a daily newspaper of respective language having wide circulation.
(3) The provision of this section shall also apply for the purpose of
closure of register of debenture-holders of a company.
section shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 2 on the standard scale.
126. Power of Court to rectify register.—(1) If—
(a) the name of any person is fraudulently or without sufficient cause

entered in or omitted from the register of members or register of
debenture-holders of a company; or
(b) default is made or unnecessary delay takes place in entering on the

register of members or register of debenture-holders the fact of the
person having become or ceased to be a member or debenture-
holder;
the person aggrieved, or any member or debenture-holder of the company, or the

company, may apply to the Court for rectification of the register.
(2) The Court may either refuse the application or may order
rectification of the register on payment by the company of any damages sustained
by any party aggrieved, and may make such order as to costs as it in its discretion
thinks fit.
(3) On any application under sub-section (1) the Court may decide any
question relating to the title of any person who is a party to the application to have
his name entered in or omitted from the register, whether the question arises
between members or debenture-holders or alleged members or debenture-holders,
or between members or alleged members, or debenture-holders or alleged
debenture-holders, on the one hand and the company on the other hand; and
generally may decide any question which it is necessary or expedient to decide for
rectification of the register.
(4) Where the Court has passed an order under sub-section (3) that
prima facie entry in or omission from, the register of members or the register of
debenture-holders the name or other particulars of any person, was made
fraudulently or without sufficient cause, the Court may send a reference for
adjudication of offence under section 127 to the court as provided under section
482.
127. Punishment for fraudulent entries in and omission from

register.—Anyone who fraudulently or without sufficient cause enters in, or omits
from the register of members or the register of debenture-holders the name or other
particulars of any person, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to one million rupees, or
with both.
77
128. Notice to registrar of rectification of register.—When it makes an
order for rectification of the register of members in respect of a company which is
required by this Act to file a list of its members with the registrar, the Court shall
cause a copy of the order to be forwarded to the company and shall, by its order,
direct the company to file notice of the rectification with the registrar within fifteen
days from the receipt of the order.
129. Register to be evidence.—The registers referred to in sections 119

and 122 shall be prima facie evidence of any matter which by this Act is directed
or authorised to be inserted therein.
130. Annual return.—(1) Every company having a share capital shall,

once in each year, prepare and file with the registrar an annual return containing the
particulars in a specified form as on the date of the annual general meeting or, where
no such meeting is held or if held is not concluded, on the last day of the calendar
year.
(2) A company not having a share capital shall in each year prepare and
file with the registrar a return containing the particulars in a specified form as on
the date of the annual general meeting or, where no such meeting is held or if held
is not concluded, on the last day of the calendar year.
(3) The return referred to in sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall be
filed with the registrar within thirty days from the date of the annual general
meeting held in the year or, when no such meeting is held or if held is not
concluded, from the last day of the calendar year to which it relates:
Provided that, in the case of a listed company, the registrar may for special
reasons extend the period of filing of such return by a period not exceeding fifteen
days.
(4) All the particulars required to be submitted under sub-section (1)
and sub-section (2) shall have been previously entered in one or more registers kept
by the company for the purpose.
(5) Nothing in this section shall apply to a company, in case there is no
change of particulars in the last annual return filed with the registrar:
Provided that a company, other than a single member company or a private
company having paid up capital of not more than three million rupees, shall inform
the registrar in a specified manner that there is no change of particulars in the last
annual return filed with the registrar.
section shall be an offence liable—
(a) in case of a listed company, to a penalty of level 2 on the standard
scale; and
(b) in case of any other company, to a penalty of level 1 on the standard

scale.
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MEETINGS AND PROCEEDINGS
131. Statutory meeting of company.—(1) Every public company

having a share capital shall, within a period of one hundred and eighty days from
the date at which the company is entitled to commence business or within nine
months from the date of its incorporation whichever is earlier, hold a general
meeting of the members of the company, to be called the “statutory meeting”:
Provided that in case first annual general meeting of a company is decided

to be held earlier, no statutory meeting shall be required.
(2) The notice of a statutory meeting shall be sent to the members at
least twenty-one days before the date fixed for the meeting along with a copy of
statutory report.
(3) The statutory report shall state—

(a) the total number of shares allotted, distinguishing shares allotted
other than in cash, and stating the consideration for which they have
been allotted;
(b) the total amount of cash received by the company in respect of all
the shares allotted;
(c) an abstract of the receipts of the company and of the payments made
there out up to a date within fifteen days of the date of the report,
exhibiting under distinctive headings the receipts of the company
from shares and debentures and other sources, the payments made
there out, and particulars concerning the balance remaining in hand,
and an account or estimate of the preliminary expenses of the
company showing separately any commission or discount paid or to
be paid on the issue or sale of shares or debentures;
(d) the names, addresses and occupations of the directors, chief

executive, secretary, auditors and legal advisers of the company and
the changes, if any, which have occurred since the date of the
incorporation;
(e) the particulars of any contract the modification of which is to be

submitted to the meeting for its approval, together with the
particulars of the modification or proposed modification;
(f) the extent to which underwriting contracts, if any, have been carried
out and the extent to which such contracts have not been carried out,
together with the reasons for their not having been carried out; and
(g) the particulars of any commission or brokerage paid or to be paid in

connection with the issue or sale of shares to any director, chief
executive, secretary or officer or to a private company of which he
is a director;
79
and certified by the chief executive and at least one director of the company, and in
case of a listed company also by the chief financial officer.
(4) The statutory report shall also contain a brief account of the state of
the company's affairs since its incorporation and the business plan, including any
change or proposed change affecting the interest of shareholders and business
prospects of the company.
(5) The statutory report shall, so far as it relates to the shares allotted by
the company, the cash received in respect of such shares and to the receipts and
payments of the company, be accompanied by a report of the auditors of the
company as to the correctness of such allotment, receipt of cash, receipts and
payments.
(6) The directors shall cause a copy of the statutory report, along with
report of the auditors as aforesaid, to be delivered to the registrar for registration
forthwith after sending the report to the members of the company.
(7) The directors shall cause a list showing the names, occupations,
nationality and addresses of the members of the company, and the number of shares
held by them respectively, to be produced at the commencement of the meeting and
to remain open and accessible to any member of the company during the
continuance of the meeting.
(8) The members of the company present at the meeting shall be at
liberty to discuss any matter relating to the formation of the company or arising out
of the statutory report, whether previous notice has been given or not, but no
resolution of which notice has not been given in accordance with the articles may
be passed.
(9) The meeting may adjourn from time to time, and at any adjourned
meeting any resolution of which notice has been given in accordance with the
articles, either before or after the original meeting, may be passed, and an adjourned
meeting shall have the same powers as an original meeting.
(10) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a public company
which converts itself from a private company after one year of incorporation.
scale; and

scale.
132. Annual general meeting.—(1) Every company, shall hold, an

annual general meeting within sixteen months from the date of its incorporation
and thereafter once in every calendar year within a period of one hundred and
twenty days following the close of its financial year:
80
Provided that, in the case of a listed company, the Commission, and, in any
other case, the registrar, may for any special reason extend the time within which
any annual general meeting, shall be held by a period not exceeding thirty days.
(2) An annual general meeting shall, in the case of a listed company, be

held in the town in which the registered office of the company is situate or in a
nearest city:
Provided that at least seven days prior to the date of meeting, on the demand
of members residing in a city who hold at least ten percent of the total paid up
capital or such other percentage as may be specified, a listed company must provide
the facility of video- link to such members enabling them to participate in its annual
general meeting.
(3) The notice of an annual general meeting shall be sent to the members
and every person who is entitled to receive notice of general meetings at least
twenty-one days before the date fixed for the meeting:
Provided that in case of a listed company, such notice shall be sent to the
Commission, in addition to its being dispatched in the normal course to members
and the notice shall also be published in English and Urdu languages at least in
one issue each of a daily newspaper of respective language having nationwide
circulation.
(4) Nothing in this section shall apply to a single member company.

scale; and

scale.
133. Calling of extra-ordinary general meeting.—(1) All general

meetings of a company, other than the annual general meeting referred to in section
132 and the statutory meeting mentioned in section 131, shall be called extra-
ordinary general meetings.
(2) The board may at any time call an extra-ordinary general meeting of
the company to consider any matter which requires the approval of the company in
a general meeting.
(3) The board shall, at the requisition made by the members—
(a) in case of a company having share capital, representing not less than
one-tenth of the total voting power as on the date of deposit of
requisition; and
81
(b) in case of a company not having share capital, not less than one-
tenth of the total members;
forthwith proceed to call an extraordinary general meeting.
(4) The requisition shall state the objects of the meeting, be signed by
the requisitionists and deposited at the registered office of the company.
(5) If the board does not proceed within twenty-one days from the date
of the requisition being so deposited to cause a meeting to be called, the
requisitionists, may themselves call the meeting, but in either case any meeting so
called shall be held within ninety days from the date of the deposit of the
requisition.
(6) Any meeting called under sub-section (5) by the requisitionists shall
be called in the same manner, as nearly as possible, as that in which meetings are
to be called by board.
(7) Any reasonable expenses incurred by the requisitionists in calling a

meeting under sub-section (5) shall be re-imbursed to the requisitionists by the
company and the sums so paid shall be deducted from any fee or other remuneration
payable to such of the directors who were in default in calling the meeting.
(8) Notice of an extra-ordinary general meeting shall be served to the

members in the manner provided for in section 55:
Provided that in case of a company other than listed, if all the members
entitled to attend and vote at any extraordinary general meeting so agree, a meeting
may be held at a shorter notice.

(a) in case of a listed company, to a penalty of level 2 on the standard scale;
and

scale.
134. Provisions as to meetings and votes.—(1) The following

provisions shall apply to the general meetings of a company or meetings of a class
of members of the company, namely:
(a) notice of the meeting specifying the place and the day and hour of
the meeting alongwith a statement of the business to be transacted
at the meeting shall be given—
(i) to every member or class of the members of the company as

the case may be;
(ii) to every director;
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(iii) to any person who is entitled to a share in consequence of
the death or bankruptcy of a member, if the company has
been notified of his entitlement;
(iv) to the auditors of the company;
in the manner in which notices are required to be served by section

55, but the accidental omission to give notice to, or the non-receipt
of notice by, any member shall not invalidate the proceedings at any
meeting;
(b) in case of a listed company, if certain members who hold ten percent
of the total paid up capital or such other percentage as may be
specified, reside in a city, it shall be mentioned in the notice that
such members, may demand the company to provide them the
facility of video-link for attending the meeting.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), in the case of an annual general
meeting, all the businesses to be transacted shall be deemed special, other than-
(a) the consideration of financial statements and the reports of the board
and auditors;
(b) the declaration of any dividend;
(c) the election and appointment of directors in place of those retiring;

and
(d) the appointment of the auditors and fixation of their remuneration.
(3) Where any special business is to be transacted at a general meeting,

there shall be annexed to the notice of the meeting a statement setting out all
material facts concerning such business, including, in particular, the nature and
extent of the interest, if any, therein of every director, whether directly or indirectly,
and, where any item of business consists of the according of an approval to any
document by the meeting, the time when and the place where the document may be
inspected, shall be specified in the statement.
(4) Members of a company may participate in the meeting personally,

through video-link or by proxy.
(5) The chairman of the board, if any, shall preside as chairman at every
general meeting of the company, but if there is no such chairman, or if at any
meeting he is not present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding
the meeting, or is unwilling to act as chairman, any one of the directors present may
be elected to be chairman, and if none of the directors is present or is unwilling to
act as chairman the members present shall choose one of their member to be the
chairman.
83
(6) In the case of a company having a share capital, every member shall
have votes proportionate to the paid-up value of the shares or other securities
carrying voting rights held by him according to the entitlement of the class of such
shares or securities, as the case may be:
Provided that, at the time of voting, fractional votes shall not be taken into
account.
(7) No member holding shares or other securities carrying voting rights

shall be debarred from casting his vote, nor shall anything contained in the articles
have the effect of so debarring him.
(8) In the case of a company limited by guarantee and having no share

capital, every member thereof shall have one vote.
(9) On a poll, votes may be given either personally or through video-

link or by proxy or through postal ballot in a manner and subject to the conditions
(10) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Commission

shall have the power to notify any business requiring the approval of the members
shall only be transacted through postal ballot for any company or class of
companies.
(11) All the requirements of this Act regarding calling of, holding and
approval in general meeting, board meeting and election of directors in case of a
single member company, shall be deemed complied with; if the decision is recorded
in the relevant minutes book and signed by the sole member or sole director as the
case may be.

scale; and

scale.
135. Quorum of general meeting.—(1) The quorum of a general

meeting shall be—
(a) in the case of a public listed company, unless the articles provide for
a larger number, not less than ten members present personally, or
through video-link who represent not less than twenty-five percent
of the total voting power, either of their own account or as proxies;
(b) in the case of any other company having share capital, unless the
articles provide for a larger number, two members present
personally, or through video-link who represent not less than
84
twenty-five percent of the total voting power, either of their own
account or as proxies;
(c) in the case of a company not having share capital, as provided in the
articles:
Provided that, if within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting
a quorum is not present, the meeting, if called upon the requisition of members,
shall be dissolved; in any other case, it shall stand adjourned to the same day in the
next week at the same time and place, and, if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is
not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, the
members present personally or through video-link being not less than two shall be
a quorum, unless the articles provide otherwise.

scale; and

scale.
136. Power of the Court to declare the proceedings of a general

meeting invalid.—The Court may, on a petition, by members having not less than
ten percent of the voting power in the company, that the proceedings of a general
meeting be declared invalid by reason of a material defect or omission in the notice
or irregularity in the proceedings of the meeting, which prevented members from
using effectively their rights, declare such proceedings or part thereof invalid and
direct holding of a fresh general meeting:
Provided that the petition shall be made within thirty days of the impugned
meeting.
137. Proxies.—(1) A member of a company entitled to attend and vote

at a meeting of the company may appoint another person as his proxy to exercise
all or any of his rights to attend, speak and vote at a meeting:
Provided that—
(a) unless the articles of a company otherwise provide, this sub-section

shall not apply in the case of a company not having a share capital;
(b) a member shall not be entitled to appoint more than one proxy to
attend any one meeting;
(c) if any member appoints more than one proxy for any one meeting
and more than one instruments of proxy are deposited with the
company, all such instruments of proxy shall be rendered invalid;
and
85
(d) a proxy must be a member unless the articles of the company permit
appointment of a non-member as proxy.
(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), every notice of a

meeting of a company shall prominently set out the member's right to appoint a
proxy and the right of such proxy to attend, speak and vote in the place of the
member at the meeting and every such notice shall be accompanied by a proxy
form.
(3) The instrument appointing a proxy shall—
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be signed by the appointer or his attorney duly authorised in writing,

or if the appointer is a body corporate, 34[…] be signed by an officer
or an attorney duly authorised by it.
(4) An instrument appointing a proxy, if in the form set out in

Regulation 43 of Table A in the First Schedule shall not be questioned on the
ground that it fails to comply with any special requirements specified for such
instruments by the articles.
(5) The proxies must be lodged with the company not later than forty-
eight hours before the time for holding a meeting and any provision to the contrary
in the company's articles shall be void.
(6) In calculating the period mentioned in sub-section (5), no account

shall be taken of any part of the day that is not a working day.
(7) The members or their proxies shall be entitled to do any or all the
following things in a general meeting, namely—
(a) subject to the provisions of section 143, demand a poll on any

question; and
(b) on a question before the meeting in which poll is demanded, to

abstain from voting or not to exercise their full voting rights;
and any provision to the contrary in the articles shall be void.
(8) Every member entitled to vote at a meeting of the company shall be

entitled to inspect during the business hours of the company all proxies lodged with
the company.
34
Omitted words “be under its seal or” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st
December, 2021.
86
(9) The provisions of this section shall apply mutatis mutandis to the
meeting of a particular class of members as they apply to a general meeting of all
the members.
(10) Failure to issue notices in time or issuing notices with material

defect or omission or any other contravention of this section which has the effect of
preventing participation or use of full rights by a member or his proxy shall make
the company and its every officer who is a party to the default or contravention
liable to—
(a) a penalty of level 2 on the standard scale if the default relates to a

listed company; and
(b) to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale if the default relates to

any other company.
138. Representation of body corporate or corporation at meetings.—

(1) A body corporate or corporation (whether or not a company within the meaning
of this Act) which is a member of another company may, by resolution of its board
or other governing body authorise an individual to act as its representative at any
meeting of that other company, and the individual so authorised shall be entitled to
exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which he represents.
(2) A body corporate or corporation (whether or not a company within

the meaning of this Act) which is a creditor of another company may, by resolution
of its board or other governing body authorise an individual to act as its
representative at any meeting of the creditors of that other company held in
pursuance of this Act or any other meeting to which it is entitled to attend in
pursuance of the provisions contained in any instrument and the person so
authorised shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation
which he represents.
139. Representation of Federal Government at meetings of

companies.—(1) The concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government,
or as the case may be, a Provincial Government, as the case may be, if a member
of a company, may appoint such individual as it thinks fit to act as its representative
at any meeting of the company or at any meeting of any class of members of the
company.
(2) An individual appointed to act as aforesaid shall, for the purpose of

this Act, be deemed to be a member of such a company and shall be entitled to
exercise the same rights and powers, including the right to appoint proxy, as the
concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government or as the case may be,
the Provincial Government, as the case may be, may exercise as a member of the
company.
140. Notice of resolution.—(1) The notice of a general meeting of a

company shall state the general nature of each business proposed to be considered
and dealt with at a meeting, and in case of special resolution, accompanied by the
draft resolution.
87
(2) The members having not less than 35[five] percent voting power in
the company may give notice of a resolution and such resolution together with the
supporting statement, if any, which they propose to be considered at the meeting,
shall be forwarded so as to reach the company—
(a) in the case of a meeting requisitioned by the members, together with
the requisition for the meeting;
(b) in any other case, at least ten days before the meeting; and the
company shall forthwith circulate such resolution to all the
members.

scale; and

scale.
141. Voting to be by show of hands in first instance.—At any general

meeting, a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall, unless a poll is demanded,
be decided on a show of hands.
142. Declaration by chairman on a show of hands.—(1) On a vote on

a resolution at a meeting on a show of hands, a declaration by the chairman that the
resolution—
(a) has or has not been passed; or
(b) passed unanimously or by a particular majority;
is conclusive evidence of that fact without proof of the number or proportion of the
votes recorded in favour of or against the resolution.
(2) An entry in respect of such a declaration in minutes of the meeting
recorded in accordance with section 151 is also conclusive evidence of that fact
without such proof.
143. Demand for poll.—(1) Before or on the declaration of the result of
the voting on any resolution on a show of hands, a poll may be ordered to be taken
by the chairman of the meeting of his own motion, and shall be ordered to be taken
by him on a demand made in that behalf by the members present in person or
through video-link or by proxy, where allowed, and having not less than one-tenth
of the total voting power.
(2) The demand for a poll may be withdrawn at any time by the
members who made the demand.
144. Poll through secret ballot.—Notwithstanding anything contained
35
Substituted word “ten” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
88
in this Act, when a poll is demanded on any resolution, it may be ordered to be
taken by the chairman of the meeting by secret ballot of his own motion, and shall
be ordered to be taken by him on a demand made in that behalf by the members
present in person, through video-link or by proxy, where allowed, and having not
less than one-tenth of the total voting power.
145. Time of taking poll.—(1) A poll demanded on the election of a

chairman or on a question of adjournment shall be taken forthwith and a poll
demanded on any other question shall be taken at such time, not more than fourteen
days from the day on which it is demanded, as the chairman of the meeting may
direct.
(2) When a poll is taken, the chairman or his nominee and a
representative of the members demanding the poll shall scrutinize the votes given
on the poll and the result shall be announced by the chairman.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the chairman shall have power
to regulate the manner in which a poll shall be taken.
(4) The result of the poll shall be deemed to be the decision of the
meeting on the resolution on which the poll was taken.
146. Resolutions passed at adjourned meeting.—Where a resolution is

passed at an adjourned meeting of—
(a) a company;
(b) the holders of any class of shares in a company;
(c) the board; or
(d) the creditors of a company;
the resolution shall, for all purposes, be treated as having been passed on the date
on which it was in fact passed, and shall not be deemed to have been passed on any
earlier date.
147. Power of Commission to call meetings.—(1) If default is made in

holding the statutory meeting, annual general meeting or any extraordinary general
meeting in accordance with sections 131, 132 or 133, as the case may be, the
Commission may, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in the articles
of the company, either of its own motion or on the application of any director or
member of the company, call, or direct the calling of, the said meeting of the
company in such manner as the Commission may think fit, and give such ancillary
or consequential directions as the Commission thinks expedient in relation to the
calling, holding and conducting of the meeting and preparation of any document
required with respect to the meeting.
Explanation.—The directions that may be given under sub-section (1) may

include a direction that one member of the company present in person or by proxy
shall be deemed to constitute a meeting.
89
(2) Any meeting called, held and conducted in accordance with any
such direction shall, for all purposes, be deemed to be a meeting of the company
duly called, held and conducted, and all expenses incurred in connection thereto
shall be paid by the company unless the Commission directs the same to be
recovered from any officer of the company which he is hereby authorised to do.
148. Punishment for default in complying with provisions of section

147.—If any person makes default in holding a meeting of the company in
accordance with section 147 or in complying with any directions of the
Commission, shall be liable to a penalty of level 3 on the standard scale.
149. Passing of resolution by the members through circulation.—(1)

Except for the businesses specified under sub-section (2) of section 134 to be
conducted in the annual general meeting, the members of a private company or a
public unlisted company (having not more than fifty members), may pass a
resolution (ordinary or special) by circulation signed by all the members for the
time being entitled to receive notice of a meeting.
(2) Any resolution passed under sub-section (1), shall be as valid and
effectual as if it had been passed at a general meeting of the company duly convened
and held.
(3) A resolution shall not be deemed to have been duly passed, unless
the resolution has been circulated, together with the necessary papers, if any, to all
the members.
(4) A members’ agreement to a written resolution, passed by

circulation, once signified, may not be revoked.
(5) A resolution under sub-section (1) shall be noted at subsequent

meeting of the members and made part of the minutes of such meeting.
150. Filing of resolution.—(1) Every special resolution passed by a

company shall, within fifteen days from the passing thereof, be filed with the
registrar duly authenticated by a director or secretary of the company.
(2) Where articles have been registered, a copy of every special

resolution for the time being in force shall be embodied in or annexed to every copy
of the articles issued after the date of the resolution.
(3) A copy of every special resolution shall be forwarded to any member

at his request on payment of such fee not exceeding the amount as the company
may determine.

151. Records of resolutions and meetings.—(1) Every company shall

keep records of—
90
(a) copies of all resolutions of members passed otherwise than at
general meetings; and
(b) minutes of all proceedings of general meetings along with the names
of participants, to be entered in properly maintained books;
(2) Minutes recorded in accordance with sub-section (1), if purporting

to be authenticated by the chairman of the meeting or by the chairman of the next
meeting, shall be the evidence of the proceedings at the meeting.
(3) Until the contrary is proved, every general meeting of the company
in respect of the proceedings whereof minutes have been so made shall be deemed
to have been duly called, held and conducted.
(4) The records must be kept at the registered office of the company
from the date of the resolution, meeting or decision simultaneously in physical and
electronic form and it shall be preserved for at least twenty years in physical form
and permanently in electronic form.
152. Inspection of records of resolutions and meetings.—(1) The
books containing the minutes of proceedings of the general meetings shall be open
to inspection by members without charge during business hours, subject to such
reasonable restrictions as the company may by its articles or in general meeting
impose so that not less than two hours in each day be allowed for inspection.
(2) Any member shall at any time after seven days from the meeting be
entitled to be furnished, within seven days after he has made a request in that behalf
to the company, with a certified copy of the minutes of any general meeting at such
charge not exceeding the amount as may be fixed by the company.
(3) If any inspection required under sub-section (1) is refused, or if any

copy required under sub-section (2) is not furnished within the time specified
therein, the person guilty of an offence shall be liable to a penalty of level 1 on the
standard scale, and the registrar may direct immediate inspection or supply of copy,
as the case may be.
APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
153. Ineligibility of certain persons to become director.—A person

shall not be eligible for appointment as a director of a company, if he —
(a) is a minor;
(b) is of unsound mind;
(c) has applied to be adjudicated as an insolvent and his application is

pending;
(d) is an undischarged insolvent;
91
(e) has been convicted by a court of law for an offence involving moral
turpitude;
(f) has been debarred from holding such office under any provision of
this Act;
(g) is lacking fiduciary behaviour and a declaration to this effect has

been made by the Court under section 212 at any time during the
preceding five years;
(h) does not hold National Tax Number as per the provisions of Income
Tax Ordinance, 2001 (XLIX of 2001):
Provided that the Commission may grant exemption from

the requirement of this clause as may be notified;
(i) is not a member:
Provided that clause (i) shall not apply in the case of,—
(i) a person representing a member which is not a natural

person;
(ii) a whole-time director who is an employee of the company;
(iii) a chief executive; or
(iv) a person representing a creditor or other special interests by

virtue of contractual arrangements;
(j) has been declared by a court of competent jurisdiction as defaulter

in repayment of loan to a financial institution;
(k) is engaged in the business of brokerage, or is a spouse of such

person or is a sponsor, director or officer of a corporate brokerage
house:
Provided that clauses (j) and (k) shall be applicable only in

case of listed companies.
154. Minimum number of directors of a company.—(1)

Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
(a) a single member company shall have at least one director;
(b) every other private company shall have not less than two directors;
(c) a public company other than a listed company shall have not less
than three directors; and
92
(d) a listed company shall have not less than seven directors:
Provided that public interest companies shall be

required to have female representation on their board as may
be specified by the Commission.
(2) Only a natural person shall be a director.
155. Number of directorships.—(1) No person shall, after the

commencement of this Act, hold office as a director, including as an alternate
director at the same time, in more than such number of companies as may be
specified:
Provided that this limit shall not include the directorships in a listed
subsidiary.
(2) A person holding the position of director in more than seven

companies on the commencement of this Act shall ensure the compliance of this
section within one year of such commencement.
(3) Any casual vacancy on the board of a listed company shall be filled
up by the directors at the earliest but not later than ninety days from the date, the
vacancy occurred.
156. Compliance with the Code of Corporate Governance.—The

Commission may provide for framework to ensure good corporate governance
practices, compliance and matters incidental and axillary for companies or class of
companies in a manner as may be specified.
157. First directors and their term.—(1) The number of directors and
the names of the first directors shall be determined by the subscribers of the
memorandum and their particulars specified under section 197 shall be submitted
along with the documents for the incorporation of the company.
(2) The number of first directors may be increased by appointing

additional directors by the members in a general meeting. The first directors shall
hold office until the election of directors in the first annual general meeting of the
company.
158. Retirement of first and subsequent directors.—(1) All directors

of the company—
(a) on the date of first annual general meeting; or
(b) in case of subsequent directors on expiry of term of office of

directors mentioned in section 161,
shall stand retired from office and the directors so retiring shall continue to perform
their functions until their successors are elected.
93
(2) The directors so continuing to perform their functions shall take
immediate steps to hold the election of directors and in case of any impediment
report such circumstances to the registrar within forty-five days before the due date
of the annual general meeting or extra ordinary general meeting, as the case may
be, in which elections are to be held:
Provided that the holding of annual general meeting or extra ordinary
general meeting, as the case may be, shall not be delayed for more than ninety days
from the due date of the meeting or such extended time as may be allowed by the
registrar, for reasons to be recorded, only in case of exceptional circumstances
beyond the control of the directors, or in compliance of any order of the court.
(3) The registrar, may on expiry of period as provided in sub-section
(2), either—
(a) on its own motion; or
(b) on the representation of the members holding not less than one tenth
of the total voting powers in a company having share capital; or
(c) on the representation of the members holding not less than one tenth
of the total members of the company not having share capital of the
company,
directs the company to hold annual general meeting or extra ordinary general
meeting for the election of directors on such date and time as may be specified in
the order.
(4) Any officer of the company or any other person who fails to comply
with the direction given under sub-section (3) shall be guilty of an offence liable to
a fine of level 2 on the standard scale.
159. Procedure for election of directors.—(1) Subject to the provision
of section 154, the existing directors of a company shall fix the number of directors
to be elected in the general meeting, not later than thirty-five days before convening
of such meeting and the number of directors so fixed shall not be changed except
with the prior approval of the general meeting in which election is to be held.
(2) The notice of the meeting at which directors are proposed to be

elected shall among other matters, expressly state—
(a) the number of directors fixed under sub-section (1); and
(b) the names of the retiring directors.  
(3) Any member who seeks to contest an election to the office of

director shall, whether he is a retiring director or otherwise, file with the company,
not later than fourteen days before the date of the meeting at which elections are to
be held, a notice of his intention to offer himself for election as a director:
Provided that any such person may, at any time before the holding of
election, withdraw such notice.
(4) All notices received by the company in pursuance of sub-section (3)

shall be transmitted to the members not later than seven days before the date of the
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meeting, in the same manner as provided under this Act for sending of a notice of
general meeting. In the case of a listed company such notice shall be published in
English and Urdu languages at least in one issue each of a daily newspaper of
respective language having wide circulation.
(5) The directors of a company having a share capital shall, unless the
number of persons who offer themselves to be elected is not more than the number
of directors fixed under sub-section (1), be elected by the members of the company
in general meeting in the following manner, namely—
(a) a member shall have such number of votes as is equal to the product
of the number of voting shares or securities held by him and the
number of directors to be elected;
(b) a member may give all his votes to a single candidate or divide them
between more than one of the candidates in such manner as he may
choose; and
(c) the candidate who gets the highest number of votes shall be declared
elected as director and then the candidate who gets the next highest
number of votes shall be so declared and so on until the total number
of directors to be elected has been so elected.
(6) The directors of a company limited by guarantee and not having

share capital shall be elected by members of the company in general meeting in the
manner as provided in articles of association of the company.
160. Powers of the Court to declare election of directors invalid.—

The Court may, on the application of members holding ten percent of the voting
power in the company, made within thirty days of the date of election, declare
election of all directors or any one or more of them invalid if it is satisfied that there
has been material irregularity in the holding of the elections and matters incidental
or relating thereto.
161. Term of office of directors.—(1) A director elected under sections

159 or 162 shall hold office for a period of three years unless he earlier resigns,
vacates office due to fresh election required under section 162 as the case may be,
becomes disqualified from being a director or otherwise ceases to hold office:
Provided that the term of office of directors of a company limited by

guarantee and not having share capital may be a period of less than three years as
provided in the articles of association of a company.
(2) Any casual vacancy occurring among the directors may be filled up
by the directors and the person so appointed shall hold office for the remainder of
the term of the director in whose place he is appointed.
162. Fresh election of directors.—(1) Notwithstanding anything

contained in this Act, a member having acquired, after the election of directors, the
requisite shareholding to get him elected as a director on the board of a company,
may require the company to hold fresh election of directors in accordance with the
95
procedure laid down in section 159:
Provided that the number of directors fixed in the preceding election shall
not be decreased;
Provided further that a listed company for the purpose of fresh election
of directors under this section shall follow such procedure as may be specified
by the Commission.
(2) The board shall upon receipt of requisition under sub-section (1), as
soon as practicable but not later than thirty days from the receipt of such
requisition, proceed to hold fresh election of directors of the company.
163. Removal of directors.—A company may by resolution in general

meeting remove a director appointed under sections 157, 161 or section 162 or
elected in the manner provided for in section 159:
Provided that a resolution for removing a director shall not be deemed to

have been passed if the number of votes cast against it is equal to, or exceeds—
(a) the total number of votes for the time being computed in the manner
laid down in sub-section (5) of section 159 divided by the number
of directors for the time being, if the resolution relates to removal of
a director appointed under sections 157, 161 or section 162 or where
the directors were elected unopposed; or
(b) the minimum number of votes that were cast for the election of a
director at the immediately preceding election of directors, if the
resolution relates to removal of a director elected in the manner
provided in sub-section (5) of section 159.
164. Nominee directors.—(1) In addition to the directors elected or

deemed to have been elected by shareholders, a company may have directors
nominated by the company's creditors or other special interests by virtue of
contractual arrangements.
(2) A body corporate or corporation owned or controlled by the Federal

Government or as the case may be, a Provincial Government may also have
directors nominated on the board to whom such corporation or company has
extended credit facilities.
165. Certain provisions not to apply to directors representing special
interests.—(1) Nothing in sections 158, 159,161, 162 or 163 shall apply to—
(a) directors nominated by a body corporate or company or any other

entity owned or controlled, whether directly or indirectly, by the
Federal Government or as the case may be, a Provincial
Government on the board of the company in which such body
corporate or company or entity has made investment;
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(b) directors nominated by virtue of investment made by the Federal
Government or as the case may be, a Provincial Government or the
Commission on the board; or
(c) directors nominated by foreign equity holders on the board or any

other body corporate set up under a regional co-operation or other
co-operation arrangement approved by the Federal Government.
(2) For the purpose of nominating directors referred to in clause (a), (b)
and (c), the number of votes computed in the manner laid down in sub-section (5)
of section 159 as are proportionate to the number of votes required to elect the
director if they had offered themselves for election, shall stand excluded from the
total number of votes available to the nominating body at an election of directors,
which may be proportionate to their voting power required to elect directors at an
election of directors of a company.
(3) A director nominated under sub-section (1) shall hold office during
the pleasure of the nominating body.
166. Manner of selection of independent directors and maintenance

of databank of independent directors.—(1) An independent director to be
appointed under any law, rules, regulations or code, shall be selected from a data
bank containing names, addresses and qualifications of persons who are eligible
and willing to act as independent directors, maintained by any institute, body or
association, as may be notified by the Commission, having expertise in creation
and maintenance of such data bank and post on their website for the use by the
company making the appointment of such directors:
Provided that responsibility of exercising due diligence before selecting a

person from the data bank referred to above, as an independent director shall lie
with the company or the Government, as the case may be, making such
appointment.
(2) For the purpose of this section, an independent director means a

director who is not connected or does not have any other relationship, whether
pecuniary or otherwise, with the company, its associated companies, subsidiaries,
holding company or directors; and he can be reasonably perceived as being able to
exercise independent business judgment without being subservient to any form of
conflict of interest:
Provided that without prejudice to the generality of this sub-section no

director shall be considered independent if one or more of the following
circumstances exist—
(a) he has been an employee of the company, any of its subsidiaries or

holding company within the last three years;
(b) he is or has been the chief executive officer of subsidiaries,

associated company, associated undertaking or holding company in
the last three years;
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(c) he has, or has had within the last three years, a material business
relationship with the company either directly, or indirectly as a
partner, major shareholder or director of a body that has such a
relationship with the company.
Explanation: The major shareholder means a person who,

individually or in concert with his family or as part of a group, holds
10% or more shares having voting rights in the paid-up capital of
the company;
(d) he has received remuneration in the three years preceding his/her

appointment as a director or receives additional remuneration,
excluding retirement benefits from the company apart from a
director’s fee or has participated in the company’s stock option or a
performance-related pay scheme;
(e) he is a close relative of the company’s promoters, directors or major

shareholders:
Explanation: “close relative” means spouse(s), lineal

ascendants and descendants and siblings;
(f) he holds cross-directorships or has significant links with other

directors through involvement in other companies or bodies not
being the associations licenced under section 42;
(g) he has served on the board for more than three consecutive terms
from the date of his first appointment, and for more than two
consecutive terms in case of a public sector company, provided that
such person shall be deemed “independent director” after a lapse of
one term;
(h) a person nominated as a director under sections 164 and 165:
Provided further that for determining the independence of directors

for the purpose of sub-clauses (a), (b) and (c) in respect of public
sector companies, the time period shall be taken as two years instead
of three years. Further, an independent director in case of a public
sector company shall not be in the service of Pakistan or of any
statutory body or any body or institution owned or controlled by the
Government.
(3) The independent director of a listed company shall be elected in the

same manner as other directors are elected in terms of section 159 and the statement
of material facts annexed to the notice of the general meeting called for the purpose
shall indicate the justification for choosing the appointee for appointment as
independent director.
(4) No individual shall be selected for the data bank referred to in sub-
section (1) without his consent in writing.
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(5) The manner and procedure of selection of independent directors on
the databank who fulfill the qualifications and other requirements shall be specified
by the Commission.
(6) The requirements of sub-section (1)—
(a) shall be deemed relaxed till such time a notification is issued by the
Commission; and
(b) may be relaxed by the Commission on an application made by the

company supported with the sufficient justification or the practical
difficulty, as the case may be.
167. Consent to act as director to be filed with company— (1) No

person shall be appointed or nominated as a director or chief executive of a
company or represent as holding such office, nor shall any person describe or name
any other person as a director or proposed director or chief executive or proposed
chief executive of any company, unless such person or such other individual has
given his consent in writing to the company for such appointment or nomination.
(2) The consent given to the company under sub-section (1) shall be
filed with the registrar within fifteen days thereof.
168. Validity of acts of directors.—The acts of a person acting as a
director are valid notwithstanding that it is afterwards discovered that there was a
defect in his appointment; or he was disqualified from holding office; or he had
ceased to hold such office:
Provided that, as soon as any such defect has come to notice, the director
shall not exercise the right of his office till the defect has been removed.
169. Penalties.—Whoever contravenes or fails to comply with any of the
provisions of sections 154 to 168 or is a party to the contravention of the said
provisions shall be liable to a penalty of level 2 on the standard scale and may also
be debarred by the authority which imposes the penalty from becoming or
continuing a director of the company for a period not exceeding three years.
170. Restriction on director's remuneration.—(l) The remuneration of

a director for performing extra services, including the holding of the office of
chairman, shall be determined by the board or the company in general meeting, as
the case may be, in accordance with the provisions in the company's articles.
(2) The remuneration to be paid to any director for attending the

meetings of the board or a committee of directors shall not exceed the scale
approved by the company or the board, as the case may be, in accordance with the
provisions of the articles:
171. Vacation of office by the directors.—(1) A director shall ipso facto
cease to hold office if—
(a) he becomes ineligible to be appointed as a director on any one or

more of the grounds enumerated in section 153;
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(b) he absents himself from three consecutive meetings of the board
without seeking leave of absence;
(c) he or any firm of which he is a partner or any private company of

which he is a director—
(i) without the sanction of the company in general meeting

accepts or holds any office of profit under the company other
than that of chief executive or a legal or technical adviser; or
(ii) accepts a loan or guarantee from the company in

contravention of section 182;
(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (l) shall be deemed to preclude a

company from providing by its articles that the office of director shall be vacated
on any grounds additional to those specified in that sub-section.
DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS BY THE COMMISSION
172. Disqualification orders.—(1) In any of the circumstances stated

hereunder, the Commission may pass a disqualification order against a person to
hold the office of a director of a company for a period up to five years beginning
from the date of order—
(a) conviction of an offence in connection with the promotion,

formation, management or liquidation of a company, or with the
receivership or management of a company's property;
(b) persistent default in relation to provisions of this Act requiring any

return, account or other document to be filed with, delivered or sent,
or notice of any matter to be given, to the Commission or the
registrar;
(c) a person has been a director of a company which became insolvent

at any time (while he was a director or subsequently):
Provided that order against any such person shall not be

made after the end of the period of two years beginning with the day
on which the company of which that person is or has been a director
became insolvent;
(d) the business of the company in which he is or has been a director,

has conducted to defraud its creditors, members or any other persons
or for a fraudulent or unlawful purpose, or in a manner oppressive
of any of its members or that the company was formed for any
fraudulent or unlawful purpose; or
(e) the person concerned in the formation of the company or the

management of its affairs have in connection therewith been guilty
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of fraud, misfeasance, breach of trust or other misconduct towards
the company or towards any of its member; or
(f) the affairs of the company of which he is a director have been

conducted in a manner which has deprived the shareholders thereof
of a reasonable return; or
(g) the person has been convicted of allotment of shares of a company

for inadequate consideration; or
(h) the person is involved in illegal deposit taking; or
(i) the person has been convicted of financial irregularities or

malpractices in a company or
(j) the company of which he is a director has acted against the interests
of the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan, the security of the State,
friendly relations with foreign States; or
(k) the company of which he is a director refuses to act according to the

requirements of the memorandum or articles or the provisions of this
Act or fail to carry out the directions of the Commission given in the
exercise of powers under this Act; or
(l) the person is convicted of insider trading or market manipulation

practices; or
(m) the person has entered into a plea bargain arrangement with the
National Accountability Bureau or any other regulatory body;
(n) the person has been declared a defaulter by the securities exchange;
(o) that it is expedient in the public interest so to do.
(2) Where a disqualification order is made against a person who is

already subject to such an order, the periods specified in those orders shall run
concurrently.
(3) An order under this section may be made by the Commission on its
own motion or upon a complaint made in this regard.
(4) Before making an order the Commission shall afford the person
concerned an opportunity of representation and of being heard.
(5) Any order made by the Commission under this section shall be
without prejudice to the powers of the Commission to take such further action as it
deems fit with regard to the person concerned.
173. Personal liability for company’s debts where person acts while
disqualified.—(1) A person shall be personally responsible for all the relevant
debts of a company if at any time—
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(a) in contravention of a disqualification order under section 172, he is
involved in the management of the company, or
(b) as a person who is involved in the management of the company, he

acts on instructions given without the leave of the Commission by a
person whom he knows at that time to be the subject of a
disqualification order:
Provided that where the decision is taken in the board, the

disqualified director shall be personally responsible to the extent of
proportionate amount of liability so incurred.
(2) Where a person is personally responsible under this section for the
relevant debts of a company, he is jointly and severally liable in respect of those
debts with the company and any other person who, whether under this section or
otherwise, is so liable.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the relevant debts of a company are-
(a) in relation to a person who is personally responsible under paragraph
(a) of sub-section (1), such debts and other liabilities of the company
as are incurred at a time when that person was involved in the
management of the company, and
(b) in relation to a person who is personally responsible under paragraph

(b) of that sub-section, such debts and other liabilities of the
company as are incurred at a time when that person was acting on
instructions given as mentioned in that paragraph.
(4) For the purposes of this section, company means a public interest
company and a person shall be deemed involved in the management of the
company, if he is a director or concerned, whether directly or indirectly or takes
part in the management of such company.
174. Prohibition on assignment of office by directors.—(1) A director
of any company shall not assign his office to any other person and any such
appointment shall be void ab-initio.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the

appointment by a director, with the approval of the board, of an alternate or
substitute director to act for him during his absence from Pakistan of not less than
ninety days, shall not be deemed to be an assignment of office.
(3) The alternate director appointed under sub-section (2) shall ipso
facto vacate office if and when the director appointing him returns to Pakistan.
175. Penalty for unqualified person acting as director.—If a person

who is not qualified to be a director or chief executive or who has otherwise vacated
the office of director or chief executive describes or represents himself or acts as a
director or chief executive, or allows or causes himself to be described as such,
shall be liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
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176. Proceedings of the board.—(1) The quorum for a meeting of board
of a listed company shall not be less than one-third of number of directors or four,
whichever is greater and the participation of the directors by video conferencing or
by other audio visual means shall also be counted for the purposes of quorum under
this sub-section:
Provided that if at any time, there are not enough directors to form a quorum
to fill a casual vacancy, all the remaining directors shall be deemed to constitute a
quorum for this limited purpose.
(2) The quorum for a meeting of the board of other than listed company
shall be as provided in the articles.
(3) The board of a public company shall meet at least once in each
quarter of a year.
(4) If a meeting of the board is conducted in the absence of a quorum or
a meeting of board is not held as required by sub-section (3), the chairman of the
directors and the directors shall be liable—
(a) if the default relates to a listed company, to a penalty of level 2 on
the standard scale; and
(b) if the default relates to any other company, to a penalty of level 1 on

the standard scale.
177. Ineligibility of bankrupt to act as director.—If any person being

an undischarged insolvent acts as chief executive or director of a company, he shall
be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine not
exceeding one hundred thousand rupees, or to both.
178. Records of resolutions and meetings of board.—(1) Every

company shall keep records comprising—
(a) all resolutions of the board passed by circulation; and
(b) minutes of all proceedings of board meetings or committee of

directors along with the names of participants, to be entered in
properly maintained books.
(2) Minutes recorded in accordance with sub-section (1), if purporting

to be authenticated by the chairman of the meeting or by the chairman of the next
meeting, shall be the evidence of the proceedings at the meeting.
(3) Until the contrary is proved, every meeting of board or committee

of directors in respect of the proceedings whereof minutes have been so made shall
be deemed to have been duly called, held and conducted.
(4) A copy of the draft minutes of meeting of board shall be furnished

to every director within fourteen days of the date of meeting.
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(5) The records must be kept at the registered office of the company
from the date of the resolution, meeting or decision simultaneously in physical and
electronic form and it shall be preserved for at least ten years in physical form and
permanently in electronic form.

179. Passing of resolution by the directors through circulation.—(1)

A resolution in writing 36[approved by majority of] the directors or the committee
of directors for the time being entitled to receive notice of a meeting of the directors
or committee of directors shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at
a meeting of the directors or the committee of directors duly convened and held.
(2) A resolution shall not be deemed to have been duly passed, unless
the resolution has been circulated, together with the necessary papers, if any, to all
the directors.
(3) A resolution under sub-section (1) shall be noted at a subsequent

meeting of the board or the committee thereof, as the case may be, and made part
of the minutes of such meeting.
(4) A directors’ agreement to a written resolution, passed by circulation,

once 37[approved], may not be revoked.
180. Liabilities of directors and officers.— Any provision, whether

contained in the articles of a company or in any contract with a company or
otherwise, for exempting any officer or auditor of the company, from, or
indemnifying him against, any liability which by virtue of any law would
otherwise attach to him in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or
breach of trust of which he may be guilty in relation to the company, shall be
void except as otherwise specified for:
(a) provisions of insurance undertaken by a company on behalf of

such officers of the company; or
(b) qualifying third party indemnity provisions undertaken by a

company on behalf of such officers of the company:
Provided that, notwithstanding anything contained in

this section, a company may, in pursuance of any such provision
as aforesaid, indemnify any such director, chief executive,
officer against any liability incurred by him in defending any
proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is
given in his favour or in which he is acquitted, or in connection
36
Substituted words “signed by all” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st
December, 2021.
37
Substituted word “signified” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December,
2021.
104
with any application under section 493 in which relief is granted
to him.
181. Protection to independent and non-executive directors.—(1)
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act—
(a) an independent director; and
(b) a non-executive director;
shall be held liable, only in respect of such acts of omission or commission by a

listed company or a public sector company which had occurred with his knowledge,
attributable through board processes, and with his consent or connivance or where
he had not acted diligently.
(2) For the purpose of this section a non-executive director means, a

person on the board of the company who-
(a) is not from among the executive management team and may or may
not be independent;
(b) is expected to lend an outside viewpoint to the board of a company;
(c) does not undertake to devote his whole working time to the company
and not involve in managing the affairs of the company;
(d) is not a beneficial owner of the company or any of its associated

companies or undertakings;
(e) does not draw any remuneration from the company except the
meeting fee.
182. Loans to directors: requirement of members’ approval.—(1) A

company shall not—
(a) make a loan to a director of the company or of its holding company;

or to any of his relatives;
(b) give a guarantee or provide security in connection with a loan made

by any person to such a director; or to any of his relatives;
unless the transaction has been approved by a resolution of the members of the
company:
Provided that in case of a listed company, approval of the Commission shall
also be required before sanctioning of any such loan.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section “relative”' in relation to a
director means his spouse and minor children.
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(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall apply to a company which
in the ordinary course of its business provides loans or gives guarantees or securities
for the due repayment of any loan.
(3) Every person who is a party to any contravention of this section,
including in particular any person to whom the loan is made or who has taken the
loan in respect of which the guarantee is given or the security is provided, shall be
punishable with fine which may extend to one million rupees or with simple
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year.
(4) All persons who are parties to any contravention of sub-section (1)
shall be liable, jointly and severally, to the lending company for the repayment of
the loan or for making good the sum with markup not less than the borrowing cost
of the lending company which the lending company may have been called upon to
pay by virtue of the guarantee given or the security provided by such company.
(5) Sub-section (1) shall apply to any transaction represented by a book-

debt which was from its inception in the nature of a loan or an advance.
183. Powers of board.—(1) The business of a company shall be

managed by the board, who may exercise all such powers of the company as are
not by this Act, or by the articles, or by a special resolution, required to be exercised
by the company in general meeting.
(2) The board shall exercise the following powers on behalf of the
company, and shall do so by means of a resolution passed at their meeting,
namely—
(a) to issue shares;
(b) to issue debentures or any instrument in the nature of redeemable

capital;
(c) to borrow moneys otherwise than on debentures;
(d) to invest the funds of the company;
(e) to make loans;
(f) to authorise a director or the firm of which he is a partner or any

partner of such firm or a private company of which he is a member
or director to enter into any contract with the company for making
sale, purchase or supply of goods or rendering services with the
company;
(g) to approve financial statements;
(h) to approve bonus to employees;
(i) to incur capital expenditure on any single item or dispose of a fixed

asset in accordance with the limits as may be specified:
106
Provided that the acceptance by a banking company in the ordinary course
of its business of deposit of money from the public repayable on demand or
otherwise and withdrawable by cheque, draft, order or otherwise, or placing of
moneys on deposit by a banking company with another banking company such
conditions as the board may prescribe, shall not be deemed to be a borrowing of
money or, as the case may be, a making of loan by a banking company with the
meaning of this section;
(j) to undertake obligations under leasing contracts exceeding such

amount as may be notified;
(k) to declare interim dividend; and
(l) having regard to such amount as may be determined to be material

(as construed in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) by the
board—
(i) to write off bad debts, advances and receivables;
(ii) to write off inventories and other assets of the company; and
(iii) to determine the terms of and the circumstances in which a

law suit may be compromised and a claim or right in favour
of a company may be released, extinguished or relinquished.
(m) to take over a company or acquire a controlling or substantial stake

in another company;
(n) any other matter which may be specified.
(3) The board of a company shall not except with the consent of the
general meeting either specifically or by way of an authorisation, do any of the
following things, namely.—
(a) sell, lease or otherwise dispose of the undertakings or a sizeable part

thereof unless the main business of the company comprises of such
selling or leasing; and
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause-

(i) “undertaking” shall mean an undertaking in which the
investment of the company exceeds twenty percent of its net
worth as per the audited financial statements of the
preceding financial year or an undertaking which generates
twenty percent of the total income of the company during the
previous financial year;
(ii) the expression “sizeable part” in any financial year shall
mean twenty five percent or more of the value of the assets
107
in that class as per the audited financial statements of the
preceding financial year;
(b) sell or otherwise dispose of the subsidiary of the company;
(c) remit, give any relief or give extension of time for the repayment of
any debt outstanding against any person specified in sub-section (1)
of section 182.
(4) Nothing contained in sub-section (3) shall entitle a listed company

to sell or otherwise dispose of the undertaking, which results in or may lead to
closure of business operation or winding up of the company, without there being a
viable alternate business plan duly authenticated by the board.
(5) Any resolution passed under sub-section (3) if not implemented

within one year from the date of passing shall stand lapsed.

section shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 2 on the standard scale and
shall be individually and severally liable for losses or damages arising out of such
action.
184. Prohibition regarding making of political contributions.—(1)
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, a company shall not contribute any
amount or allow utilization of its assets—
(a) to any political party; or
(b) for any political purpose to any individual or body.
(2) If a company contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), then—
(a) the company shall be liable to a penalty of level 2 on the standard

scale; and
(b) every director and officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which
may extend to two years and shall also be liable to a fine of one
million rupees.
185. Prohibition regarding distribution of gifts.—(1) Notwithstanding

anything contained in this Act, a company shall not distribute gifts in any form to
its members in its meeting.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
186. Appointment of first chief executive.—(1) Every company shall

have a chief executive appointed in the manner provided in this section and section
187.
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(2) The name of first chief executive shall be determined by the
subscribers of the memorandum and his particulars specified under section 197
shall be submitted along with the documents for the incorporation of the company.
(3) The first chief executive shall, unless he earlier resigns or otherwise
ceases to hold office, hold office up to the first annual general meeting of the
company or, if a shorter period is fixed by the subscribers at the time of his
appointment, for such period.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the Government

shall have the power to nominate chief executive of a public sector company in
such manner as may be specified.
187. Appointment of subsequent chief executive.—(1) Within fourteen

days from the date of election of directors under section 159 or the office of the
chief executive falling vacant, as the case may be, the board shall appoint any
person, including an elected director, to be the chief executive, but such
appointment shall not be for a period exceeding three years from the date of
appointment:
Provided that the chief executive appointed against a casual vacancy shall
hold office till the directors elected in the next election appoint a chief executive.
(2) On the expiry of his term of office under section 186 or sub-section
(1) of this section, a chief executive shall be eligible for reappointment.
(3) The chief executive retiring under section 186 or this section shall
continue to perform his functions until his successor is appointed, unless non-
appointment of his successor is due to any fault on his part or his office is expressly
terminated.

shall have the power to nominate chief executive of a company where majority of
directors is nominated by the Government, in such manner as may be specified.
188. Terms of appointment of chief executive.—(1) Save as provided

in sub-section (2), the terms and conditions of appointment of a chief executive
shall be determined by the board or the company in general meeting in accordance
with the provisions in the company's articles.
(2) The terms and conditions of appointment of a chief executive

nominated under section 186 or 187 shall be determined by the Government, in
such manner as may be specified.
(3) The chief executive shall if he is not already a director of the

company, be deemed to be its director and be entitled to all the rights and privileges,
and subject to all the liabilities, of that office.
189. Restriction on appointment of chief executive.—No person who

is ineligible to become a director of a company under section 153 or disqualified
109
under sections 171 or 172 shall be appointed or continue as the chief executive of
any company.
190. Removal of chief executive.—(1) The board by resolution passed

by not less than three-fourths of the total number of directors for the time being, or
the company by a special resolution, may remove a chief executive before the
expiration of his term of office notwithstanding anything contained in the articles
or in any agreement between the company and such chief executive.

or an authority or a person authorized by it shall have the power to remove chief
executive of a company where more than seventy-five percent of the voting rights
are held by the Government.
191. Chief executive not to engage in business competing with

company's business.—(1) A chief executive of a public company shall not directly
or indirectly engage in any business which is of the same nature as and directly
competes with the business carried on by the company of which he is the chief
executive or by a subsidiary of such company.
Explanation.—A business shall be deemed to be carried on indirectly by

the chief executive if the same is carried on by his spouse or any of his minor
children.
(2) Every person who is appointed as chief executive of a public

company shall forthwith on such appointment disclose to the company in writing
the nature of such business and his interest therein.
192. Chairman in a listed company.—(1) The board of a listed

company shall within fourteen days from the date of election of directors, appoint
a chairman from among the non-executive directors who shall hold office for a
period of three years unless he earlier resigns, becomes ineligible or disqualified
under any provision of this Act or removed by the directors.
(2) The board shall clearly define the respective roles and
responsibilities of the chairman and chief executive:
Provided that the Commission may specify the classes of companies for
which the chairman and chief executive shall not be the same individual.
(3) The chairman shall be responsible for leadership of the board and
ensure that the board plays an effective role in fulfilling its responsibilities.
(4) Every financial statements circulated under section 223 of this Act
shall contain a review report by the chairman on the overall performance of the
board and effectiveness of the role played by the board in achieving the company’s
objectives.
193. Penalty.—Any contravention or default in complying with

requirements of sections 186 to 192 shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level
2 on the standard scale and may also be debarred by the authority which imposes
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the penalty from becoming a director or chief executive of a company for a period
not exceeding five years.
194. Public company required to have secretary.—A public company

must have a company secretary; possessing such qualification as may be specified.
195. Listed company to have share registrar.—Every listed company
shall have an independent share registrar possessing such qualifications and
performing such functions as may be specified.
196. Bar on appointment of sole purchase, sales agents.—(1) No

company whether incorporated in Pakistan or outside Pakistan which is carrying on
business in Pakistan shall, without the approval of the Commission, appoint any
sole purchase, sale or distribution agent:
Provided that this sub-section shall not apply to a sole purchase, sale or
distribution agent appointed by a company incorporated, outside Pakistan, unless
the major portion of the business of such company is conducted in Pakistan.
(2) Whoever contravenes any of the provisions of this section shall be

punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine
which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees, or with both; and, if the person
guilty of the offence is a company or other body corporate, every director, chief
executive, or other officer, agent or partner thereof shall, unless he proves that the
offence was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence
to prevent its commission, be deemed to be guilty of the offence.
REGISTER OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER OFFICERS
197. Register of directors, officers.—(1) Every company shall keep at

its registered office a register of its directors and officers, including the chief
executive, company secretary, chief financial officer, auditors and legal adviser,
containing with respect to each of them such particulars as may be specified.
(2) Every person referred to in sub-section (1) shall, within a period of

ten days of his appointment or any change therein, as the case may be, furnish to
the company the particulars specified under sub-section (1).
(3) Every company shall, within a period of fifteen days from the date
of appointment of any person referred in sub-section (1) or any change among them,
or in any of their particulars, file with the registrar a return in the specified form:
Provided that this sub-section shall not apply to the first appointment made
at the time of incorporation of the company.
(4) Any contravention or default in complying with requirement of sub-
section (1) or sub-section (3) shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 1 on the
standard scale.
(5) If the name of any person is fraudulently or without sufficient cause

entered in or omitted from the register of directors of a company the person
aggrieved or the company, may apply to the Court for rectification of the register
of directors.
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(6) The Court may either refuse the application or may order
rectification of the register on such terms and conditions as it may deem fit and may
make order as to costs.
(7) Where the Court has passed and order under sub-section (6) that
prima facie entry in or omission from, the register of directors the name or other
particulars of any person, was made fraudulently or without sufficient cause, the
Court may send a reference for adjudication of offence under sub-section (8) to the
court as provided in section 482.
(8) Anyone who fraudulently or without sufficient cause enters in, or

omits from the register of directors the name or other particulars of any person,
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years
or with fine which may extend to one million rupees, or with both.
(9) When it makes an order for rectification of the register of directors

in respect of a company, the Court shall cause a copy of the order to be forwarded
to the company and shall, by its order, direct the company to file notice of the
rectification with the registrar within fifteen days from the receipt of the order.
198. Rights to inspect.—(1) The register kept under section 197 shall,
be open to the inspection of any member of the company and of any other person
during business hours, subject to such reasonable restrictions, as the company may
impose by its articles or in general meeting, so that not less than two hours in each
day are allowed.
(2) Inspection by any member of the company shall be without charge,

and in the case of any other person on payment of such fee as may be fixed by the
company for each inspection.
(3) A person seeking to exercise the rights conferred by this section
must make a request to the company to that effect.
(4) The request must contain the following information—
(a) in the case of an individual, his name and address;
(b) in the case of an organisation, its name and address and also of the
authorised person; and
(c) the purpose for which the information is to be used.
(5) In the case any inspection is refused, the registrar on application

made by the person to whom inspection has been refused and upon notice to the
company, may by order direct an immediate inspection of the register.
(6) Any contravention or default in complying with requirements of this
section shall be an offence shall be liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard
scale.
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MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS REGARDING INVESTMENTS,
CONTRACTS OFFICERS AND SHAREHOLDINGS, TRADING AND
INTERESTS
199. Investments in associated companies and undertaking.—(1) A

company shall not make any investment in any of its associated companies or
associated undertakings except under the authority of a special resolution which
shall indicate the nature, period, amount of investment and terms and conditions
attached thereto.
Explanation: The term ‘investment’ shall include equity, loans, advances,

guarantees, by whatever name called, except for the amount due as normal trade
credit, where the terms and conditions of trade transaction(s) carried out on arms-
length and in accordance with the trade policy of the company.
(2) The company shall not invest in its associated company or

associated undertaking by way of loans or advances except in accordance with an
agreement in writing and such agreement shall inter-alia include the terms and
conditions specifying the nature, purpose, period of the loan, rate of return, fees or
commission, repayment schedule for principal and return, penalty clause in case of
default or late repayments and security, if any, for the loan in accordance with the
approval of the members in the general meeting:
Provided that the return on such investment shall not be less than the
borrowing cost of the investing company or the rate as may be specified by the
Commission whichever is higher and shall be recovered on regular basis in
accordance with the terms of the agreement, failing which the directors shall be
personally liable to make the payment:
Provided further that the directors of the investing company shall certify
that the investment is made after due diligence and financial health of the borrowing
company is such that it has the ability to repay the loan as per the agreement.
(3) The Commission may—
(a) by notification in the official Gazette, specify the class of companies

or undertakings to which the restriction provided in sub-section (1)
shall not apply; and
(b) through regulations, specify such disclosure requirements,

conditions and restrictions on the nature, period, amount of
investment and terms and conditions attached thereto, and other
ancillary matters.
(4) An increase in the amount or any change in the nature of investment

or the terms and conditions attached thereto shall be made only under the authority
of a special resolution.
(5) Every company shall maintain and keep at its registered office a
register of investments in associated companies and undertakings containing such
particulars as may be specified.
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section shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 3 on the standard scale and in
addition, shall jointly and severally reimburse to the company any loss sustained
by the company in consequence of an investment which was made without
complying with the requirements of this section.
200. Investments of company to be held in its own name.—(1) All

investments made by a company on its own behalf shall be made and held by it in
its own name:
Provided that the company may hold any shares in its subsidiary company
in the name of any nominee of the company, if it is necessary to do so, to ensure
that the number of members of the subsidiary company is not reduced below the
statutory limit.
(2) Where the company has a right to appoint or get elected any person
as a director of any other company and a nominee of the company in exercise of
such right has been so appointed or elected, the shares in such other company of an
amount not exceeding the nominal value of the qualification shares which are
required to be held by a director thereof, may be registered or held by such company
jointly in its own name and in the name of such person or nominee, or in the name
of such person or nominee alone.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent a company from

depositing with, or transferring to, or holding, or registering in the name of a central
depository any shares or securities.
(4) Where, in pursuance of proviso to sub-section (1) or provisions of

sub-sections (2) or (3), any shares or securities in which investments have been
made by a company are not held by it in its own name, the company shall forthwith
enter in a register maintained by it for the purpose at its registered office the nature,
value and such other particulars as may be necessary fully to identify such shares
or securities.
(5) The register maintained under sub-section (4) shall, be open to the
inspection of members without charge, and to any other person on payment of such
fees as the company may specify in this behalf during business hours, subject to
such reasonable restrictions, as the company may impose, so that not less than two
hours in each day be allowed.
(6) Any member may require a certified copy of register or any part
thereof, on payment of such fee as may be fixed by the company.
(7) The certified copies requested under this section shall be issued
within a period of seven days.
(8) A member seeking to exercise either of the rights conferred by sub-
sections (5) or (6) must make a request to the company to that effect.
(9) If a company contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), the
company shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five million rupees and
every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with
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imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may
extend to one million rupees, or with both.
(10) Any contravention or default in complying with requirements of
sub-sections (4), (5) or (6), shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 1 on the
standard scale; and the registrar may by an order compel an immediate inspection
of the register or direct that copies required shall be sent to the persons requiring
them.
201. Method of contracting.—(1) A contract or other enforceable

obligation may be entered into by a company as follows:
(a) an obligation which, if entered into by a natural person, will, by law,

be required to be by deed or otherwise in writing, may be entered
into on behalf of the company in writing signed under the name of
the company by a director, attorney or any other person duly
authorised by the board38[…];
(b) an obligation which, if entered into by a natural person, is not, by

law, required to be in writing, may be entered into on behalf of the
company in writing or orally by a person acting under the company’s
express or implied authority.
(2) All contracts made according to sub-section (1) shall be effectual in

law and shall bind the company and its successors and all other parties thereto, their
heirs, or legal representatives as the case may be.
202. Execution of bills of exchange, promissory notes and deeds.—
(1) A bill of exchange or promissory note shall be deemed to have been made,
drawn, accepted or endorsed on behalf of a company if made, drawn, accepted or
endorsed in the name of, or on behalf of or on account of, the company by any
person acting under its authority, express or implied.
(2) A company may, by writing, authorise any person, either generally

or in respect of any specified matters, as its attorney to execute deeds on its behalf
in any place either in or outside Pakistan.
(3) A deed signed by such an attorney on behalf of the company and
under his seal shall bind the company and have the effect as if it was made by the
company itself.
203. Company to have official seal for use abroad.—(1) A
company39[…] may have an official seal for use outside Pakistan.
38
Omitted words “and may affix common seal of the company” vide the Companies (Amendment)
Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
39
Omitted words “that has a common seal” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st
December, 2021.
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40
(2) The official seal [must add on the face of it] the name of every
territory where it is to be used.
(3) 41
[…]
(4) A company having such an official seal may42[…] authorise any

person appointed for the purpose in any territory not situate in Pakistan to affix the
same to any deed or other document to which the company is party in that territory.
(5) The authority of any such agent shall, as between the company and
any person dealing with the agent, continue during the period, if any, mentioned in
the instrument conferring the authority, or if no period is mentioned therein, then
until notice of the revocation or determination of the agent’s authority has been
given to the person dealing with him.
(6) The person affixing any such official seal shall, by writing under his
hand, on the deed or other document to which the seal is affixed, certify the date
and place of affixing the same.
(7) A deed or other document to which an official seal is duly affixed

shall bind the company43[…].
204. Duties of directors.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a

director of a company shall act in accordance with the articles of the company.
(2) A director of a company shall act in good faith in order to promote

the objects of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole, and in the
best interests of the company, its employees the shareholders the community and
for the protection of environment.
(3) A director of a company shall discharge his duties with due and
reasonable care, skill and diligence and shall exercise independent judgment.
(4) A director of a company shall not involve in a situation in which he
may have a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with
the interest of the company.
(5) A director of a company shall not achieve or attempt to achieve any
undue gain or advantage either to himself or to his relatives, partners, or associates
and if such director is found guilty of making any undue gain, he shall be liable to
40
Substituted words “must be a facsimile of the company’s common seal, with the addition on its
face of” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
41
“(3) The official seal when duly affixed to a document has the same effect as the
company’s common seal.”
42
Omitted expression “, by writing under its common seal,” vide the Companies (Amendment)
Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
43
Omitted expression “as if it had been sealed with the common seal of the company” vide the
Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
116
pay an amount equal to that gain to the company.
(6) A director of a company shall not assign his office and any
assignment so made shall be void.
(7) In addition to the preceding sub-sections, the Commission may
provide for the extent of duties and the role of directors as may be specified.
(8) Any breach of duty, default or negligence by a director in
contravention of the articles of the company or any of its policy or decision of
the board may be ratified by the company through a special resolution and the
Commission may impose any restriction as may be specified.
(9) Without prejudice to any other action that may be taken under this
Act or any other law, any contravention or default in complying with requirements
of this section shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
205. Disclosure of interest by director.—(1) Every director of a
company who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, concerned or interested
in any contract or arrangement entered into, or to be entered into, by or on behalf
of the company shall disclose the nature of his concern or interest at a meeting of
the board:
Provided that a director shall be deemed also to be interested or concerned

if any of his relatives, is so interested or concerned.
Explanation.— For the purpose of this section “director’s relatives”,
are—
(a) the director’s spouse;
(b) the director’s children, including the step children;
(c) the director’s parents;
(2) The disclosure required to be made by a director under sub-section

(1) shall be made—
(a) in the case of a contract or arrangement to be entered into, at the
meeting of the board at which the question of entering into the
contract or arrangement is first taken into consideration or, if the
director was not, on the date of that meeting, concerned or interested
in the contract or arrangement, at the first meeting of the board held
after he becomes so concerned or interested; and
(b) in the case of any other contract or arrangement, at the first meeting
of the board held after the director becomes concerned or interested
in the contract or arrangement.
(3) For the purposes of sub-sections (1) and (2), a general notice given
to the board to the effect that a director is a director or a member of a specified body
corporate or a partner of a specified firm and is to be regarded as concerned or
interested in any contract or arrangement which may, after the date of the notice,
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be entered into with that body corporate or firm, shall be deemed to be a sufficient
disclosure of concern or interest in relation to any contract or arrangement so made.
(4) Any such general notice shall expire at the end of the financial year
in which it is given, but may be renewed for further period of one financial year at
a time, by a fresh notice given in the last month of the financial year in which it
would otherwise expire.
(5) No such general notice, and no renewal thereof, shall be of effect
unless either it is given at a meeting of the board, or the director concerned takes
reasonable steps to ensure that it is brought up and read at the first meeting of the
board after it is given.
sub-sections (1) or (2), shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 1 on the
standard scale.
206. Interest of officers.− (1) Save as provided in section 205 in respect

of directors, no other officer of a company who is in any way, directly or indirectly,
concerned or interested in any proposed contract or arrangement with the company
shall, unless he discloses the nature and extent of his interest in the transaction and
obtains the prior approval of the board, enter into any such contract or arrangement.
(2) Any contravention or default in complying with requirement under

this section shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
207. Interested director not to participate or vote in proceedings of
board.− (1) No director of a company shall, as a director, take any part in the
discussion of, or vote on, any contract or arrangement entered into, or to be entered
into, by or on behalf of the company, if he is in any way, whether directly or
indirectly, concerned or interested in the contract or arrangement, nor shall his
presence count for the purpose of forming a quorum at the time of any such
discussion or vote; and if he does vote, his vote shall be void:
Provided that a director of a listed company who has a material personal

interest in a matter that is being considered at a board meeting shall not be present
while that matter is being considered.
(2) If majority of the directors are interested in, any contract or
arrangement entered into, or to be entered into, by or on behalf of the company, the
matter shall be laid before the general meeting for approval.
(3) Sub-section (1) shall not apply to—
(a) a private company which is neither a subsidiary nor a holding
company of a public company;
(b) any contract of indemnity or insurance coverage executed by the

company in favour of interested director against any loss which he
may suffer or incur by reason of becoming or being a surety for the
company or while undertaking any transaction on behalf of the
company:
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Provided that for the purpose of clause (b), a company shall
only insure the liability of interested director where such liability
arises out of a transaction validly approved by the board or the
members of the company as the case may be:
(4) Any contravention or default in complying with requirements under

208. Related party transactions.− (1) A company may enter into any
contract or arrangement with a related party only in accordance with the policy
approved by the board, subject to such conditions as may be specified, with respect
to—
(a) sale, purchase or supply of any goods or materials;
(b) selling or otherwise disposing of, or buying, property of any kind;
(c) leasing of property of any kind;
(d) availing or rendering of any services;
(e) appointment of any agent for purchase or sale of goods, materials,

services or property; and
(f) such related party's appointment to any office or place of profit in

the company, its subsidiary company or associated company:
Provided that where majority of the directors are interested

in any of the above transactions, the matter shall be placed before
the general meeting for approval as special resolution:
Provided also that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to

any transactions entered into by the company in its ordinary course
of business on an arm’s length basis.
Explanation.— In this sub-section—
(a) the expression “office of profit” means any office—
(i) where such office is held by a director, if the director holding

it receives from the company anything by way of
remuneration over and above the remuneration to which he
is entitled as director, by way of salary, fee, commission,
perquisites, any rent-free accommodation, or otherwise;
(ii) where such office is held by an individual other than a

director or by any firm, private company or other body
corporate, if the individual, firm, private company or body
corporate holding it receives from the company anything by
way of remuneration, salary, fee, commission, perquisites,
any rent-free accommodation, or otherwise;
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(b) the expression “arm’s length transaction” means a transaction
which is subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified.
(c) the expression “related party” includes—
(i) a director or his relative:
(ii) a key managerial personnel or his relative;
(iii) a firm, in which a director, manager or his relative is a

partner;
(iv) a private company in which a director or manager is a

member or director;
(v) a public company in which a director or manager is a director

or holds alongwith his relatives, any shares of its paid up
share capital;
(vi) any body corporate whose chief executive or manager is

accustomed to act in accordance with the advice, directions
or instructions of a director or manager;
(vii) any person on whose advice, directions or instructions a

director or manager is accustomed to act:
Provided that nothing in sub-clauses (vi) and (vii) shall

apply to the advice, directions or instructions given in a
professional capacity;
(viii) any company which is—
(A) a holding, subsidiary or an associated company of
such company; or
(B) a subsidiary of a holding company to which it is also
a subsidiary;
(xi) such other person as may be specified;
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section “relative” means spouse,
siblings and lineal ascendants and descendants of a person.
(2) Every contract or arrangement entered into under sub-section (1)
shall be referred to in the board’s report to the shareholders along-with the
justification for entering into such contract or arrangement.
(3) The Commission may specify the record to be maintained by the

company with regards to transactions undertaken with the related party.
(4) Where any contract or arrangement is entered into by a director or

any other employee, without obtaining the consent of the board or approval by a
special resolution in the general meeting under sub-section (1) and if it is not
120
ratified by the board or, as the case may be, by the shareholders at a meeting within
ninety days from the date on which such contract or arrangement was entered into,
such contract or arrangement shall be voidable at the option of the board and if the
contract or arrangement is with a related party to any director, or is authorised by
any other director, the directors concerned shall indemnify the company against any
loss incurred by it.
(5) Without prejudice to anything contained in sub-section (4), it shall

be open to the company to proceed against a director or any employee who had
entered into such contract or arrangement in contravention of the provisions of this
section for recovery of any loss sustained by it as a result of such contract or
arrangement.
(6) Any director or any other employee of a company, who had entered
into or authorised the contract or arrangement in violation of the provisions of this
section shall be liable—
(a) in case of listed company, be punishable with imprisonment for a

term which may extend to three years or with fine which shall not
be less than five million rupees, or with both; and

scale.
209. Register of contracts or arrangements in which directors are

interested.—(1) Every company shall keep one or more registers giving separately
the particulars of all contracts or arrangements, in such manner and containing such
particulars as may be specified by the Commission.
(2) Every director shall, within a period of thirty days of his

appointment, or relinquishment of his office, as the case may be, disclose to the
company the particulars relating to his concern or interest in the other associations
which are required to be included in the register under sub-section (1) or such other
information relating to himself as may be specified.
(3) The register referred to in sub-section (1) shall be kept at the

registered office of the company and it shall be open for inspection at such office
during business hours and  extracts may be taken therefrom, and copies thereof as
may be required by any member of the company shall be furnished by the company
to such extent, in such manner, and on payment of such fees as may be specified.
(4) The register to be kept under this section shall also be produced at
the commencement of every annual general meeting of the company and shall
remain open and accessible during the continuance of the meeting to any person
having the right to attend the meeting.
(5) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall apply to any contract or

arrangement—
(a) for the sale, purchase or supply of any goods, materials or services
if the value of such goods and materials or the cost of such services
121
does not exceed five hundred thousand rupees in the aggregate in
any year; or
(b) by a banking company for the collection of bills in the ordinary

course of its business.

210. Contract of employment with directors.—(1) Every company
shall keep at its registered office— 
(a) where a contract of service with a director is in writing, a copy of

the contract; or
(b) where such a contract is not in writing, a written memorandum

setting out its terms.
(2) The copies of the contract or the memorandum kept under sub-
section (1) shall be open to inspection by any member of the company without
payment of fee.
(3) Any contravention or default in complying with requirement under

(4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a private company.
211. Restriction on non-cash transactions involving directors.—(1)

No company shall enter into an arrangement by which—
(a) a director of the company or its holding, subsidiary or associated

company or a person connected with him acquires or is to acquire
assets for consideration other than cash, from the company; or
(b) the company acquires or is to acquire assets for consideration other

than cash, from such director or person so connected;
unless prior approval for such arrangement is accorded by a resolution of the

company in general meeting and if the director or connected person is a director of
its holding company, approval under this sub-section shall also be required to be
obtained by passing a resolution in general meeting of the holding company.
(2) The notice for approval of the resolution by the company or holding
company in general meeting under sub-section (1) shall include the particulars of
the arrangement along-with the value of the assets involved in such arrangement
duly calculated by a registered valuer.
(3) Any arrangement entered into by a company or its holding company

in contravention of the provisions of this section shall be voidable at the instance
of the company unless—
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(a) the restitution of any money or other consideration which is the
subject- matter of the arrangement is no longer possible and the
company has been indemnified by any other person for any loss or
damage caused to it; or
(b) any rights are acquired bona fide for value and without notice of the
contravention of the provisions of this section by any other person.
(4) The company shall ensure that all cash transactions with its
directors are conducted only through banking channels.
212. Declaring a director to be lacking fiduciary behaviour.—The

Court may declare a director to be lacking fiduciary behaviour if he contravenes the
provisions of section 205 or sub-section (1) of section 206 or sections 207 or 208:
Provided that before making a declaration the Court shall afford the director
concerned an opportunity of showing cause against the proposed action.
213. Disclosure to members of directors’ interest in contract
appointing chief executive or secretary.—(1) Every director of a company who
is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, concerned or interested, in any
appointment or contract for the appointment of a chief executive, whole-time
director or secretary of the company shall disclose the nature of his interest or
concern at a meeting of the board in which such appointment or contract is to be
approved and the interested director shall not participate or vote in the proceedings
of the board.
(2) All contracts entered into by a company for the appointment of a

chief executive, whole-time director or secretary shall be kept at the registered
office of the company.
(3) Every contract required to be kept under sub-section (2) must be

open to inspection by any member of the company without charge.
(4) Any member of the company is entitled, on request and on payment
of such fee as may be fixed by the company, to be provided with a copy of any such
contract. The copy must be provided within seven days after the request is received
by the company.
214. Contracts by agents of company in which company is

undisclosed principal.—(1) Every officer or other agent of a company, other than
a private company, not being the subsidiary company of a public company, who
enters into a contract for or on behalf of the company in which contract the company
is an undisclosed principal shall, at the time of entering into the contract, make a
memorandum in writing of the terms of contract, and specify therein the person
with whom it has been made.
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(2) Every such officer or other agent shall forthwith deliver the
memorandum aforesaid to the company and its directors which shall be laid before
next meeting of the board.
(3) If any such officer or other agent makes default in complying with
the requirements of this section—
(a) the contract shall, at the option of the company, be void as against
the company; and
(b) such officer or other agent shall be liable to a penalty of level 1 on

the standard scale.
215. Liability for undesired activities of the shareholders.—(1)

A member of a company shall act in good faith while exercising its powers as a
shareholder at the general meetings and shall not conduct themselves in a manner
that is considered disruptive to proceedings of the meeting.
(2) Without prejudice to his rights under this Act, a member of the
company shall not exert influence or approach the management directly for
decisions which may lead to create hurdle in the smooth functioning of
management.
(3) Any shareholder who fails to conduct in the manner provided in this
section and as specified by the Commission shall be guilty of an offence under this
section and shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding of level 1 on the standard
scale.
216. Company deemed to be a public interest company in certain

circumstances.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, a company
shall be deemed to be a company with public interest as envisaged in the Third
Schedule.
(2) Upon being deemed as a company with public interest, the company
shall be required to comply with such disclosure and reporting requirements as may
be specified by the Commission.
(3) The Commission may as specified, after giving an opportunity of

hearing to a company or class of companies, by an order in writing exempt such
company from the requirements of this section if the Commission determines that
such exemption is in the interest of the public:
Provided that such order shall be posted on the official website of the
Commission.
217. Securities and deposits.—(1) Save as provided in section 84, no

company or any of its officers or agents shall receive or utilise any money received
as security or deposit, except in accordance with a contract in writing.
(2) The money so received shall be kept in a special account maintained

by a company with a scheduled bank.
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(3) This section shall not apply where the money received is in the
nature of an advance payment for goods to be delivered or sold to an agent, dealer
or sub-agent in accordance with a contract in writing.
218. Employees’ provident funds, contributory retirement funds and

securities.−(1) All moneys or securities deposited with a company by its employees
in pursuance of their contracts of service with the company shall be kept or
deposited by the company within fifteen days from the date of deposit in a special
account to be opened by the company for the purpose in a scheduled bank or in the
National Saving Schemes, and no portion thereof shall be utilized by the company
except for the breach of the contract of service on the part of the employee as
provided in the contract and after notice to the employee concerned.
(2) Where a provident fund, contributory pension fund or any other
contributory retirement fund has been constituted by a company for its employees
or any class of its employees, all moneys contributed to such fund, whether by the
company or by the employees or by both, or received or accruing by way of interest,
profit or otherwise from the date of contribution, receipt or accrual, as the case may
be, shall either—
(a) be deposited—
(i) in a National Savings Scheme;
(ii) in a special account to be opened by the company for the

purpose in a scheduled bank; or
(iii) where the company itself is a scheduled bank, in a special

account to be opened by the company for the purpose either
in itself or in any other scheduled bank; or
(b) be invested in—
(i) Government securities; or
(ii) bonds, redeemable capital, debt securities or instruments

issued by a statutory body, units of collective investment
schemes registered as notified entities with the Commission,
and in listed securities including shares of companies, bonds,
redeemable capital, debt securities and equity securities,
subject to the conditions as may be specified.
(3) Where a trust has been created by a company with respect to any
provident fund or a contributory pension fund or any contributory retirement fund
referred to in sub-section (2), the company shall be bound to collect the contribution
of the employees concerned and pay such contributions as well as its own
contributions, if any, to the trustees within fifteen days from the date of collection,
and thereupon, the obligations laid on the company by that sub-section shall
devolve on the trustees and shall be discharged by them instead of the company.
(4) The trustees of provident fund, contributory pension or retirement
fund shall have appropriate representation from the members of the funds.
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219. Penalty for contravention of section 217 or 218.—Any
contravention or default in complying with requirements of sections 217 or 218
shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale and shall also
be liable to pay the loss suffered by the depositor of security or the employee, on
account of such contravention.
ACCOUNTS OF COMPANIES
220. Books of account, to be kept by company.− (1) Every company

shall prepare and keep at its registered office books of account and other relevant
books and papers and financial statements for every financial year which give a true
and fair view of the state of the affairs of the company, including that of its branch
office or offices, if any:
Provided that in the case of a company engaged in production, processing,

manufacturing or mining activities, such particulars relating to utilisation of
material or labour or the other inputs or items of cost as may be specified, shall also
be maintained:
Provided further that all or any of the books of account aforesaid and other
relevant papers may be kept at such other place in Pakistan as the board may decide
and where such a decision is taken, the company shall, within seven days thereof,
file with the registrar a notice in writing giving the full address of that other place.
(2) Where a company has a branch office in Pakistan or outside

Pakistan, it shall be deemed to have complied with the provisions of sub-section
(1), if proper books of account relating to the transactions effected at the branch
office are kept at that office and proper summarized returns are sent periodically by
the branch office to the company at its registered office or the other place referred
to in sub-section (1).
(3) The books of account and other books and papers maintained by the
company within Pakistan shall be open for inspection at the registered office of the
company or at such other place in Pakistan by any director during business hours,
and in the case of financial information, if any, maintained outside the country,
copies of such financial information shall be maintained and produced for
inspection by any director.
(4) Where an inspection is made under sub-section (3), the officers and
other employees of the company shall give to the director making such inspection
all assistance in connection with the inspection which the company is reasonably
expected to give.
(5) The books of account of every company relating to a period of not

less than ten financial years immediately preceding a financial year, or where the
company had been in existence for a period less than ten years, in respect of all the
preceding years together with the vouchers relevant to any entry in such books of
account shall be kept in good order.
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(6) If a company fails to comply with any of the requirements of this
section, every director, including chief executive and chief financial officer, of the
company who has by his act or omission been the cause of such default shall—
(a) in respect of a listed company, be punishable with imprisonment for
a term which may extend to two year and with fine which shall not
be less than five hundred thousand rupees nor more than five million
rupees, and with a further fine which may extend to ten thousand
rupees for every day after the first during which the default
continues; and
(b) in respect of any other company, be punishable with imprisonment

for a term which may extend to one year and with fine which may
extend to one hundred thousand rupees.
(7) The provisions of this section except those of sub-section (5), shall
apply mutatis mutandis to the books of account which a liquidator is required to
maintain and keep.
221. Inspection of books of account by the Commission.—(1) The
books of account and books and papers of every company shall be open to
inspection by any officer authorised by the Commission in this behalf if, for reasons
to be recorded in writing, the Commission considers it necessary so to do.
(2) It shall be the duty of every director, officer or other employee of

the company to produce to the person making inspection under sub-section (1) all
such books of account and books and papers of the company in his custody or under
his control, and to furnish him with any such statement, information or explanation
relating to the affairs of the company, as the said person may require of him within
such time and at such place as he may specify.
(3) It shall also be the duty of every director, officer or other employee
of the company to give to the person making inspection under this section all
assistance and facilitation in connection with the inspection which the company
may be reasonably expected to give.
(4) The officer making the inspection under this section may, during the
course of inspection—
(a) make or cause to be made copies of books of account and other
books and papers; or
(b) place or cause to be placed by marks of identification thereon in

token of the inspection having been made;
(c) take possession of such documents and retain them for thirty days
if there are reasonable grounds for believing that they are evidence
of the commission of an offence.
(5) Where an inspection of the books of account and books and papers
of the company has been conducted under this section, by an officer authorised by
the Commission, such officer shall make a report to the Commission.
127
(6) Any officer authorised to make an inspection under this section shall
have all the powers that the Commission has under this Act in relation to the making
of inquiries.
222. Default in compliance with provisions of section 221.—(1) If

default is made in complying with the provisions of section 221, every person who
is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
one hundred and eighty days and with fine which may extend to one hundred
thousand rupees.
(2) Where a director or any other officer of a company has been
convicted of an offence under this section, he shall, on and from the date on which
he is so convicted, be deemed to have vacated his office as such and, on such
vacation of office, shall be disqualified for holding such office in any company, for
a period of three years.
223. Financial Statements.—(1) The board of every company must lay
before the company in annual general meeting its financial statements for the
period, in the case of first such statements since the incorporation of the company
and in any other case since the preceding financial statements, made up to the date
of close of financial year adopted by the company.
(2) The financial statements must be laid within a period of one

hundred and twenty days following the close of financial year of a company:
Provided that, in the case of a listed company the Commission, and in any
other case the registrar, may, for any special reason, extend the period for a term
not exceeding thirty days.
(3) Subject to the provision of sub-section (2), the first financial
statement must be laid at some date not later than sixteen months after the date of
incorporation of the company and subsequently once at least in every calendar year.
(4) The period to which the statements aforesaid relate, not being the
first, shall not exceed one year except where special permission of the registrar has
been obtained.
(5) The financial statement shall be audited by the auditor of the
company, in the manner hereinafter provided, and the auditor’s report shall be
attached thereto:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a private company
having the paid up capital not exceeding one million rupees or such higher amount
of paid up capital as may be notified by the Commission.
(6) Every company shall send in the form and manner specified audited
financial statements together with the auditors’ report, directors’ report and in the
case of a listed company the chairman’s review report to every member of the
company and every person who is entitled to receive notice of general meeting,
either by post or electronically at least twenty-one days before the date of meeting
at which it is to be laid before the members of the company, and shall keep a copy
at the registered office of the company for the inspection of the members.
(7) A listed company shall, simultaneously with the dispatch of the
financial statements together with the reports referred to in sub-section (6), send by
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post three copies and electronically a copy of such financial statements together
with said reports to each of the Commission, registrar and the securities exchange
and shall also post on the company’s website:
Provided that the reports shall be made available on the website of the
Company for a time period as may be specified.
(8) The provisions of sub-section (6) of section 220 shall apply to any
person who is a party to the default in complying with any of the provisions of this
section.
(9) This section shall not apply to a single member company except to
the extent as provided in sub-section (5).
224. Classification of Companies.—For the purpose of this Act, the
companies may be classified in such categories as may be specified in the Third
Schedule.
225. Contents of Financial Statements.—(1) The financial statements

shall give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company, comply with
the financial reporting standards notified by the Commission and shall be prepared
in accordance with the requirements contained in the Third Schedule for different
class or classes of companies:
Provided that for the purpose of preparation of financial statements and

related accounting treatment of associated companies shall be in accordance with
financial reporting standards or such other standards as may be notified by the
Commission:
Provided further that, except to the extent, otherwise notified in the official
Gazette by the Commission, this sub-section shall not apply to an insurance or
banking company or to any other class of companies for which the requirements of
financial statements are specified in the law regulating such class of companies.
(2) The Commission may, of its own motion or upon application by a
company, modify, in relation to that company, the requirements of the relevant
Schedule for the purpose of adapting it to the circumstances of a company.
(3) The Commission shall have power from time to time to grant
exemption to any company or any class of companies if it is in the public interest
so to do, from compliance with all or any of the requirements of the relevant
Schedule.
(4) Notwithstanding anything in this Act any company that intends to
make unreserved compliance of IFRS issued by the IASB shall be permitted to do
so.
Explanation.—The expression “IFRS” means International Financial

Reporting Standards and the expression “IASB” means International Accounting
Standards Board.
section.
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226. Duty to prepare directors’ report and statement of
compliance.—(1) The board shall prepare a directors’ report for each financial year
of the company:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a private company,

not being a subsidiary of public company, having the paid up capital not exceeding
three million rupees.
(2) The Commission may by general or special order, direct such class
or classes of companies to prepare a statement of compliance.
(3) The board of a holding company, required to prepare consolidated

financial statements under section 228, shall in its report to the members as
provided in section 227, include information on matters specified in sub-section (2)
of section 227 with respect to the consolidated financial statements.
(4) The directors in their report shall give greater emphasis to the
matters that are significant to the undertakings included in the consolidation.
227. Contents of directors’ report and statement of compliance.—(1)

The directors shall make out and attach to the financial statements, a report with
respect to the state of the company’s affairs and a fair review of its business, the
amount (if any), that the directors recommend should be paid by way of dividend
and the amount (if any), they propose to carry to the Reserve Fund, General Reserve
or Reserve Account.
(2) In the case of a public company or a private company which is a

subsidiary of a public company, the directors report, in addition to the matters
specified in sub-section (1) must state—
(a) the names of the persons who, at any time during the financial year,
were directors of the company;
(b) the principal activities and the development and performance of the
company’s business during the financial year;
(c) a description of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the

company;
(d) any changes that have occurred during the financial year concerning
the nature of the business of the company or of its subsidiaries, or
any other company in which the company has interest;
(e) the information and explanation in regard to any contents of

modification in the auditor’s report;
130
(f) information about the pattern of holding of the shares in the form
specified;
(g) the name and country of origin of the holding company, if such
company is a foreign company;
(h) the earning per share;
(i) the reasons for loss if incurred during the year and future prospects
of profit, if any;
(j) information about defaults in payment of any debts and reasons

thereof;
(k) comments in respect of adequacy 44[of] internal financial controls;
(l) any material changes and commitments affecting the financial

position of the company which have occurred between the end of
the financial year of the company to which the financial statement
relates and the date of the report; 45[…]
46
[(la) disclosure with respect to remuneration package of each of the
directors and chief executive including but not limited to salary,
benefits, bonuses, stock options, pension and other incentives; and]
(m) any other information as may be specified.
(3) In the case of a listed company, the business review must, to the
extent necessary for understanding the development, performance or position of the
company’s business, include—
(a) the main trends and factors likely to affect the future development,
performance and position of the company’s business;
(b) the impact of the company’s business on the environment;
(c) the activities undertaken by the company with regard to corporate

social responsibility during the year; 47[…]
(d) directors’ responsibility in respect of adequacy of internal financial

controls as may be specified48[; and]
44
45
Omitted word “and” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
46
47
Omitted word “and” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
48
Substituted “.” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
131
49
[(e) the legitimate reasons for not declaring dividend under section 240
despite earning profits and future prospects of dividend, if any.]
(4) The board shall make out and attach to the financial statement such
statement of compliance as may be specified.
(5) The directors’ report and statement of compliance must be approved

by the board and signed by the chief executive and a director of the company.
50
[(6) Whoever contravenes any of the provisions of this section shall—
(a) in respect of a listed company, be punishable with a penalty of level

2 on the standard scale; and
(b) in respect of any other company, be punishable with a penalty of

level 1 on the standard scale.]
228. Consolidated financial statements.—(1) There shall be attached to

the financial statements of a holding company having a subsidiary or subsidiaries,
at the end of the financial year at which the holding company’s financial statements
are made out, consolidated financial statements of the group presented as those of
a single enterprise and such consolidated financial statements shall comply with the
disclosure requirements of the relevant Schedule and financial reporting standards
notified by the Commission:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a private company

and its subsidiary, where none of the holding and subsidiary company has the paid
up capital exceeding one million rupees.
(2) Where the financial year of a subsidiary precedes the day on which
the holding company’s financial year ends by more than ninety days, such
subsidiary shall make an interim closing, on the day on which the holding
company’s financial year ends, and prepare financial statements for consolidation
purposes.
(3) Every auditor of a holding company appointed under section 246

shall also report, in the specified form, on consolidated financial statements and
49
50
(6) Whoever contravenes any of the provisions of this section shall—
(a) in respect of a listed company, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to two years and with fine may extend to five hundred thousand rupees
and with a further fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees for every day
after the first during which the default continues; and
(b) in respect of any other company, be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to one year and with fine which may extend to one hundred
thousand rupees.
132
exercise all such rights and duties as are vested in him under sections 248 and 249
respectively.
(4) There shall be disclosed in the consolidated financial statements any
note or saving contained in such accounts to call attention to a matter which, apart
from the note or saving, would properly have been referred to in such a
qualification, in so far the matter which is the subject of the qualification or note is
not covered by the holding company’s own accounts and is material from the point
of view of its members.
(5) Every consolidated financial statement shall be signed by the same
persons by whom the individual financial statements of the holding company are
required to be signed, under section 232.
(6) All provisions of sections 223, 233, 234, 235 and 236 shall apply to
a holding company required to prepare consolidated financial statements under this
section as if for the word “company” appearing in these sections, the words
“holding company” were substituted.
(7) The Commission may, on an application of a holding company,
direct that the provisions of this section shall not apply to such extent as may be
specified in the direction.
229. Financial year of holding company and subsidiary.—(1) The
board of a holding company shall ensure that, except where in their opinion there
are good reasons against it, its financial year and each of its subsidiaries coincides.
(2) The Commission may, on an application of a holding company or a

subsidiary of the holding company, extend the financial year of any such company
for the purpose of sub-section (1).
(3) While granting any extension under sub-section (2), the
Commission may grant such other relaxations as may be incidental or ancillary
thereto.
230. Rights of holding company’s representatives and members.—
(1) A holding company may, by resolution, authorise representatives named in the
resolution to inspect the books of account kept by any of its subsidiaries; and the
books of account of any such subsidiary shall be open to inspection by those
representatives at any time during business hours.
(2) The rights conferred by section 256 upon members of a company

may be exercised, in respect of any subsidiary, by members of the holding company
as if they also were members of the subsidiary.
231. Financial Statements of modaraba company to include
modaraba accounts.—(1) There must be attached to the financial statements of a
modaraba company, the annual accounts and other reports circulated in pursuance
of the provisions of section 14 of the Modaraba Companies and Modaraba
(Floatation and Control) Ordinance, 1980 (XXXI of 1980), made out—
133
(a) as at the end of the financial year of the modaraba where such
financial year coincides with the financial year of the modaraba
company; and
(b) as at the end of the financial year of the modaraba last before that
of the modaraba company, where the financial year of the
modaraba does not coincide with that of the modaraba company.
section.
232. Approval and authentication of Financial Statements.—(1) The
financial statements, including consolidated financial statement, if any, must be
approved by the board of the company and signed on behalf of the board by the chief
executive and at least one director of the company, and in case of a listed company
also by the chief financial officer:
Provided that when the chief executive is for the time being not available in
Pakistan, then the financial statements may be signed by at least two directors:
Provided further that in case of a private company having a paid up capital
not exceeding one million rupees, the financial statements shall also be
accompanied by an affidavit executed by the chief executive if the accounts are
signed by him or by any of the directors if the accounts has been signed by two
directors, as the case may be, that the financial statements have been approved by
the board.
(2) The financial statements of a single member company shall be

signed by one director.
233. Copy of Financial Statements to be forwarded to the
registrar.—(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (5) of section
223, after the audited financial statements have been laid before the company at the
annual general meeting and duly adopted, a copy of such financial statements
together with reports and documents required to be annexed to the same, duly
signed in the manner provided by sections 226, 232 and 251, shall be filed by the
company with the registrar within thirty days from the date of such meeting in case
of a listed company and within fifteen days in case of any other company.
(2) If the general meeting before which the financial statement is laid
does not adopt the same or defers consideration thereof or is adjourned, a statement
of that fact and of the reasons therefor shall be annexed to the said financial
statements required to be filed with the registrar.
(3) Nothing in this section shall apply to a private company having the
paid up capital not exceeding ten million rupees or such higher amount of paid
up capital as may be notified by the Commission.
134
scale; and
scale.
234. 51
[…]
235. Right of member of a company to copies of the Financial

Statements and the auditor’s report.—(1)Any member of the company is
entitled, on request and on payment of such fee as may be fixed by the company to
be provided with a copy of any financial statement. The copy must be provided
within seven days after the request is received by the company.

236. Penalty for improper issue, circulation or publication of
Financial Statements.—If any copy of financial statements is issued, circulated or
published without there being annexed or attached thereto, as the case may be, a
copy each of (i) any component of financial statements, reports, or statements
referred therein, (ii) the auditors’ report, (iii) review reports on the statement of
compliance, (iv) the directors’ report and (v) the statements of compliance, the
company, and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a
237. Quarterly financial statements of listed companies.—(1) Every

listed company shall prepare the quarterly financial statements within the period
of—
(a) thirty days of the close of first and third quarters of its year of
accounts; and
(b) sixty days of the close of its second quarter of its year of accounts:
Provided that the cumulative figures for the half year,

presented in the second quarter accounts shall be subjected to a
limited scope review by the statutory auditors of the company in
such manner and according to such terms and conditions as may be
51
Omitted vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021. The omitted
Section 234 was read as under:
“234. Filing of unaudited financial statements.—(1) A private company, not
being a subsidiary of public company, having the paid up capital not exceeding one million
rupees or such other amount of paid up capital as may be notified by the Commission, shall
file the duly authenticated financial statements, whether audited or not, with the registrar
within thirty days from the holding of such meeting.
section shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.”
135
determined by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan
and approved by the Commission.
Provided further that the Commission may, upon an

application by the company, extend the period of filing in case of
accounts of first quarter for a period not exceeding thirty days, if the
company was allowed extension in terms of sections 223.
(2) The quarterly financial statements shall be posted on the company’s

website for the information of its members and also be transmitted electronically to
the Commission, securities exchange and with the registrar within the period
specified under sub-section (1):
Provided that a copy of the quarterly financial statements shall be

dispatched in physical form if so requested by any member without any fee.
Provided further that the Commission may specify the time period for which
the quarterly financial statements shall be made available on the website of the
company.
(3) The provisions of section 232 shall be applicable to the quarterly

financial statements.
(4) If a company fails to comply with any of the requirements of this

section, every director, including chief executive and chief financial officer of the
company who has by his act or omission been the cause of such default shall be
liable to a penalty of level 2 on the standard scale.
238. Power of Commission to require submission of additional

statements of accounts and reports.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in
any other provision of this Act the Commission may, by general or special order,
require companies generally, or any class of companies or any particular company,
to prepare and send to the members, the Commission, the registrar, the securities
exchange and any other person such periodical statements of accounts, information
or other reports, in such form and manner and within such time, as may be specified
in the order.

239. Rights of debenture-holders to obtain copies of financial
statements.—(1) The holders of debentures, including the trustees for holders of
debentures, of a company shall be entitled to have copies of financial statements of
the company and other reports on payment of such fee as may be fixed by the
company.

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DIVIDENDS AND MANNER AND TIME OF PAYMENT THEREOF
240. Certain restrictions on declaration of dividend.—(1) The

company in general meeting may declare dividends; but no dividend shall exceed
the amount recommended by the board.
(2) No dividend shall be declared or paid by a company for any financial

year out of the profits of the company made from the sale or disposal of any
immovable property or assets of a capital nature comprised in the undertaking or
any of the undertaking of the company, unless the business of the company consists,
whether wholly or partly, of selling and purchasing any such property or assets,
except after such profits are set off or adjusted against losses arising from the sale
of any such immovable property or assets of a capital nature:
Provided that no dividend shall be declared or paid out of unrealized gain
on investment property credited to profit and loss account.
241. Dividend to be paid only out of profits.—Any dividend may be
paid by a company either in cash or in kind only out of its profits.
Explanation.—The payment of dividend in kind shall only be in the form

of shares of listed company held by the distributing company.
242. Dividend not to be paid except to registered shareholders.—Any
dividend declared by a company must be paid to its registered shareholders or to
their order within such period and in such manner as may be specified:
Provided that any dividend payable in cash may be paid by cheque or

warrant or in any electronic mode to the shareholders entitled to the payment of the
dividend, as per their direction:
Provided further that in case of a listed company, any dividend payable in
cash shall only be paid through electronic mode directly into the bank account
designated by the entitled shareholders.
243. Directors not to withhold declared dividend.—(1) When a

dividend has been declared, it shall not be lawful for the directors of the company
to withhold or defer its payment and the chief executive of the company shall be
responsible to make the payment in the manner provided in section 242.
Explanation.— Dividend shall be deemed to have been declared on the date

of the general meeting in case of a dividend declared or approved in the general
meeting and on the date of commencement of closing of share transfer for purposes
of determination of entitlement of dividend in the case of an interim dividend and
where register of members is not closed for such purpose, on the date on which
such dividend is approved by the board.
(2) Where a dividend has been declared by a company but is not paid
within the period specified under section 242, the chief executive of the company
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years
and with fine which may extend to five million rupees:
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Provided that no offence shall be deemed to have been committed within the
meaning of the foregoing provisions in the following cases, namely—
(a) where the dividend could not be paid by reason of the operation of
any law;
(b) where a shareholder has given directions to the company regarding

the payment of the dividend and those directions cannot be complied
with;
(c) where there is a dispute regarding the right to receive the dividend;
(d) where the dividend has been lawfully adjusted by the company
against any sum due to it from the shareholder; or
(e) where, for any other reason, the failure to pay the dividend or to post
the warrant within the period aforesaid was not due to any default
on the part of the company; and
the Commission has, on an application of the company on the specified form made
within forty-five days from the date of declaration of the dividend, and after
providing an opportunity to the shareholder or person who may seem to be entitled
to receive the dividend of making representation against the proposed action,
permitted the company to withhold or defer payment as may be ordered by the
Commission.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2), a company
may withhold the payment of dividend of a member where the member has not
provided the complete information or documents as specified by the Commission.
(4) Chief executive convicted under sub-section (2) shall from the day
of the conviction cease to hold the office of chief executive of the company and
shall not, for a period of five years from that day, be eligible to be the chief
executive or a director of that company or any other company.
244. Unclaimed shares, modaraba certificates and dividend to vest

with the Federal Government.—(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in this Act or any other law—
(i) where shares of a company or modaraba certificates of a Modaraba

have been issued; or
(ii) where dividend has been declared by a company or Modaraba;
which remain unclaimed or unpaid for a period of three years from the date it is due
and payable, or
(iii) any other instrument or amount which remain unclaimed or unpaid,

having such nature and for such period as may be specified;
the company shall give ninety days notices to the shareholders or certificate
holders or the owner, as the case may be, to file claim, in the following manner—
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(a) by a registered post acknowledgement due on his last known
address; and
(b) after expiry of notice period as provided under clause (a), final
notice in the specified form shall be published in two daily
newspapers of which one will be in Urdu and one in English having
wide circulation.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section “shares” or “modaraba

certificates” include unclaimed or undelivered bonus shares or modaraba
certificates and “company” includes a “modaraba company”.
(2) If no claim is made before the company by the shareholder,

certificate holder or the owner, as the case may be, the company shall after ninety
days from the date of publication of notice under clause (b) of sub-section (1)
shall—
(a) in case of sum of money, deposit any unclaimed or unpaid amount

to the credit of the Federal Government; and
(b) in case of shares or modaraba certificates or other instrument, report

and deliver to the Commission such shares or modaraba certificates
or other instrument and the Commission shall sell such shares or
modaraba certificates or other instrument, as the case may be, in the
manner and within such period as may be specified and deposit the
proceeds to the credit of Federal Government:
Provided that where the company has deposited the

unclaimed or unpaid amount or delivered the shares or modaraba
certificates or other instrument with the Commission for credit of
the Federal Government, the company shall preserve and continue
to preserve all original record pertaining to the deposited unclaimed
or unpaid amount and the shares or modaraba certificates or other
instrument and provide copies of the relevant record to the
Commission until it is informed by the Commission in writing that
they need not to be preserved any longer.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any law or procedure for the

time being in force, the unclaimed or unpaid amount as well as the proceeds from
the sale of shares or modaraba certificates or any other instrument or any benefit
accrued thereon, as the case may be, shall be maintained in a profit bearing account
with the State Bank of Pakistan or National Bank of Pakistan to be called
“Companies Unclaimed Instruments and Dividend and Insurance Benefits and
Investors Education Account” as may be notified by the concerned Minister-in-
Charge of the Federal Government and shall be deemed to be part of public
accounts and interest / profit accumulated thereon shall be credited on quarterly
basis to the Fund established under section 245 of this Act.
(4) Any person claiming to be entitled to any money paid into

“Companies Unclaimed Instruments and Dividend and Insurance Benefits and
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Investors Education Account” may in pursuance of this section apply to the
Commission in such manner along with such documents as may be specified for
payment thereof, and the Commission after necessary verification from the
company concerned forward to the bank as notified under sub-section (3) to make
the payment to entitled person of the sum equivalent to his unclaimed or unpaid
dividend or amount of proceeds:
Provided that the payment to the claimant shall be made within a period of
thirty days from the date of verification by the company.
(5) A person shall be entitled to receive the shares or modaraba

certificates or any other instrument as delivered to the Commission by the company,
making a claim under this Act before the sale of such unclaimed shares or
modaraba certificates or the instrument, is effected by the Commission.
(6) A person making a claim under this section shall be entitled to the
proceeds of the sale of the shares or modaraba certificates or the instrument less
any deduction for expenses of sale.
(7) Payment to the claimant pursuant to sub-section (4) and a receipt
given by the bank in this respect shall be a good discharge to the Commission and
the bank.
(8) Where any dispute regarding unclaimed shares, modaraba

certificates, the instrument or dividend arises or is pending adjudication before the
competent authority or Court, the Commission shall process the claim in
accordance with the decision of such authority or Court.
(9) No claim whatsoever shall be entertained after the period of ten

years from the credit of any amount to the account of the Federal Government to
be maintained under this section.
(10) Every company within thirty days of the close of each financial year
shall submit to the Commission a return of all unclaimed shares, modaraba
certificates, the instruments or dividend in its books in the manner as may be
specified by the Commission.
(11) Whoever contravenes the provisions of this section shall be

punishable with a penalty of level 3 on the standard scale.
(12) The account to be maintained under sub-section (3) shall be
available on the direction of Minister-in-Charge to serve as a collateral in order to
facilitate the provision of credit facility to the clearing house to address any
systemic risk in the capital market:
Provided that powers under this sub-section shall be exercised only in case
where in opinion of the Commission the resources of the clearing house are or likely
to be insufficient for timely settlement of trades executed at the securities and future
exchanges.
245. Establishment of Investor Education and Awareness Fund.—
(1) There is hereby established a fund to be called Investor Education and
Awareness Fund (hereinafter in this section referred to as “Fund”) to be managed
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and controlled by the Commission as may be prescribed through rules.
(2) The Fund shall be credited with—
(a) the interest/profit earned on the “Companies Unclaimed Instruments

and Dividend and Insurance Benefits and Investors Education
Account”;
(b) forfeited amounts under sub-section (7) of section 87 of the

Securities Act, 2015;
(c) grants or donations given by the Federal Government, Provincial

Governments, companies, or any other institution or person for the
purposes of the Fund;
(d) the interest or other income received out of the investments made
from the Fund;
(e) the amount realised in terms of fourth proviso of section 341 or

fourth proviso of sub-section (4) of section 372; and
(f) such other amounts as may be prescribed.
(3) The Fund shall be utilized for—
(a) the promotion of investor education and awareness in such manner

as may be prescribed;
(b) without prejudice to the generality of the object of sub-clause (a) of

sub-section (3), the Fund may be used for the following purposes,
namely—
(i) educational activities including seminars, training, research and

publications aimed at investors;
(ii) awareness programs including through media – print, electronic,

social media, aimed at investors;
(iii) funding investor education and awareness activities approved by the

Commission; and
(iv) to meet the administrative expenses of the Fund.
Explanation.—“Investors” means investor in securities,

insurance policyholders and customers of non-bank finance
companies and Modarabas.
(4) The Commission shall, by notification in the official Gazette,

constitute an advisory committee with such members as may be prescribed, for
recommending investor education and awareness activities that may be undertaken
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directly by the Commission or through any other agency, for utilization of the Fund
for the purposes referred to in sub-section (3).
(5) The accounts of the Fund shall be audited by auditors appointed by

the Commission who shall be a firm of chartered accountants. The Commission
shall ensure maintenance of proper and separate accounts and other relevant records
in relation to the Fund giving therein the details of all receipts to, and, expenditure
from, the Fund and other relevant particulars.
(6) The Commission may invest the moneys of the Fund in such manner
as set out in section 20 of the Trusts Act, 1882 (II of 1882).
AUDIT
246. Appointment, removal and fee of auditors.—(1) The first auditor

or auditors of a company shall be appointed by the board within ninety days of the
date of incorporation of the company; and the auditor or auditors so appointed shall
retire on the conclusion of the first annual general meeting.
(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (3), the subsequent auditor

or auditors shall be appointed by the company in the annual general meeting on the
recommendation of the board after obtaining consent of the proposed auditors, a
notice shall be given to the members with the notice of general meeting. The auditor
or auditors so appointed shall retire on the conclusion of the next annual general
meeting.
(3) A member or members having not less than ten percent shareholding
of the company shall also be entitled to propose any auditor or auditors for
appointment whose consent has been obtained by him and a notice in this regard
has been given to the company not less than seven days before the date of the annual
general meeting. The company shall forthwith send a copy of such notice to the
retiring auditor and shall also be posted on its website.
(4) Where an auditor, other than the retiring auditor is proposed to be
appointed, the retiring auditor shall have a right to make a representation in writing
to the company at least two days before the date of general meeting. Such
representation shall be read out at the meeting before taking up the agenda for
appointment of the auditor:
Provided that where such representation is made, it shall be mandatory for
the auditor or a person authorized by him in writing to attend the general meeting
in person.
(5) The auditor or auditors appointed by the board or the members in an
annual general meeting may be removed through a special resolution.
(6) Any casual vacancy of an auditor shall be filled by the board within
thirty days from the date thereof. Any auditor appointed to fill in any casual vacancy
shall hold office until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting:
Provided that where the auditors are removed during their tenure, the board
shall appoint the auditors with prior approval of the Commission.
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(7) If the company, fails to appoint—
(a) the first auditors within a period of ninety days of the date of
incorporation of the company;
(b) the auditors at an annual general meeting; or
(c) an auditor in the office to fill up a casual vacancy within thirty days
after the occurrence of the vacancy; and
(d) if the appointed auditors are unwilling to act as auditors of the

company;
the Commission may, of its own motion or on an application made to it by the

company or any of its members direct to make good the default within such time as
may be specified in the order. In case the company fails to report compliance within
the period so specified, the Commission shall appoint auditors of the company who
shall hold office till conclusion of the next annual general meeting:
(8) The remuneration of the auditors of a company shall be fixed—
(a) by the company in the general meeting;
(b) by the board or by the Commission, if the auditors are appointed by

the board or the Commission, as the case may be.
(9) Every company shall, within fourteen days from the date of any
appointment of an auditor, send to the registrar intimation thereof, together with the
consent in writing of the auditor concerned.
247. Qualification and disqualification of auditors.—(1) A person

shall not be qualified for appointment as an auditor—
(a) in the case of a public company or a private company which is

subsidiary of a public company or a private company having paid
up capital of three million rupees or more unless such person is a
chartered accountant having valid certificate of practice from the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan or a firm of chartered
accountants; and
(b) in the case of a company other than specified in clause (a), unless
such person, is a chartered accountant or cost and management
accountant having valid certificate of practice from the respective
institute or a firm of chartered accountants or cost and management
accountants, having such criteria as may be specified:
Provided that for the purpose of clause (a) and (b), a firm
whereof majority of practicing partners are qualified for
appointment shall be appointed by its firm name to be auditors of
the company.
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(2) Where a partnership firm is appointed as auditor of a company, only
the partners who meet the qualification requirements as provided in sub-section (1),
shall be authorized to act and sign on behalf of the firm.
(3) None of the following persons shall be appointed as auditor of a
company, namely—
(a) a person who is, or at any time during the preceding three years was,
a director, other officer or employee of the company;
(b) a person who is a partner of, or in the employment of, a director,

officer or employee of the company;
(c) the spouse of a director of the company;
(d) a person who is indebted to the company other than in the ordinary
course of business of such entities;
(e) a person who has given a guarantee or provided any security in

connection with the indebtedness of any third person to the company
other than in the ordinary course of business of such entities;
(f) a person or a firm who, whether directly or indirectly, has business

relationship with the company other than in the ordinary course of
business of such entities;
(g) a person who has been convicted by a court of an offence involving

fraud and a period of ten years has not elapsed from the date of such
conviction;
(h) a body corporate;
(i) a person who is not eligible to act as auditor under the code of ethics
as adopted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan and
the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan; and
(j) a person or his spouse or minor children, or in case of a firm, all

partners of such firm who hold any shares of an audit client or any
of its associated companies:
Provided that if such a person holds shares prior to his

appointment as auditor, whether as an individual or a partner in a
firm the fact shall be disclosed on his appointment as auditor and
such person shall disinvest such shares within ninety days of such
appointment.
Explanation.—Reference in this section to an “officer” or “employee”
shall be construed as not including reference to an auditor.
(4) For the purposes of clause (d) of sub-section (3) a person who
owes—
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(a) a sum of money not exceeding one million rupees to a credit card
issuer; or
(b) a sum to a utility company in the form of unpaid dues for a period
not exceeding ninety days;
shall not be deemed to be indebted to the company.

(5) A person shall also not be qualified for appointment as auditor of a
company if he is, by virtue of the provisions of sub-section (3), disqualified for
appointment as auditor of any other company which is that company’s subsidiary
or holding company or a subsidiary of that holding company.
(6) If, after his appointment, an auditor becomes subject to any of the
disqualifications specified in this section, he shall be deemed to have vacated his
office as auditor with effect from the date on which he becomes so disqualified.
(7) A person who, not being qualified to be an auditor of a company, or
being or having become subject to any disqualification to act as such, acts as auditor
of a company shall be liable to a penalty of level 2 on the standard scale.
(8) The appointment as auditor of a company of an unqualified person,
or of a person who is subject to any disqualifications to act as such, shall be void,
and, where such an appointment is made by a company, the Commission may
appoint a qualified person in place of the auditor appointed by the company.
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF AUDITOR
248. Auditors’ right to information.—(1) An auditor of a company has

a right—
(a) of access at all times to the company’s books, accounts and vouchers
(in whatever form they are held); and
(b) of access to such copies of, an extracts from, the books and accounts
of the branch as have been transmitted to the principal office of the
company;
(c) to require any of the following persons to provide him with such
information or explanations as he thinks necessary for the
performance of his duties as auditor—
(i) any director, officer or employee of the company;
(ii) any person holding or accountable for any of the company’s

books, accounts or vouchers;
(iii) any subsidiary undertaking of the company; and
(iv) any officer, employee or auditor of any such subsidiary

undertaking of the company or any person holding or
accountable for any books, accounts or vouchers of any such
subsidiary undertaking of the company.
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(2) If any officer of a company refuses or fails, without lawful
justification, the onus whereof shall lie on him, to allow any auditor access to any
books and papers in his custody or power, or to give any such information possessed
by him as and when required, or otherwise hinders, obstructs or delays an auditor
in the performance of his duties or the exercise of his powers or fails to give notice
of any general meeting to the auditor or provides false or incorrect information, he
shall be liable to penalty as provided under section 252.
249. Duties of auditor.—(1) A company’s auditor shall conduct the
audit and prepare his report in compliance with the requirements of International
Standards on Auditing as adopted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Pakistan.
(2) A company’s auditor must carry out such examination to enable him
to form an opinion as to—
(a) whether adequate accounting records have been kept by the

company and returns adequate for their audit have been received
from branches not visited by him; and
(b) whether the company’s financial statements are in agreement with

the accounting records and returns.
(3) The auditor shall make out a report to the members of the company
on the accounts and books of accounts of the company and on every financial
statements and on every other document forming part of such statements including
notes, statements or schedules appended thereto, which are to be laid before the
company in general meeting and the report shall state—
(a) whether or not they have obtained all the information and
explanations which to the best of their knowledge and belief were
necessary for the purposes of the audit and if not, the details thereof
and the effect of such information on the financial statements;
(b) whether or not in their opinion proper books of accounts as required

by this Act have been kept by the company;
(c) whether or not in their opinion the statement of financial position

and profit and loss account and other comprehensive income or the
income and expenditure account and the cash flows have been
drawn up in conformity with the requirements of accounting and
reporting standards as notified under this Act and are in agreement
with the books of accounts and returns;
(d) whether or not in their opinion and to the best of their information
and according to the explanations given to them, the said accounts
give the information required by this Act in the manner so required
and give a true and fair view—
(i) in the case of the statement of financial position, of the state

of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year;
146
(ii) in the case of the profit and loss account and other
comprehensive income or the income and expenditure
account, of the profit or loss and other comprehensive
income or surplus or deficit, as the case may be, for its
financial year; and
(iii) in the case of statement of cash flows, of the generation and

utilisation of the cash and cash equivalents of the company
for its financial year;
(e) whether or not in their opinion—
(i) investments made, expenditure incurred and guarantees

extended, during the year, were for the purpose of
company’s business; and
(ii) zakat deductible at source under the Zakat and Usher

Ordinance, 1980 (XVIII of 1980), was deducted by the
company and deposited in the Central Zakat Fund
established under section 7 of that Act.
Explanation.—Where the auditor’s report contains a

reference to any other report, statement or remarks which they have
made on the financial statements examined by them, such statement
or remarks shall be annexed to the auditor’s report and shall be
deemed to be a part of the auditor’s report.
(4) Where any of the matters referred to in sub-section (2) or (3) is

answered in the negative or with a qualification, the report shall state the reason for
such answer along with the factual position to the best of the auditor’s information.
(5) The Commission may, by general or special order, direct that, in the
case of all companies generally or such class or description of companies as may
be specified in the order, the auditor’s report shall also include a statement of such
additional matters as may be so specified.
(6) The auditor shall express unmodified or modified opinion in his

report in compliance with the requirements of International Standards on Auditing
as adopted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan.
(7) The Commission may by general or special order, direct, that the
statement of compliance as contained in sub-section (4) of section 227 of this Act,
shall be reviewed by the auditor who shall issue a review report to the members on
the format specified by the Commission.
(8) The auditor of a company shall be entitled to attend any general

meeting of the company, and to receive all notices of, and any communications
relating to, any general meeting which any member of the company is entitled to
receive, and to be heard at any general meeting which he attends on any part of the
business which concerns him as auditor:
147
Provided that, in the case of a listed company, the auditor or a person
authorised by him in writing shall be present in the general meeting in which the
financial statements and the auditor’s report are to be considered.
250. Audit of cost accounts.—(1)Where any company or class of

companies is required under first proviso of sub-section (1) of section 220 to
include in its books of account the particulars referred to therein, the Commission
may direct that an audit of cost accounts of the company shall be conducted in such
manner and with such stipulations as may be specified in the order by an auditor
who is a chartered accountant within the meaning of the Chartered Accountants
Ordinance, 1961 (X of 1961), or a cost and management accountant within the
meaning of the Cost and Management Accountants Act, 1966 (XIV of 1966); and
such auditor shall have the same powers, duties and liabilities as an auditor of a
company and such other powers, duties and liabilities as may be specified.
(2) The audit of cost accounts of the company under sub-section (1)
shall be directed by the Commission subject to the recommendation of the
regulatory authority supervising the business of relevant sector or any entity of the
sector.
251. Signature of auditor’s report.—(1) The auditor’s report must state

the name of the auditor, engagement partner, be signed, dated and indicate the place
at which it is signed.
(2) Where the auditor is an individual, the report must be signed by him.
(3) Where the auditor is a firm, the report must be signed by the
partnership firm with the name of the engagement partner.
252. Penalty for non-compliance with provisions by companies.—
Any contravention or default in complying with requirements of sections 246, 247,
248 and 250 shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 3 on the standard scale.
253. Penalty for non-compliance with provisions by auditors.—(1) If

any auditor’s report or review report is made, or any document of the company is
signed or authenticated otherwise than in conformity with the requirements of
section 131, sections 249 and 251 or is otherwise untrue or fails to bring out material
facts about the affairs of the company or matters to which it purports to relate, the
auditor concerned and the person, if any, other than the auditor who signs the report
or signs or authenticates the document, and in the case of a firm all partners of the
firm, shall be liable to a penalty of level 2 on the standard scale.
(2) If the auditor’s report to which sub-section (1) applies is made with
the intent to profit such auditor or any other person or to put another person to a
disadvantage or loss or for a material consideration, the auditor shall, in addition to
the penalty provided by that sub-section, be punishable with imprisonment for a
term which may extend to two years and with penalty which may extend to one
million rupees.
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POWER OF REGISTRAR TO CALL FOR INFORMATION
254. Power of registrar to call for information or explanation.—(1)

Where on a scrutiny of any document filed by a company or on any information
received by him under this Act, or any notice, advertisement, other communication,
or otherwise, the registrar is of opinion that any information, explanation or
document is necessary with respect to any matter, he may, by a written notice, call
upon the company and any of its present or past directors, officers or auditors to
furnish such information or explanation in writing, or such document, within thirty
days:
Provided that a director, officer or auditor who ceased to hold office more
than six years before the date of the notice of the registrar shall not be compelled
to furnish information or explanation or document under this sub-section.
(2) On receipt of the notice under sub-section (1) it shall be the duty of
the company and all persons who are or have been directors, officers or auditors of
the company to furnish such information, explanation or documents as required.
(3) If no information or explanation is furnished within the time
specified or if the information or explanation furnished is, in the opinion of the
registrar, inadequate, the registrar may if he deems fit, by written order, call on the
company and any such person as is referred to in sub-section (1) or (2) to produce
before him for his inspection such books and papers as he considers necessary
within such time as he may specify in the order; and it shall be the duty of the
company and of such persons to produce such books and papers.
(4) If the company or any such person as is referred to in sub-section
(1), (2) or (3) refuses or makes default in furnishing any such information or in
producing any such books or papers—
(a) the company shall be liable to a penalty of level 2 on the standard
scale; and
(b) every officer of the company who authorises or permits, or is a party

to, the default shall be punishable with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to two years, and shall also
be liable to fine which may extend to one million rupees and the
court trying the offence may, make an order directing the company
to produce such books or papers as in its opinion may reasonably be
required by the registrar.
(5) On receipt of such information or explanation or production of any

books and papers, the registrar may annex the same or any copy thereof or extract
therefrom to the original document submitted to him; and any document so annexed
shall be subject to the provisions as to inspection and the taking of extracts and
furnishing of copies to which the original document is subject.
(6) If the information or explanation or book or papers required by the
registrar under sub-section (1) is not furnished within the specified time, or if after
perusal of such information or explanation or books or papers the registrar is of
opinion that the document in question or the information or explanation or book or
149
paper discloses an unsatisfactory state of affairs, or that it does not disclose a full
and fair statement of the matter to which it purports to relate, the registrar shall
without prejudice to any other provisions, and whether or not action under sub-
section (3) or sub-section (4) has been taken, report in writing the circumstances of
the case to the Commission.
255. Seizure of documents by registrar, inspector or investigation
officer.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1898(Act V of 1898) or any other law including Banking Companies
Ordinance (Act LVII of 1962) the registrar, inspector or investigation officer, as
the case may be, upon information in his possession or otherwise or during
investigation, has reasons to believe that documents, books and papers or anything
relating to any company or any chief executive or officer of such company or any
associate of such person or is useful or relevant to any proceedings or investigation
under this Act which is required or may be destroyed, mutilated, altered, falsified
or secreted, the registrar, inspector, or investigation officer after obtaining prior
permission of the Commission, signed by one Commissioner, without warrants,
enter such place and cause a search to be made at any time freeze, seize or take
possession of and retain any document, object, article, material, thing, account
books, movable or immovable property or cause any account, property or thing to
be maintained in specific manner.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), the registrar may, after he has
obtained the permission from the Commission under that sub-section (1), may also
authorise any officer subordinate to him, not inferior in rank to an assistant registrar
to enter, with such assistance as may be required, the place where he has reasons to
believe that any of the items referred in sub-section (1) are kept;
(a) to search that place; and
(b) to seize any of the items referred in sub-section (1) as he considers

necessary.
(3) The registrar shall return the items seized under this section as soon
as may be and in any case not later than thirty day after such seizure, to the company
or, as the case may be, to the chief executive or any other person from whose
custody or power they were seized:
Provided that the Commission may, after providing to the company an

opportunity to show cause against the order proposed to be made by it, allow the
registrar to retain the items seized for a further period not exceeding thirty days:
Provided further that the registrar may, before returning items as aforesaid,
take copies of, or extracts from them or put such marks of identification thereon as
he considers necessary.
(4) Where, the registrar, inspector or investigation officer, as the case

may be, has apprehension that any person or occupants of any place to be searched
may create hindrance, resist search, or such document or thing is not known to be
in the possession of any person, or where general search is required for the purposes
of any proceedings, inspection or investigation under this Act, or any person will
not or would not produce any document or thing as required by the registrar,
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inspector or investigation officer in any proceedings, inspection or investigation
under this Act, a search-warrants from the concerned Magistrate may be obtained.
(5) The registrar, inspector or investigation officer after obtaining

warrant under sub-section (4) may conduct search of such person and enter any
place and seize any property, material, document or thing required under this Act
or is associated with commission of any offence under this Act or administered
legislation and Magistrate while issuing orders under this section may also direct
local police, authority or any agency to provide necessary assistance to such person.
(6) The registrar, inspector or investigation officer executing the

warrants shall comply and proceed in manner provided in the Criminal Procedure
Code 1898(Act V of 1898) including sections 102, 48 and 52:
Provided that any proceeding under this section shall not be vitiated or
called into question for non–observance of any requirement of Section 103 of the
Code and shall be admissible in the Court of law.
(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub section (3) in case of

seizure of any property, material or thing by the investigation officer, in relation to
any offense under this Act or administered legislation or scheduled offences, may
retain any property, material, document or thing seized under sub section (1) or (5)
which is a case property and produce the same as and when required during the trial
in accordance with law.
(8) Where the Commission has reason to believe that proceeds of crime
of any offence under this Act or administered legislation, it may pass an order to
freeze account, securities and any other moveable property or part or parts thereof
for not more than thirty days.
(9) Any person aggrieved of the seizure, freezing or retention by the

investigation officer may approach the Court and obtain order for release of such
accounts, securities, movable or immovable property, things or material seized or
retained, after expiry of thirty days of such seizure or freezing order by the inspector
or investigator under sub-sections (1), (5) or (8), if it can satisfy the Court that such
property, accounts, securities, material or thing is not associated with any offence
under this Act or any administered legislation and Court while passing order of
release may impose such restriction and condition as deemed necessary.
Explanation I.—For the purposes of sub-section (8) the expression “Court”

means the Company Bench of the High Court having jurisdiction where registered
office is situated, in case of company or any connected person and in all other case,
it will be the Company Bench of the High Court having territorial jurisdiction over
area where the search has been conducted under this section.
Explanation II.—For the purposes of this Act, the expression

“administrated legislation” shall have the same meaning as provided in clause (aa)
of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Securities and Exchange Commission of
Pakistan Act, 1997 (XLII of 1997).
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INVESTIGATION AND RELATED MATTERS
256. Investigation into affairs of company.—(1) Where the

Commission is of the opinion, that it is necessary to investigate into the affairs of a
company—
(a) on the application of the members holding not less than one tenth of
the total voting power in a company having share capital;
(b) on the application of not less than one tenth of the total members of
a company not having share capital;
(c) on the receipt of a report under sub-section (5) of section 221 or on

the report by the registrar under sub-section (6) of section 254;
it may order an investigation into the affairs of the company and appoint one or
more persons as inspectors to investigate into the affairs of the company and to
report thereon in such manner as the Commission may direct:
Provided that before making an order of investigation, the Commission

shall give the company an opportunity of being heard.
(2) While appointing an inspector under sub-section (1), the
Commission may define the scope of the investigation, the period to which it is to
extend or any other matter connected or incidental to the investigation.
(3) An application by members of a company under clause (a) or (b) of

sub-section (1) shall be supported by such evidence as the Commission may require
for the purpose of showing that the applicants have good reason for requiring the
investigation.
(4) The Commission may, before appointing an inspector, require the

applicants to give such security for payment of the costs of the investigation as the
Commission may specify.
257. Investigation of company’s affairs in other cases.—(1) Without

prejudice to its power under section 256, the Commission—
(a) shall appoint one or more competent persons as inspectors to

investigate the affairs of a company and to report thereon in such
manner as the Commission may direct, if—
(i) the company, by a special resolution, or
(ii) the Court, by order,
declares that the affairs of the company ought to be investigated; and

(b) may appoint one or more competent persons as inspectors to
investigate the affairs of a company and to report thereon in such
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manner as the Commission may direct if in its opinion there are
circumstances suggesting—
(i) that the business of the company is being or has been

conducted with intent to defraud its creditors, members or
any other person or for a fraudulent or unlawful purpose, or
in a manner oppressive of any of its members or that the
company was formed for any fraudulent or unlawful
purpose; or
(ii) that persons concerned in the formation of the company or

the management of its affairs have in connection therewith
been guilty of fraud, misfeasance, breach of trust or other
misconduct towards the company or towards any of its
members or have been carrying on unauthorised business; or
(iii) that the affairs of the company have been so conducted or

managed as to deprive the members thereof of a reasonable
return; or
(iv) that the members of the company have not been given all the
information with respect to its affairs which they might
reasonably expect; or
(v) that any shares of the company have been allotted for
inadequate consideration; or
(vi) that the affairs or the company are not being managed in
accordance with sound business principles or prudent
commercial practices; or
(vii) that the financial position of the company is such as to

endanger its solvency:
Provided that, before making an order under clause

(b), the Commission shall give the company an opportunity
of being heard.
(2) While appointing an inspector under sub-section (1), the
Commission may define the scope of the investigation, whether as respects the
matters or the period to which it is to extend or otherwise.
258. Serious Fraud Investigation.—(1) Notwithstanding anything
contained in sections 256 and 257, the Commission may authorize any one or more
of its officers or appoint such number of professionals from amongst the persons of
ability, integrity and having experience in the fields of corporate affairs,
accountancy, taxation, forensic audit, capital market, banking, information
technology, law or such other fields as may be notified, as an inspector or
investigation officer to investigate such serious nature of offences relating to a
company as provided in Sixth Schedule.
(2) The persons appointed as inspectors or investigation officer under

sub-section (1) shall have all powers of investigation officer under this Act, the
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Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997 (XLII of 1997) and
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), mutatis mutandis and shall
report in such manner as the Commission may direct.
(3) Where no procedure is provided in this Act or Securities and
Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997 (XLII of 1997) the investigation
officer shall comply with the relevant provisions of Code of Criminal Procedure,
1898 (Act V of 1898).
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law, the
Commission may, if it is satisfied that the matter is of public importance or it is
in the interest of public at large, request the concerned Minister-in-Charge of the
Federal Government to form a Joint Investigation Team to be headed by a senior
level officer of the Commission, not below the rank of additional director, and may
include any person mentioned in sub section (1) alongwith Gazetted officer of any
Federal law enforcement agency, bureau or authority for providing assistance in
investigating the offence under this section and the direction of the concerned
Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government under this section shall be binding
and any person who fails to comply with such directions, shall be guilty of an
offence punishable with simple imprisonment of thirty days or fine up to one
hundred thousand rupees by the Court:
Provided that nothing in this section shall be in derogation to or affect any

proceedings under powers of the Commission to send reference under section 41B
of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997 (XLII of 1997).
(5) Upon completion of investigation, the Joint Investigation Team

shall, through the Special Public Prosecutor, submit a report before the Court as
mentioned in section 483 of this Act:
Provided that notwithstanding anything contained in the Qanun-e-Shahadat

(Order), 1984 (P.O. No. X of 1984) or any other law, such report shall be admissible
as an evidence in the Court.
(6) While trying any offence under this Act, the Court may also try any
other offence, in which an accused may be charged under any other law, at the same
trial if the offence is connected with such other offence.
(7) Where, in the course of any trial under this Act, it is found that the
accused person has committed any other offence in addition to any offences
connected with the scheduled offences, the Court may convict an accused for such
other offence and pass any sentence under this Act or any other law:
Provided that where such offence is tried by any special court having
jurisdiction, higher or equal to the Court of Session, joint trial will be conducted by
such special court of all the offences and convict an accused accordingly under the
process provided in the special law.
259. Inspector to be a Court for certain purposes.—(1)

Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
the Commission may either on its own motion or on the basis of any information
received, is of the view that any offence has been committed under this Act or any
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person is engaged in any fraud, misfeasance, misconduct or any other activity
prejudice to the public interest shall have all the powers as provided under the
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997(XLII of 1997).
(2) A person appointed as inspector under sections 256, 257 and 258
shall, for the purposes of his investigation, have the same powers as are vested in a
Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), while trying a suit,
in respect of the following matters, namely—
(a) enforcing the attendance of persons and examining them on oath or
affirmation;
(b) compelling the discovery and production of books and papers and
any material objects; and
(c) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses;
and every proceeding before such person shall be deemed to be “judicial

proceeding” within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal
Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860).
(3) Any contravention of or non-compliance with any orders, directions
or requirement of the inspector exercising powers of a Court under sub-section (1)
shall, in all respects, entail the same liabilities, consequences and penalties as are
provided for such contravention, non-compliance or default under the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908) and Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of
1860).
260. Power of inspectors to carry investigation into affairs of
associated companies.—If an inspector appointed under sections 256, 257 or 258
to investigate the affairs of a company considers it necessary for reasons to be
recorded in writing, he may probe after seeking prior approval of the Commission,
the affairs of any other associated company or associated undertaking which is, or
has been associated and also from the chief executive of any such company:
Provided that the Commission shall not grant approval under this section
without providing opportunity of being heard to the associated company or
associated undertaking or the chief executive, as the case may be.
261. Duty of officers to assist the inspector.—(1) It shall be the duty of

all officers and other employees and agents of the company and all persons who
have dealings with the company to give to the inspector all assistance in connection
with the investigation.
(2) Any such person who makes default in complying with the
provisions of sub-section (1) shall, without prejudice to any other liability, be
publishable in respect of each offence with imprisonment of either description for
a term which may extend to two years and shall also be liable to a fine which may
extend to one million rupees.
(3) In this section—
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(a) the expression “agents”, in relation to any company, body corporate
or person, includes the bankers, legal advisers and auditors of the
company;
(b) the expression “officer”, in relation to any company or body

corporate, include any trustee for the debenture-holders of such
company or body corporate; and
(c) any reference to officers and other employees and agents shall be
construed as a reference to past as well as present officers and other
employees and agents, as the case may be.
262. Inspector’s report.—(1) The inspector may, and if so directed by

the Commission shall, make an interim report, and on the conclusion of the
investigation a final report to the Commission.
(2) The Commission—

(a) shall forward a copy of any report made by the inspector to the
company at its registered office with such directions as the
Commission thinks fit;
(b) may, if it thinks fit, furnish a copy thereof, on request and on

payment of the specified fee, to any person-
(i) who is a member of the company or other body corporate or

is interested in the affairs of the company;
(ii) whose interests as a creditor of the company or other body

corporate appear to the Commission to be affected;
(c) shall, when the inspectors are appointed under clause (a) or clause
(b) of section 256, furnish, at the request of the applicants for the
investigation, a copy of the report to them;
(d) shall, where the inspector are appointed under section 257 in
pursuance of an order of the Court, furnish a copy of the report to
the Court;
(e) may forward a copy of the report to the registrar with such directions
as it may deem fit; and
(f) may also cause the report or any part thereof to be posted on its
website.
263. Prosecution.−(1) If, from any report made under section 262, it
appears to the Commission that any person has, in relation to the company or in
relation to any other body corporate, whose affairs have been investigated by virtue
of sections 256, 257 and 258, been guilty of any offense for which he is criminally
liable, the Commission may, prosecute such person for the offence, and it shall be
the duty of all officers and other employees and agents of the company or body
corporate, as the case may be, other than the accused in the proceedings, to give the
156
Commission or any person nominated by it in this behalf all assistance in
connection with the prosecution which they are reasonably able to give.
(2) Sub-section (3) of section 261 shall apply for the purpose of this
section as it applies for the purposes of that section.
264. Power of Commission to initiate action against management.—
(1) If from any report made under section 262, the Commission is of the opinion
that—
(a) the business of the company is being or has been conducted with
intent to defraud its creditors, members or any other persons or for
a fraudulent or unlawful purpose, or in a manner oppressive of any
of its members or that the company was formed for any fraudulent
or unlawful purpose; or
(b) the person concerned in the formation of the company or the

management of its affairs have in connection therewith been guilty
of fraud, misfeasance, breach of trust or other misconduct towards
the company or towards any of its member or have been carrying on
unauthorized business; or
(c) the affairs of the company have been so conducted or managed as to

deprive the shareholders thereof of a reasonable return; or
(d) that the members of the company have not been given all the
information with respect to its affairs which they might reasonably
expect; or
(e) any shares of the company have been allotted for inadequate
consideration; or
(f) the affairs of the company are not being managed in accordance with
sound business principles or prudent commercial practices; or
(g) the financial position of the company is such as to endanger its

solvency;
the Commission may apply to the Court and the Court may, after taking such
evidence as it may consider necessary, by an order—
(i) remove from office any director including the chief executive or
other officer of the company; or
(ii) direct that the directors of the company shall carry out such changes
in the management or in the accounting policies of the company as
may be specified in the order; or
(iii) notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law for
the time being in force, direct the company to call a meeting of its
members to consider such matters as may be specified in the order
and to take appropriate remedial actions; or
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(iv) direct that any existing contract which is to the detriment of the
company or its members or is intended to or does benefit any officer
or director shall be annulled or modified to the extent specified in
the order:
Provided that no such order shall be made so as to have effect

from any date preceding the date of the order:
Provided further that any director, including a chief

executive or other officer who is removed from office under clause
(i), unless the Court specified a lesser period, shall not be a director,
chief executive or officer of any company for a period of five years
from the date of his removal.
(2) No order under this section shall be made unless the director or other
officer likely to be affected by such order has been given an opportunity of being
heard.
(3) The action taken under sub-section (1) shall be in addition to and
not in substitution of any other action or remedy provided in any other law for the
time being in force.
265. Effect of Court’s order.—On the issue of the Court’s order under
section 264 removing from office any director, including chief executive or other
officer, such director or other officer shall be deemed to have vacated his office
and—
(a) if the Court’s order has removed a director, the casual vacancy in
the office of director shall be filled in accordance with the relevant
provisions of section 161 of this Act; and
(b) if the Court’s order has removed from office a chief executive, the
board shall appoint another person to be the chief executive; and
(c) if the Court’s order has removed from office all the directors
including the chief executive, a general meeting of the company
shall be called forthwith for electing new directors.
266. No compensation to be payable for annulment or modification

of contract.—Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time
being in force, and except as ordered by the Court for special reasons to be recorded
in writing, no director, chief executive or other officer of the company shall be
entitled to be paid any compensation for annulment or modification of a contract to
which he is a party or of which he is a beneficiary, if such contract is annulled or
modified by an order issued by the Court under section 264.
267. No right to compensation for loss of office.—No person shall be

entitled to or be paid any compensation or damages for the loss of office by reason
of an order issued under section 264.
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POWERS OF COURT HEARING APPLICATION
268. Application for winding up of company or an order under

section 286.—If any company or other body corporate the affairs of which have
been investigated by inspectors is liable to be wound up under this Act, and it
appears to the Commission from any report made under section 262 that it is
expedient so to do by reason of any such circumstances as are referred to in sub-
clause (i) or sub-clause (ii) or sub-clause (iii) or sub-clause (iv) or sub-clause (vii)
of clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 257, the Commission may, unless the
company or other body corporate is already being wound up by the Court cause to
be presented to the Court by the registrar or any person authorised by the
Commission in this behalf—
(a) a petition for the winding up of the company or body corporate, on

the ground that it is just and equitable that it should be wound up;
(b) an application for an order under section 286; or
(c) both a petition and an application as aforesaid.
269. Proceedings for recovery of damages or property.—(1) If from

any report referred to in sub-section (1) of section 262 it appears to the Commission
that proceedings ought, in the public interest, to be brought by the company or any
body corporate whose affairs have been investigated in pursuance of section 260—
(a) for the recovery of damages in respect of any fraud, misfeasance,

breach of trust or other misconduct in connection with the promotion
or formation, or the management of the affairs, of such company or
body corporate; or
(b) for the recovery of any property of such company or body corporate
which has been misapplied or wrongfully retained;
the Commission may itself bring proceedings for that purpose in the name of such
company or body corporate.
(2) The Commission shall be indemnified by such company or body
corporate against any costs or expenses incurred by it in, or in connection with, any
proceedings brought by virtue of sub-section (1) and the Court or other authority
before which proceedings are brought shall pass an order accordingly.
270. Expenses of investigation.—(1) When an investigation is ordered
to be made under section 256 or 257 or 258, the expenses of and incidental to the
investigation shall in the first instance be defrayed by the Commission; but the
following persons shall, to the extent mentioned below, be liable to reimburse the
Commission in respect of such expenses, namely—
(a) any person who is convicted on a prosecution instituted in pursuance

of section 263 or is ordered to pay damages or restore any property
as a result of proceedings under section 269 may in the same
proceedings be ordered to pay the said expenses to such extent as
159
may be specified by the Commission or the Court convicting such
person or ordering him to pay such damages or restore such
property, as the case may be;
(b) any company or body corporate in whose name proceedings are

brought as aforesaid shall be liable, to the extent of the amount or
value of any sums or property recovered by it as a result of the
proceedings;
(c) where the investigation was ordered by the Commission under

clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 256 or 257 or 258, the
company or body corporate whose affairs are ordered to be
investigated, shall be liable; and
(d) where the investigation was ordered under section 256 on an

application of the members, the members making the application
and the company or body corporate dealt with by the report shall be
liable to such extent, if any, as the Commission may direct.
(2) The amount of expenses which any company, body corporate or

person is liable under this section to reimburse to the Commission shall be
recoverable from that company, body corporate or person as provided under section
486.
(3) For the purposes of this section, any costs or expenses incurred by
the Commission in or in connection with proceeding brought by the Commission
under section 269 shall be treated as expenses of the investigation giving rise to the
proceedings.
(4) Any liability to reimburse the Commission imposed by clauses (a)

and (b) of sub-section (1) shall, subject to satisfaction of the right of the
Commission to re-imbursement, be a liability also to indemnify all persons against
liability under clause (c) of that sub-section.
(5) Any such liability imposed by clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall,
subject as aforesaid, be a liability also to indemnify all persons against liability
under clause (b) of that sub-section.
(6) Any person liable under clause (a) or clause (b) or clause (c) of sub-
section (1) shall be entitled to contribute from any other person liable under the
same clause according to the amount of their respective liabilities thereunder.
(7) In so far as the expenses to be defrayed by the Commission under

this section are not recovered thereunder, they shall be borne by the Commission.
271. Inspector's report to be evidence.—A copy of any report of any

inspector or inspectors appointed under sections 256, 257 or 258 authenticated in
such manner, if any, as may be specified, shall be admissible in any legal
proceedings as evidence of the opinion of the inspector or inspectors in relation to
any matter contained in the report.
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272. Imposition of restrictions on shares and debentures and
prohibition of transfer of shares or debentures in certain cases.—(1) Where it
appears to the Commission in connection with any investigation that there is good
reason to find out the relevant facts about any shares, whether issued or to be issued,
and the Commission is of the opinion that such facts cannot be found out unless the
restrictions specified in sub-section (2) are imposed, the Commission may, by
order, direct that the shares shall be subject to the restrictions imposed by sub-
section (2) for such period not exceeding one year as may be specified in the order:
Provided that, before making an order under this sub-section, the

Commission shall provide an opportunity of showing cause against the proposed
action to the company and the persons likely to be affected by the restriction.
(2) So long as any shares are directed to be subject to the restrictions

imposed by this sub-section—
(a) any transfer of those shares shall be void;
(b) where those shares are to be issued, they shall not be issued; and any
issue thereof or any transfer of the right to be issued therewith, shall
be void;
(c) no voting right shall be exercisable in respect of those shares;
(d) no further shares shall be issued in right of those shares or in

pursuance of any offer made to the holder thereof; and any issue of
such shares or any transfer of the right to be issued therewith, shall
be void;
(e) except in a liquidation, no payment shall be made of any sums due

from the company on those shares, whether in respect of dividend,
capital or otherwise; and
(f) no change other than a change by operation of law shall be made in

the directors or the chief executive.
(3) Where a transfer of shares in a company has taken place and as a

result thereof a change in the directors of the company is likely to take place and
the Commission is of opinion that any such change will be prejudicial to the public
interest, the Commission may, by order, direct, that—
(a) the voting rights in respect of those shares shall not be exercisable
for such period not exceeding one year as may be specified in the
order; and
(b) no resolution passed or action taken to effect a change in the

directors before the date of the order shall have effect unless
confirmed by the Commission.
(4) Where the Commission has reasonable ground to believe that a

transfer of shares in a company is likely to take place as a result of which a change
161
in the directors of the company will follow and the Commission is of opinion that
any such change will be prejudicial to the public interest, the Commission may, by
order, prohibit any transfer of shares in the company during such period not
exceeding one year as may be specified in the order.
(5) The Commission may, by order, at any time, vary or rescind any
order made by it under sub-section (1) or sub-section (3) or sub-section (4).
(6) Where the Commission makes an order under sub-section (1) or sub-
section (3) or sub-section (4) or sub-section (5) or refuses to rescind any such order,
any person aggrieved thereby may apply to the Court and the Court may, if it thinks
fit, by order, vacate any such order of the Commission:
Provided that no order, whether interim or final shall be made by the Court
without giving the Commission an opportunity of being heard.
(7) Any order of the Commission rescinding an order under sub-section

(1), or any order of the Court vacating any such order, which is expressed to be
made with a view to permitting a transfer of any shares, may continue the
restrictions mentioned in clauses (d) and (e) of sub-section (2), either in whole or
in part, so far as they relate to any right acquired, or offer made, before the transfer.
(8) Any order made by the Commission under sub-section (5) shall be
served on the company within fourteen days of the making of the order.
(9) Any person who—
(a) exercises or purports to exercise any right to dispose of any shares

or of any right to be issued with any such shares, when to his
knowledge he is not entitled to do so by reason of any of the
restrictions applicable to the case under sub-section (1); or
(b) votes in respect of any shares, whether as holder or proxy, or

appoints a proxy to vote in respect thereof, when to his knowledge
he is not entitled to do so by reason of any of the restrictions
applicable to the case under sub-section (2) or by reason of any order
made under sub-section (3); or
(c) transfers any shares in contravention of any order made under sub-
section (4); or
(d) being the holder of any shares in respect of which an order under
sub- section (2) or sub-section (3) has been made, fails to give notice
of the fact of their being subject to any such order to any person
whom he does not know to be aware of that fact but whom he knows
to be otherwise entitled to vote in respect of those shares, whether
as holder or a proxy;
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or
with fine which may extend to one million rupees, or with both.
162
sub-section (2) shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 2 on the standard
scale.
(11) A prosecution shall not be instituted under this section except by or

with the consent of the Commission.
(12) This section shall also apply in relation to debentures as it applies in

relation to shares.
273. Saving for legal advisers and bankers.—Nothing in sections 256

to 263 shall require the disclosure to the registrar or to the Commission or to an
inspector appointed by the Commission—
(a) by a legal adviser, of any privileged communication made to him in

that capacity, except as respects the name and address of his client;
or
(b) by the bankers of any company, body corporate, or other person,

referred to in the sections aforesaid, as such bankers, of any
information as to be the affairs of any of their customers other than
such company, body corporate, or person.
274. Enquiries and investigation not to be affected by winding up.—

An inspection, enquiry or investigation may be initiated or proceeded with under
sections 221, 254, 255, 256, 257 and 260 and any consequential action taken in
accordance with any provisions of this Act notwithstanding that—
(a) the company has passed a resolution for winding up;
(b) a petition has been submitted to the Court for winding up of the
company; or
(c) any other civil or criminal proceedings have been initiated against
the company or its officers under any provision of this Act.
275. Application of sections 254 to 274 to liquidators and foreign

companies.—The provisions of sections 254 to 274 shall apply mutatis mutandis
to companies in the course of winding up, their liquidators and foreign companies.
PART VIII
MEDIATION, ARBITRATION, ARRANGEMENTS AND
RECONSTRUCTION
276. Mediation and Conciliation Panel.—(1) Any of the parties to the

proceedings may, by mutual consent, at any time during the proceedings before the
Commission or the Appellate Bench, apply to the Commission or the Appellate
Bench, as the case may be, in such form alongwith such fees as may be specified,
for referring the matter pertaining to such proceedings to the Mediation and
Conciliation Panel and the Commission or the Appellate Bench, as the case may
be, shall appoint one or more individuals from the panel referred to in sub-section
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(2).
(2) The Commission shall maintain a panel to be called as the Mediation

and Conciliation Panel consisting of individuals having such qualifications as may
be specified for mediation between the parties during the pendency of any
proceedings before the Commission or the Appellate Bench under this Act.
(3) The fee and other terms and conditions of individuals of the
Mediation and Conciliation Panel shall be such as may be specified.
(4) The Mediation and Conciliation Panel shall follow such procedure
as and dispose of the matter referred to it within a period of ninety days from the
date of such reference and forward its recommendations to the Commission or the
Appellate Bench, as the case may be.
277. Resolution of disputes through mediation.—A company, its
management or its members or creditors may by written consent, directly refer a
dispute, claim or controversy arising between them or between the members or
directors inter-se, for resolution, to any individuals enlisted on the mediation and
conciliation panel maintained by the Commission before taking recourse to formal
dispute resolution.
278. Power for companies to refer matter to arbitration.—(1) A

company may by written agreement refer any existing or future difference between
itself and any other company or person to arbitration, in accordance with the
Arbitration Act, 1940 (X of 1940).
(2) Companies, parties to the arbitration, may delegate to the arbitrator

power to settle any term or to determine any matter capable of being lawfully settled
or determined by the companies themselves, or by the board or other managing
body.
(3) The provisions of the Arbitration Act, 1940 (X of 1940), shall apply
to all arbitrations between companies and persons in pursuance of this Act.
279. Compromise with creditors and members.—(1) Where a

compromise or arrangement is proposed between a company and its creditors or
any class of them, or between the company and its members or any class of them,
the Commission may, on the application of the company or of any creditor or
member of the company or, in the case of a company being wound up, of the
liquidator, order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, or of the members
of the company or class of members, as the case may be, to be called, held and
conducted in such manner as the Commission directs.
(2) If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the

creditors or class of creditors, or members, as the case may be, present and voting
either in person or, where proxies are allowed, by proxy at the meeting, agree to
any compromise or arrangement, the compromise or arrangement shall, if
sanctioned by the Commission be binding on the company, all its creditors, all the
members, the liquidators and the contributories of the company, as the case may
be:
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Provided that no order sanctioning any compromise or arrangement shall be
made by the Commission unless the Commission is satisfied that the company or
any other person by whom an application has been made under sub-section (1) has
disclosed to the Commission, by affidavit or otherwise, all material facts relating
to the company, such as the financial position of the company, the auditor's report
on the latest accounts of the company, the pendency of any investigation
proceedings in relation to the company and the like.
(3) A copy of the order under sub-section (2) sanctioning the

compromise or arrangement duly certified by an authorised officer of the
Commission shall be forwarded to the registrar within seven days from the date of
the order.
(4) A copy of the order under sub-section (2) shall be annexed to every
copy of the memorandum of the company issued after the order has been made or
in the case of a company not having a memorandum to every copy so issued of the
instrument constituting or defining the constitution of the company.
(5) The Court may, at any time after an application has been made to
the Commission under this section, stay the commencement or continuation of any
suit or proceeding until final disposal of the application.
(6) In this section the expression "company" means any company liable
to be wound up under this Act and the expression "arrangement" includes a re-
organisation of the share-capital of the company by the consolidation of shares of
different classes or by the division of shares into shares of different classes or by
both those methods, and for the purposes of this section unsecured creditors who
may have filed suits or obtained decrees shall be deemed to be of the same class as
other unsecured creditors.

sub-section (4) shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard
scale.
280. Power of Commission to enforce compromises and

arrangements.—(1) Where the Commission makes an order under section 279
sanctioning a compromise or an arrangement in respect of a company, it may, at
the time of making such order or at any time thereafter, give such directions in
regard to any matter or make such modifications in the compromise or arrangement
as it may consider necessary for the proper working of the compromise or
arrangement.
(2) If the Commission is satisfied that a compromise or arrangement

sanctioned under section 279 cannot be worked satisfactorily with or without
modification, it may, initiate proceedings for the winding up of the company.
281. Information as to compromises or arrangements with creditors

and members.—(1) Where a meeting of creditors or any class of creditors, or of
members or any class of members, is called under section 279—
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(a) with every notice calling the meeting which is sent to a creditor or
member, there shall be sent also a statement setting forth the terms
of the compromise or arrangement and explaining its effect; and in
particular, stating any material interest of the directors including the
chief executive of the company, whether in their capacity as such or
as members or creditors of the company or otherwise, and the effect
on those interests, of the compromise or arrangement if, and in so
far as, it is different from the effect on the like interest of other
persons; and
(b) in every notice calling the meeting which is given by advertisement,

there shall be included either such a statement as aforesaid or a
notification of the place at which and the manner in which creditors
or members entitled to attend the meeting may obtain copies of such
a statement as aforesaid.
(2) Where the compromise or arrangement affects the rights of

debenture-holders of the company, the said statement shall give the like information
and explanation as respects the trustees of any deed for securing the issue of the
debentures as it is required to give as respects the company's directors.
(3) Where a notice given by advertisement includes a notification that

copies of a statement setting forth the terms of the compromise or arrangement
proposed and explaining its effect can be obtained by creditors or members entitled
to attend the meeting, every creditor or member so entitled shall, on making an
application in the manner indicated by the notice, be furnished by the company,
free of charge, with a copy of the statement.

section shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale; and
for the purpose of this sub-section any liquidator of the company and trustee of a
deed for securing the issue of debentures of the company shall be deemed to be an
officer of the company:
Provided that a person shall not be under this sub-section if he shows that
the default was due to the refusal of any other person, being a director, including
chief executive or trustee for debenture-holder, to supply the necessary particulars
as to his material interests.
(5) Every director, including chief executive of the company and every
trustee for debenture-holders of the company, shall give notice to the company of
such matters relating to himself as may be necessary for the purposes of this section
and on the request of the company shall provide such further information as may
be necessary for the purposes of this section; and, if he fails to do so within the time
allowed by the company, he shall be liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard
scale.
282. Powers of Commission to facilitate reconstruction or

amalgamation of companies.—(1) Where an application is made to the
Commission under section 279 to sanction a compromise or arrangement and it is
shown that—
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(a) the compromise or arrangement is proposed for the purposes of, or
in connection with, a scheme for the reconstruction of any company
or companies, or the amalgamation of any two or more companies
or division of a company into one or more companies;
(b) under the scheme the whole or any part of the undertaking or
property or liabilities of any company concerned in the scheme (“a
transferor company”) is to be transferred to another company (“the
transferee company”) or is proposed to be divided among and
transferred to two or more companies; and
(c) a copy of the scheme drawn up by the applicants has been filed with
the registrar;
the Commission may order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors or the
members or class of members, as the case may be, to be called, held and conducted
in such manner as the Commission may direct.
(2) Where an order has been made by the Commission under sub-
section (1), merging companies or the company in respect of which a division is
proposed, shall also be required to circulate the following for the meeting so
ordered by the Commission, namely:—
(a) the draft of the proposed terms of the scheme drawn up and adopted
by the board of each of the applicant companies;
(b) confirmation that a copy of the draft scheme has been filed with the
registrar;
(c) a report adopted by the board of the applicant companies explaining

effect of compromise on each class of members, laying out in
particular the share swap ratio, specifying any special valuation
difficulties;
(d) the report of the expert with regard to valuation, if any;
(e) a supplementary audited financial statement if the last annual

accounts of any of the applicant company relate to a financial year
ending more than one hundred and eighty days before the first
meeting of the company summoned for the purposes of approving
the scheme.
(3) The Commission may, either by an order, sanction the compromise

or arrangement or by a subsequent order, make provision for all or any of the
following matters—
(a) the transfer to the transferee company of the whole or any part of the
undertaking and of the property or liabilities of any transferor
company;
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(b) the allotment or appropriation by the transferee company of any
shares, debentures, policies or other like interests in that company
which under the compromise or arrangement are to be allotted or
appropriated by that company to or for any person;
(c) the continuation by or against the transferee company of any legal

proceedings pending by or against any transferor company;
(d) the dissolution, without winding up, of any transferor company;
(e) the provision to be made for any persons who, within such time and
in such manner as the Commission directs, dissent from the
compromise or arrangement;
(f) such incidental, consequential and supplemental matters as are

necessary to secure that the reconstruction, amalgamation or
bifurcation is fully and effectively carried out.
(4) If an order under this section provides for the transfer of property or
liabilities—
(a) the property, by virtue of the order stands transferred to, and vests
in, the transferee company, and
(b) the liabilities, by virtue of the order, stand transferred to and become
liabilities of that company.
(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Stamp Act, 1899 (II of

1899) or any other law for the time being in force, no stamp duty shall be payable
on transfer to the transferee company of the whole or any part of the undertaking
and of the property of any transferor company as a result of sanctioning by the
Commission, any compromise or arrangement under this Part:
Provided that this sub-section (5) shall, in respect of the companies having
registered office within the jurisdiction of—
(a) the Islamabad Capital Territory, be applicable at once; and
(b) the Provinces, be applicable upon notification or legislation by the
respective Provincial Governments.
(6) The property (if the order so directs) vests freed from any charge
that is by virtue of the compromise or arrangement to cease to have effect.
(7) A copy of the order passed by the Commission under this section
sanctioning the reconstruction, the amalgamation or division, duly certified by an
authorised officer of the Commission shall be forwarded to the registrar within
seven days from the date of the order.
(8) In this section “property” includes property, rights and powers of

every description; and “liabilities” includes duties.
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(9) In this section the expression "transferee company" does not
include any company other than a company within the meaning of this Act, and the
expression "transferor company" includes any body corporate, whether a
company within the meaning of this Act or not.
283. Notice to be given to registrar for applications under section 279
and 282.– The Commission shall give notice of every application made to it under
sections 279 to 282 to the registrar and shall take into consideration the
representation if any, made to it by the registrar before passing any order under any
of these sections.
284. Amalgamation of wholly owned subsidiaries in holding

company.—(1) A company and one or more other companies that is or that are
directly or indirectly wholly owned by it, may amalgamate and continue as one
company (being the company first referred to) without complying with sections 279
to 282, if—
(a) the scheme of amalgamation is approved by the board of each

amalgamating company; and
(b) each resolution provides that—
(i) the shares of each transferor company, other than the

transferee company, will be cancelled without payment or
other consideration; and
(ii) the board is satisfied that the transferee company will be able
to pay its debts as they fall due during the period of one year
immediately after the date on which the amalgamation is to
become effective and a declaration verified by an affidavit
to the effect will be filed with the registrar; and
(iii) the person or persons named in the resolution will be the

director or directors of the transferee company.
(2) Two or more companies, each of which is directly or indirectly

wholly owned by the same person, may amalgamate and continue as one company
without complying with section 279 or section 282 if—
(a) the scheme of amalgamation is approved by a resolution of the board
of each amalgamating company; and
(b) each resolution provides that—
(i) the shares of all the transferor companies will be cancelled

without payment or other consideration; and
(ii) the board is satisfied that the transferee company will be able
to pay its debts as they fall due during the period of one year
immediately after the date on which the amalgamation is to
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become effective and a declaration verified by an affidavit
to the effect will be filed with the registrar; and
(iii) the person or persons named in the resolution will be the
director or directors of the transferee company.
(3) The board of each amalgamating company must, not less than
twenty days before the amalgamation is proposed to take effect, give written notice
of the proposed amalgamation to every secured creditor of the company.
(4) The resolutions approving an amalgamation under this section,
taken together, shall be deemed to constitute an amalgamation proposal that has
been approved.
(5) The transferee company shall file a copy of the scheme so approved
in the manner as may be specified, with the registrar where the registered office of
the company is situated.
285. Power to acquire shares of members dissenting from scheme or
contract.–(1) Where a scheme or contract involving the transfer of shares or any
class of shares in any company (in this section referred to as "the transferor
company") to another company (in this section referred to as "transferee company")
has, within one hundred and twenty days after the making of the offer in that behalf
by the transferee company, been approved by the holders of not less than nine-
tenths in value of the shares whose transfer is involved (other than shares already
held at the date of the offer by, or by a nominee for, the transferee company or its
subsidiary), the transferee company may, at any time within sixty days after the
expiry of the said one hundred and twenty days, give notice in the specified manner
to any dissenting shareholder that it desires to acquire his shares; when such a notice
is given the transferee company, shall, unless, on an application made by the
dissenting shareholder within thirty days from the date on which the notice was
given, the Commission thinks fit to order otherwise, be entitled and bound to
acquire those shares on the terms on which, under the scheme or contract, the shares
of the approving shareholders are to be transferred to the transferee company:
Provided that, where shares in the transferor company of the same class as
the shares whose transfer is involved are already held as aforesaid by the transferee
company to a value greater than one-tenths of the aggregate of the value of all the
shares in the company of such class, the foregoing provisions of this sub-section
shall not apply, unless—
(a) the transferee company offers the same terms to all holders of the
shares of that class (other than those already held as aforesaid)
whose transfer is involved; and
(b) the holders who approve the scheme or contract, besides holding not
less than nine-tenths in value of the shares (other than those already
held as aforesaid) whose transfer is involved, are not less than three-
fourths in number of the holders of those shares.
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(2) Where, in pursuance of any such scheme or contract as aforesaid,
shares, or shares of any class, in a company are transferred to another company or
its nominee, and those shares together with any other shares or any other shares of
the same class, as the case may be, in the first mentioned company held at the date
of the transfer by, or by a nominee for, the transferee company or its subsidiary
comprise nine-tenth in value of the shares, or shares of that class, as the case may
be, in the first-mentioned company, then—
(a) the transferee company shall, within thirty days from the date of the
transfer (unless on a previous transfer in pursuance of the scheme or
contract it has already complied with this requirement), give notice
of that fact in the specified manner to the holders of the remaining
shares or of the remaining shares of that class, as the case may be,
who have not assented to the scheme or contract; and
(b) any such holder may, within ninety days from the giving of the
notice to him, require the transferee company to acquire the shares
in question;
and where a shareholder gives notice under clause (b) with respect to any shares,
the transferee company shall be entitled and bound to acquire those shares on the
terms on which, under the scheme or contract, the shares of the approving
shareholders were transferred to it, or on such other terms as may be agreed, or as
the Commission on the application of either the transferee company or the
shareholders thinks fit to order.
(3) Where a notice has been given by the transferee company under sub-
section (1) and the Commission has not, on an application made by the dissenting
shareholder, made an order to the contrary, the transferee company shall, on the
expiration of thirty days from the date on which the notice has been given or, if an
application to the Commission by the dissenting shareholder is then pending, after
that application has been disposed of, transmit a copy of the notice to the transferor
company together with an instrument of transfer executed on behalf of the
shareholder by any person appointed by the transferee company and on its own
behalf by the transferee company and pay or transfer to the transferor company the
amount or other consideration representing the price payable by the transferee
company for the shares which, by virtue of this section, that company is entitled to
acquire; and the transferor company shall—
(a) thereupon register the transferee company as the holders of those
shares; and
(b) within thirty days of the date of such registration, inform the
dissenting shareholders of the fact of such registration and of the
receipt of the amount or other consideration representing the price
payable to them by the transferee company:
Provided that an instrument of transfer shall not be required for any share
for which a share warrant is for the time being outstanding.
(4) Any sums received by the transferor company under this section
shall forthwith be paid into a separate bank account to be opened in a scheduled
171
bank and any such sum and any other consideration so received shall be held by
that company in trust for the several persons entitled to the shares in respect of
which the said sums or other consideration were or was respectively received.
(5) The following provisions shall apply in relation to every offer of a
scheme or contract involving the transfer of shares or any class of shares in the
transferor company to the transferee company, namely—
(a) every such offer or every circular containing such offer or every
recommendation to the members of the transferor company by its
board to accept such offer shall be accompanied by such information
as may be specified;
(b) every such offer shall contain a statement by or on behalf of the

transferee company disclosing the steps it has taken to ensure that
necessary cash will be available;
(c) every circular containing or recommending acceptance of, such

offer shall be presented to the registrar for registration and no such
circular shall be issued until it is so registered;
(d) the registrar may refuse to register any such circular which does not
contain the information required to be given under clause (a) or
which sets out such information in a manner likely to give a
misleading, erroneous or false impression; and
(e) an appeal shall lie to the Commission against an order of the

registrar refusing to register any such circular.
(6) The Commission or any party may make a reference to the Court,
on any matter including but not limited to the determination of liabilities of the
company or incidental thereto as provided under sections 279 to 285, for necessary
orders.
(7) Whoever issues a circular referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (5)
which has not been registered shall be punishable to a penalty of level 1 on the
standard scale.
(8) Notwithstanding anything contained in sections 279 to 283 and 285,
the powers of the Commission shall be exercised by the Court for such companies
or class of companies or having such capital, as may be notified by the concerned
Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government.
PART IX
PREVENTION OF OPPRESSION AND MIS-MANAGEMENT
286. Application to Court.—(1) If any member or members holding not
less than ten percent of the issued share capital of a company, or a creditor or
creditors having interest equivalent in amount to not less than ten percent of the
paid up capital of the company, complains, or complain, or the Commission or
registrar is of the opinion, that the affairs of the company are being conducted, or
are likely to be conducted, in an unlawful or fraudulent manner, or in a manner not
172
provided for in its memorandum, or in a manner oppressive to the members or any
of the members or the creditors or any of the creditors or are being conducted in a
manner that is unfairly prejudicial to the public interest, such member or members
or, the creditor or creditors, as the case may be, the Commission or registrar may
make an application to the Court by petition for an order under this section.
(2) If, on any such petition, the Court is of opinion—

(a) that the company's affairs are being conducted, or are likely to be
conducted, as aforesaid; and
(b) that to wind-up the company will unfairly prejudice the members or
creditors;
the Court may, with a view to bringing to an end the matters complained of, make
such order as it thinks fit, whether for regulating the conduct of the company's
affairs in future, or for the purchase of the shares of any members of the company
by other members of the company or by the company and, in the case of purchase
by the company, for, the reduction accordingly of the company's capital, or
otherwise.
(3) Where an order under this section makes any alteration in, or
addition to, a company's memorandum or articles, then, notwithstanding anything
in any other provision of this Act, the company shall not have power without the
leave of the Court to make any further alteration in or addition to the memorandum
or articles inconsistent with the provisions of the order; and the alterations or
additions made by the order shall be of the same effect as if duly made by resolution
of the company and the provisions of this Act shall apply to the memorandum or
articles as so modified accordingly.
(4) A copy of any order under this section altering or adding to, or
giving leave to alter or add to, a company's memorandum or articles shall, within
fourteen days after the making thereof, be delivered by the company to the registrar
for registration; and if the company makes default in complying with this sub-
section, the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
(5) The provisions of this section shall not prejudice the right of any
person to any other remedy or action.
287. Powers of Court under section 286.—Without prejudice to the
generality of the powers of the Court under section 286, an order under that section
may provide for—
52
(a) [the termination, setting aside or modification of any agreement,
or award compensation, however arrived including but not limited
52
clause (a) was read as under:
“(a) the termination, setting aside or modification of any agreement, however arrived
at between the company and any director, including the chief executive or other
officer, upon such terms and conditions as may, in the opinion of the Court be just
and equitable in all the circumstances;”
173
to between the company or any other company or any director,
including the chief executive or any other officer, wherein the Court
concludes that such agreement suffers from conflict of interest on
the part of any director or the Board or any such agreement or
contract is prejudicial to the interest of members upon such terms
and conditions as may, in the opinion of the Court, be just and
equitable in all the circumstances;]
(b) setting aside of any transfer, delivery of goods, payment, execution

or other transactions not relating to property made or done by or
against the company within ninety days before the date of the
application which would, if made or done by or against an
individual, be deemed in his insolvency to be a fraudulent
preference; and
(c) any other matter, including a change in management, for which in

the opinion of the Court it is just and equitable that provision should
be made.
288. Interim order.—Pending the making by it of a final order under

section 286 the Court may, on the application of any party to the proceedings, make
such interim order as it thinks fit for regulating the conduct of the company's affairs,
upon such terms and conditions as appear to it to be just and equitable.
289. Claim for damages inadmissible.—Where an order of the Court

made under section 286 terminates, sets aside, or modifies an arrangement, the
order shall not give rise to any claim whatever against the company by any person
for damages or for compensation for loss of office or in any other respect, either in
pursuance of the agreement or otherwise.
290. Application of certain sections to proceedings under this Part.—

In relation to an application under section 286, sections 395 to 400 shall mutatis
mutandis apply as they apply in respect of winding up.
291. Management by Administrator.—(1) If at any time a creditor or

creditors having interest equivalent in amount not less than sixty percent of the paid
up capital of a company, represents or represent to the Commission that—
(a) the affairs or business of the company are or is being or have or has
been conducted or managed in a manner likely to be prejudicial to
the interest of the company, its members or creditors, or any director
of the company or person concerned with the management of the
company is or has been guilty of breach of trust, mis-feasance or
other misconduct towards the company or towards any of its
members or creditors or director;
(b) the affairs or business of the company are or is being or have or has
been conducted or managed with intent to defraud its members or
creditors or any other person or for a fraudulent or unlawful purpose,
or in a manner oppressive of any of such persons or for purposes as
aforesaid; or
174
(c) the affairs of the company have been so conducted or managed as to
deprive the members thereof of a reasonable return; or
(d) any industrial project or unit to be set up or belonging to the

company has not been completed or has not commenced operations
or has not been operating smoothly or its production or performance
has so deteriorated that–
(i) the market value of its shares as quoted on the securities

exchange or the net worth of its share has fallen by more than
seventy-five per cent of its par value; or
(ii) debt equity ratio has deteriorated beyond 9:1; or
(iii) current ratio has deteriorated beyond 5:1; or
(e) any industrial unit owned by the company is not in operation for
over a period of two years or has been in operation intermittently or
partially during the preceding two years; or
(f) the accumulated losses of the company exceed sixty percent of its
paid up capital,
and request the Commission to take action under this section, the Commission may,
after giving the company an opportunity of being heard, without prejudice to any
other action that may be taken under this Act or any other law, by order in writing,
appoint an Administrator, hereinafter referred to as the Administrator within sixty
days of the date of receipt of the representation, from a panel maintained by it on
the recommendation of the State Bank of Pakistan to manage the affairs of the
company subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified in the order:
Provided that the Commission may, if it considers it necessary so to do, for

reasons to be recorded, or on the application of the creditors on whose
representation it proposes to appoint the Administrator, and after giving a notice to
the State Bank of Pakistan, appoint a person whose name does not appear on the
panel maintained for the purpose to be the Administrator.
Explanation.—For the purposes of clause(c), the members shall be deemed
to have been deprived of a reasonable return if, having regard to enterprises
similarly placed, the company is unable to, or does not, declare any or adequate
dividend for a period of three consecutive years.
(2) The Administrator shall receive such remuneration as the
Commission may determine.
(3) On and from the date of appointment of the Administrator, the
management of the affairs of the company shall vest in him, and he shall exercise
all the powers of the board or other persons in whom the management vested and
all such directors and persons shall stand divested of that management and powers
and shall cease to function or hold office.
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(4) Where it appears to the Administrator that any purchase or sales
agency contract has been entered into, or any employment given, patently to benefit
any director or other person in whom the management vested or his nominees and
to the detriment of the interest of the general members, the Administrator may, with
the previous approval in writing of the Commission, terminate such contract or
employment.
(5) No person shall be entitled to, or be paid, any compensation or
damages for termination of any office, contract or employment under sub-section
(3) or sub-section (4).
(6) If at any time it appears to the Commission that the purpose of the
order appointing the Administrator has been fulfilled, it may permit the company
to appoint directors and, on the appointment of directors, the Administrator shall
cease to hold office.
(7) Save as provided in sub-section (8), no suit, prosecution or other
legal proceeding shall lie against the Administrator for anything which is in good
faith done or intended to be done by him in pursuance of this section or of any rules
or regulations made thereunder.
(8) Any person aggrieved by an order of the Commission under sub-
section (1) or sub-section (10), or of the Administrator under sub-section (4) may,
within sixty days from the date of the order, appeal against such order to the
concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government.
(9) If any person fails to deliver to the Administrator any property,
records or documents relating to the company or does not furnish any information
required by him or in any way obstructs the Administrator in the management, of
the affairs of the company or acts for or represents the company in any way, the
Commission may by order in writing, direct that such person shall be liable to a
(10) The Commission may issue such directions to the Administrator as
to his powers and duties as it deems desirable in the circumstances of the case, and
the Administrator may apply to the Commission at any time for instructions as to
the manner in which he shall conduct the management of the company or in relation
to any matter arising in the course of such management.
(11) Any order or decision or direction of the Commission made in
pursuance of this section shall be final and shall not be called in question in any
Court.
(12) The Commission may, make regulations to carry out the purposes
of this section.
(13) The provisions of this section shall have effect notwithstanding
anything contained in any other provision of this Act or any other law or contract,
or in the memorandum or articles of a company.
292. Rehabilitation of sick public sector companies.—(1) The
provisions of this section shall apply to a public sector company which is facing
financial or operational problems and is declared as a sick company by the
concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government.
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(2) After a company is declared as a sick company under sub-section
(1), any institution, authority, committee or person authorised by the concerned
Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government in this behalf may draw up a plan
for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and reorganisation of such company, hereafter
in this section referred to as the rehabilitation plan.
(3) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, the
rehabilitation plan, may, in addition to any other matter, provide for all or any of
the following—
(a) reduction of capital so as to provide for all or any of the matters
referred to in section 89 or reconstruction, compromise,
amalgamation and other arrangements so as to provide for all or any
of the matters referred to in section 279 or section 282 or section
285;
(b) alteration of share capital and variation in the rights and obligations
of shareholders or any class of shareholders;
(c) alteration of loan structure, debt rescheduling or conversion into

shares carrying special rights or other relief and modification in the
terms and conditions in respect of outstanding debts and liabilities
of the company or any part of such loan, debts or liabilities or
variation in the rights of the creditors or any class of them including
any security pertaining thereto;
(d) acquisition or transfer of shares of the company on the specified

terms and conditions;
(e) issue of further capital including shares carrying special rights and
obligations relating to voting powers, dividend, redemption or
treatment on winding up;
(f) removal and appointment of directors(including the chief executive)

or other officers of the company;
(g) amendment, modification or cancellation of any existing contract;

or
(h) alteration of the memorandum or articles or changes in the

accounting policy and procedure.
(4) The rehabilitation plan shall be submitted for approval to the

concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government which shall, unless it
otherwise decides for reasons to be recorded, cause it to be published in the official
Gazette for ascertaining the views of the shareholders, creditors and other persons
concerned within a specified period.
(5) Before approving the rehabilitation plan, the concerned Minister-in-
Charge of the Federal Government shall take into consideration the views relating
thereto received from any quarter within the specified period.
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(6) On the approval of the rehabilitation plan by the concerned Minister-
in-Charge of the Federal Government, its provisions, with such modification as may
be directed by the concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government, shall
become final and take effect and be implemented and shall be valid, binding and
enforceable in all respects notwithstanding anything in this Act or any other law or
the memorandum or articles of the company or in any agreement or document
executed by it or in any resolution passed by the company in general meeting or by
its board, whether the same be registered, adopted, executed or passed, as the case
may be, before or after the commencement of this Act.
(7) Any provision contained in the memorandum, articles, agreements,
documents or resolutions as aforesaid shall, to the extent to which it is repugnant to
the provisions of this Act or the rehabilitation plan, become void.
(8) No compensation or damages shall be payable to any one for any
matter or arrangement provided for in, or action taken in pursuance of, the
rehabilitation plan.
(9) The concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government may
vary or rescind rehabilitation plan from time to time and issue such directions as to
its implementation and matters ancillary thereto as it may deem expedient.
(10) The concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government or
any authority or other person authorised by the concerned Minister-in-Charge of
the Federal Government in this behalf shall supervise the implementation of the
rehabilitation plan and may issue such directions to the parties concerned as may
be deemed necessary by such Government, authority or person, as the case may be.
(11) Whosoever fails to give effect, to carry out or implement the
rehabilitation plan or any matter provided for therein or any direction issued under
sub-section (10), shall be liable to imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to three years and fine not exceeding five million rupees and, in
case of a continuing failure, to a further fine not exceeding ten thousand rupees for
every day after the first during which the failure or default continues.
(12) Until a rehabilitation plan has been approved by the concerned
Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government and is in operation, the provisions
of this section shall not prejudice or affect the power or rights of a company or its
shareholders or creditors to enter into, arrive at or make any compromise,
arrangement or settlement in any manner authorised by this Act or any other law
for the time being in force.
(13) The rehabilitation plan approved by the concerned Minister-in-
Charge of the Federal Government and any modification thereof shall, unless
otherwise directed by it, be published in the official Gazette and a copy thereof shall
be forwarded by the concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government to
the registrar who shall register and keep the same with the documents of the
company.
(14) The Federal Government may, by notification in the official
Gazette, make rules to carry out the purposes of this section.
(15) This section is in addition to and not in derogation of any other law
regarding rehabilitation of any entity.
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PART X
WINDING UP
PRELIMINARY
293. Modes of winding up.–(1) The winding up of a company may be

either—
(a) by the Court or
(b) voluntary; or
(c) subject to the supervision of the Court.
(2) Save as otherwise expressly provided, the provisions of this Act

with respect to winding up shall apply to the winding up of a company in any of
the modes specified in sub-section (1).
294. Liability as contributories of present and past members.—(1) In
the event of a company being wound up, every present and past member shall,
subject to the provisions of section 295, be liable to contribute to the assets of the
company to an amount sufficient for payment of its debts and liabilities and the
costs, charges and expenses of the winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights
of the contributories among themselves, with the following qualifications, that is to
say—
(a) a past member shall not be liable to contribute if he has ceased to be

member for one year or upwards before the commencement of the
winding up;
(b) a past member shall not be liable to contribute in respect of any debt
or liability of the company contracted after he ceased to be a
member;
(c) a past member shall not be liable to contribute unless it appears to

the Court that the present members are unable to satisfy the
contributions required to be made by them in pursuance of this Act;
(d) in the case of a company limited by shares, no contribution shall be

required from any past or present member exceeding the amount, if
any, unpaid on the shares in respect of which he is liable as such
member;
(e) in the case of a company limited by guarantee, no contribution shall,

subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), be required from any
past or present member exceeding the amount undertaken to be
contributed by him to the assets of the company in the event of its
being wound up;
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(f) nothing in this Act shall invalidate any provision contained in any
policy of insurance or other contract whereby the liability of
individual members on the policy or contract is restricted, or
whereby the funds of the company are alone made liable in respect
of the policy or contract; and
(g) a sum due to any past or present member of a company in his

character as such, by way of dividends, profits or otherwise, shall
not be deemed to be a debt of the company payable to that member
in a case of competition between himself and any other creditor not
being a member of the company, but any such sum may be taken
into account for the purpose of the final adjustments of the rights of
the contributories among themselves.
(2) In the winding up of a company limited by guarantee which has a

share capital, every member of the company shall be liable, in addition to the
amount undertaken to be contributed by him to the assets of the company in the
event of its being wound up, to contribute to the extent of any sum unpaid on any
shares held by him, as if the company were a company limited by shares.
295. Liability of directors whose liability is unlimited.—In the
winding up of a limited company any director, whether past or present, whose
liability is, in pursuance of this Act, unlimited, shall, in addition to his ability, if
any, to contribute as an ordinary member, be liable to make a further contribution
as if he were, at the commencement of the winding up, a member of an unlimited
company:
Provided that—
(a) a past director shall not be liable to make such further contribution
if he has ceased to hold office for a year or upwards before the
commencement of the winding up;
(b) a past director shall not be liable to make such further contribution
in respect of any debtor liability of the company contracted after he
ceased to hold office;
subject to the articles, a director shall not be liable to make such further contribution
unless the Court deems it necessary to require that contribution in order to satisfy
the debts and liabilities of the company, and the costs, charges and expenses of the
winding up.
296. Liability of Contributory having fully paid share.—A person
holding fully paid-up shares in a company shall be considered as a
contributory but shall have no liabilities of a contributory under this Act while
retaining rights of such a contributory.
Explanation.—The term “contributory” means a person liable to

contribute towards the assets of the company on the event of its being wound
up.
297. Nature of liability of contributory.—The liability of a
contributory shall create a debt accruing due from him at the time when his liability
180
commenced, but payable at the time specified in calls made on him for enforcing
the liability.
298. Contributories in case of death of member.—If a contributory

dies, whether before or after being placed on the list of contributories of a company:
(a) his legal representatives shall be liable, in due course of

administration, to contribute to the assets of the company in
discharge of his liability, and shall be contributories accordingly;
and
(b) if the legal representatives make default in paying any money

ordered to be paid by them, proceedings may be initiated for
administering the property of the deceased contributory, and of
compelling payment of the money due, out of assets of the deceased.
299. Contributory in case of insolvency of member.—If a contributory

is adjudged insolvent whether before or after he has been placed on the list of
contributories of a company, then—
(a) his assignees in insolvency shall represent him for all the purposes of the
winding up, and shall be contributories accordingly, and may be called on
to admit to proof against the estate of the insolvent, or otherwise to allow to
be paid out of his assets in due course of law, any money due from the
insolvent in respect of his liability to contribute to the assets of the company;
and
(b) there may be proved against the estate of the insolvent the estimated value
of his liability to further calls as well as calls already made.
300. Contributories in case of winding up of a body corporate which

is a member.—If a body corporate which is a contributory is ordered to be wound
up, whether before or after it has been placed on the list of contributories of a
company—
(a) the liquidator of the body corporate shall represent it for all purposes
of the winding up of the company and shall be a contributory
accordingly, and may be called on to admit to proof against the
assets of the body corporate, or otherwise to allow to be paid out of
its assets in due course of law, any money due from the body
corporate in respect of its liability to contribute to the assets of the
company; and
(b) there may be proved against the assets of the body corporate the
estimated value of its liability to future calls as well as calls already
made.
WINDING UP BY COURT
301. Circumstances in which a company may be wound up by

Court.—A company may be wound up by the Court—
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(a) if the company has, by special resolution, resolved that the company
be wound up by the Court; or
(b) if default is made in delivering the statutory report to the registrar or

in holding the statutory meeting; or
(c) if default is made in holding any two consecutive annual general

meetings; or
(d) if the company has made a default in filing with the registrar its
financial statements or annual returns for immediately preceding
two consecutive financial years; or
(e) if the number of members is reduced, in the case of public company,

below three and in the case of a private company below two; or
(f) if the company is unable to pay its debts; or
(g) if the company is—
(i) conceived or brought forth for, or is or has been carrying on,

unlawful or fraudulent activities; or
(ii) carrying on business prohibited by any law for the time being
in force in Pakistan; or restricted by any law, rules or
regulations for the time being in force in Pakistan; or
(iii) conducting its business in a manner oppressive to the

minority members or persons concerned with the formation
or promotion of the company; or
(iv) run and managed by persons who fail to maintain proper and
true accounts, or commit fraud, misfeasance or malfeasance
in relation to the company; or
(v) managed by persons who refuse to act according to the

requirements of the memorandum or articles or the
provisions of this Act or failed to carry out the directions or
decisions of the Commission or the registrar given in the
exercise of powers under this Act; or
(h) if, being a listed company, it ceases to be such company; or
(i) if the Court is of opinion that it is just and equitable that the company
should be wound up; or
(j) if a company ceases to have a member; or
(k) if the sole business of the company is the licensed activity and it
ceases to operate consequent upon revocation of a licence granted
by the Commission or any other licencing authority; or
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(l) if a licence granted under section 42 to a company has been revoked
or such a company has failed to comply with any of the provisions
of section 43 or where a company licenced under section 42 is being
wound up voluntarily and its liquidator has failed to complete the
winding up proceedings within a period of one year from the date of
commencement of its winding up; or
(m) if a listed company suspends its business for a whole year.
Explanation I.—The promotion or the carrying on of any scheme or

business, howsoever described—
(a) whereby, in return for a deposit or contribution, whether

periodically or otherwise, of a sum of money in cash or by means of
coupons, certificates, tickets or other documents, payment, at future
date or dates of money or grant of property, right or benefit, directly
or indirectly, and whether with or without any other right or benefit,
determined by chance or lottery or any other like manner, is assured
or promised; or
(b) raising un-authorised deposits from the general public, indulging in

referral marketing, multi-level marketing (MLM), Pyramid and
Ponzi Schemes, locally or internationally, directly or indirectly; or
(c) any other business activity notified by the Commission to be against

public policy or a moral hazard;
shall be deemed to be an unlawful activity.
Explanation II.—"Minority members" means members together holding

not less than ten percent of the equity share capital of the company.
302. Company when deemed unable to pay its debts.—(1) A company

shall be deemed to be unable to pay its debts–
(a) if a creditor, by assignment or otherwise, to whom the company is

indebted in a sum exceeding one hundred thousand rupees, then due,
has served on the company, by causing the same to be delivered by
registered post or otherwise, at its registered office, a demand under
his hand requiring the company to pay the sum so due and the
company has for thirty days thereafter neglected to pay the sum, or
to secure or compound for it to the reasonable satisfaction of the
creditor; or
(b) if execution or other process issued on a decree or order of any Court

or any other competent authority in favour of a creditor of the
company is returned unsatisfied in whole or in part; or
(c) if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Court that the company is

unable to pay its debts, and, in determining whether a company is
183
unable to pay its debts, the Court shall take into account the
contingent and prospective liabilities of the company.
(2) The demand referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall be

deemed to have been duly given under the hand of the creditor if it is signed by an
agent or legal adviser duly authorised on his behalf.
303. Transfer of proceedings to other Courts.—Where the Court
makes an order for winding up a company under this Act, it may, if it thinks fit,
direct all subsequent proceedings to be held in any other High Court, with the
consent of such court and thereupon, for the purposes of the winding up of the
company, such Court shall be deemed to be the “Court” within the meaning of this
Act and shall have all the powers and jurisdiction of the Court thereunder.
PETITION FOR WINDING UP
304. Provisions as to applications for winding up.—An application to

the Court for the winding up of a company shall be by petition presented, subject
to the provisions of this section, either by the company, or by any creditor or
creditors (including any contingent or prospective creditor or creditors), or by any
contributory or contributories, or by all or any of the aforesaid parties, together or
separately or by the registrar, or by the Commission or by a person authorised by
the Commission in that behalf:
Provided that—
(a) a contributory shall not be entitled to present a petition for winding
up a company unless-
(i) either the number of members is reduced, in the case of a

private company, below two, or, in the case of public
company, below three; and
(ii) the shares in respect of which he is a contributory or some of

them either were originally allotted to him or have been held
by him, and registered in his name, for at least one hundred
and eighty days during the eighteen months before the
commencement of the winding up, or have or devolved on
him through the death of a former holder;
(b) the registrar shall not be entitled to present a petition for the winding
up of a company unless the previous sanction of the Commission
has been obtained to the presentation of the petition:
Provided that no such sanction shall be given unless the

company has first been afforded an opportunity of making a
representation and of being heard;
(c) the Commission or a person authorised by the Commission in that
behalf shall not be entitled to present a petition for the winding up
of a company unless an investigation into the affairs of the company
has revealed that it was formed for any fraudulent or unlawful
184
purpose or that it is carrying on a business not authorised by its
memorandum or that its business is being conducted in a manner
oppressive to any of its members or persons concerned in the
formation of the company or that its management has been guilty of
fraud, mis-feasance or other misconduct towards the company or
towards any of its members; and such petition shall not be presented
or authorised to be presented by the Commission unless the
company has been afforded an opportunity of making a
representation and of being heard:
Provided that if sole business of the company is the licensed

activity and that licence is revoked, no investigation into the affairs
of the company shall be required to present the petition for winding
up of the company;
(d) the Court shall not give a hearing to a petition for winding up a
company by a contingent or prospective creditor until such security
for costs has been given as the Court thinks reasonable and until a
prima facie case for winding up has been established to the
satisfaction of the Court;
(e) the Court shall not give a hearing to a petition for winding up a
company by the company until the company has furnished with its
petition, in the prescribed manner, the particulars of its assets and
liabilities and business operations and the suits or proceedings
pending against it.
305. Right to present winding up petition where company is being

wound up voluntarily or subject to Court’s supervision.—(1) Where a company
is being wound up voluntarily or subject to the supervision of the Court, a petition
for its winding up by the Court may be presented by any person authorised to do so
under section 304 and subject to the provisions of that section.
(2) The Court shall not make a winding up order on a petition presented
to it under sub-section (1) unless it is satisfied that the voluntary winding up or
winding up subject to the supervision of the Court cannot be continued with due
regard to the interests of the creditors or contributories or both or it is in the public
interest so to do.
306. Commencement of winding up by Court.—A winding up of a
company by the Court shall be deemed to commence at the time of the presentation
of the petition for the winding up.
POWERS OF COURT HEARING APPLICATION
307. Court may grant injunction.—The Court may, at any time after
presentation of the petition for winding up a company under this Act, and before
making an order for its winding up, upon the application of the company itself or
of any its creditors or contributories, restrain further proceedings in any suit or
proceeding against the company, upon such terms as the Court thinks fit.
308. Powers of Court on hearing petition.—(1) The Court may, on
185
receipt of a petition for winding up under section 304 pass any of the following
orders, namely—
(a) dismiss it, with or without costs;
(b) make any interim order as it thinks fit;
(c) appoint a provisional manager of the company till the making of a

winding up order;
(d) make an order for the winding up of the company with or without
costs; or
(e) any other order as it thinks fit:
Provided that an order under this sub-section shall be made within ninety
days from the date of presentation of the petition:
Provided further that before appointing a provisional manager under clause
(c), the Court shall give notice to the company and afford a reasonable opportunity
to it to make its representations, if any, unless for special reasons to be recorded in
writing, the Court thinks fit to dispense with such notice:
Provided also that the Court shall not refuse to make a winding up order on
the ground only that the assets of the company have been mortgaged for an amount
equal to or in excess of those assets, or that the company has no assets.
(2) Where a petition is presented on the ground that it is just and
equitable that the company should be wound up, the Court may refuse to make an
order of winding up, if it is of the opinion that some other remedy is available to
the petitioners and that they are acting unreasonably in seeking to have the company
wound up instead of pursuing the other remedy.
(3) Where the Court makes an order for the winding up of a company,
it shall forthwith cause intimation thereof to be sent to the official liquidator
appointed by it and to the registrar.
309. Copy of winding up order to be filed with registrar.—(1) Within

fifteen days from the date of the making of the winding up order, the petitioner in
the winding up proceedings and the company shall file a certified copy of the order
with the registrar.
(2) If default is made in complying with the foregoing provision, the

petitioner or, as the case may require, the company, and every officer of the
company who is in default, shall be liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard
scale.
(3) On the filing of a certified copy of a winding up order, the registrar
shall forthwith make a minute thereof in his books relating to the company, and
shall simultaneously notify in the official Gazette that such an order has been made.
(4) Such order shall be deemed to be notice of discharge to the
employees of the company, except when the business of the company is continued.
186
310. Suits stayed on winding up order.—(1) When a winding up order
has been made or a provisional manager has been appointed, no suit or other legal
proceeding shall be proceeded with or commenced against the company except by
leave of the Court, and subject to such terms as the Court may impose.
(2) The Court which is winding up the company shall, notwithstanding

anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, have jurisdiction to
entertain, or dispose of, any suit or proceeding by or against the company.
(3) Any suit or proceeding by or against the company which is pending
in any court other than that in which the winding up of the company is proceeding
may, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in
force, be transferred to and disposed of by the Court.
311. Court may require expeditious disposal of suits.—(1)
Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law—
(a) If any suit or proceedings, including an appeal, by or against the

company which is allowed to be proceeded with in any Court other
than the Court in which winding up of the company is proceeding,
the Court may issue directions to that other Court if that Court is
subordinate to it and, in any other case, make a request to that other
Court for expeditious disposal of the pending suit or proceedings by
or against the company; and
(b) If any proceedings, including proceedings for assessment or

recovery of any tax, duty or levies or appeal or review petitions
against any order is pending or is likely to be instituted, before any
officer, authority or other body, the Court may issue directions to
that officer, authority or other body for expeditious action and
disposal of the said proceedings.
(2) Upon issue of a direction or making of a request as aforesaid, the

Court, officer, authority or body to whom the same is addressed shall,
notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, proceed to dispose of the said
suit or other proceedings expeditiously by according it special priority and adopting
such measures as may be necessary in this behalf, and shall inform the Court issuing
the direction or making the request of the action taken.
312. Effect of winding up order.—An order for winding up a company
shall operate in favour of all the creditors and of all contributories of the company
as if made on the joint petition of a creditor and of a contributory.
313. Power of Court to stay winding up.—(1) The Court may at any
time not later than three years after an order for winding up, on the application of
any creditor or contributory or of the registrar or the Commission or a person
authorised by it, and on proof to the satisfaction of the Court that all proceedings in
relation to the winding up ought to be stayed, withdrawn, cancelled or revoked,
make an order accordingly, on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks fit.
(2) On any application under sub-section (1), the Court may, before
making an order, require the official liquidator to furnish to the Court a report with
respect to any facts or matters which are in his opinion relevant to the application.
187
(3) A copy of every order made under sub-section (1) shall forthwith be
forwarded by the Court to the registrar, who shall make a minute of the order in his
books relating to the company.
314. Court may ascertain wishes of creditors or contributories.—(1)
In all matters relating to the winding up of a company, the Court may–
(a) have regard to the wishes of creditors or contributories of the

company, as proved to it by any sufficient evidence in a manner as
provided under this Act;
(b) if it thinks fit for the purpose of ascertaining their wishes, order
meetings of the creditors or contributories to be called, held and
conducted in such manner as may be directed; and
(c) appoint a person to act as chairman of any such meeting and to
submit a report in this regard.
(2) While ascertaining the wishes of creditors or contributories under
sub-section (1), regard shall be had to the value of each debt of the creditor or the
voting power exercised by each contributory, as the case may be.
OFFICIAL LIQUIDATORS
315. Appointment of official liquidator.—(1) For the purpose of the

winding up of companies by the Court, the Commission shall maintain a panel of
persons from whom the Court shall appoint a provisional manager or official
liquidator of a company ordered to be wound up.
(2) A person shall not be appointed as provisional manager or official
liquidator of more than three companies at one point of time.
(3) The panel for the purpose of sub-section (1) shall consist of persons
having at least ten years experience in the field of accounting, finance or law and
as may be specified by the Commission such other persons, having at least ten
years professional experience.
(4) Where a provisional manager is appointed by the Court, the Court

may limit and restrict his powers by the order appointing him or by a subsequent
order, but otherwise he shall have the same powers as a liquidator.
(5) On appointment as provisional manager or official liquidator, as the

case may be, such liquidator shall file a declaration within seven days from the date
of appointment in the specified form disclosing conflict of interest or lack of
independence in respect of his appointment, if any, with the Court and such
obligation shall continue throughout the term of his appointment.
(6) While passing a winding up order, the Court may appoint a
provisional manager, if any, under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 308, as
the official liquidator for the conduct of the proceedings for the winding up of the
company.
(7) If more persons than one are appointed to the office of official
liquidator, the Court shall declare whether any act by this Act required or authorised
188
to be done by the official liquidator is to be done by all or any one or more of such
persons:
Provided that in case of any dispute or any varying stance amongst the
liquidators, the matter shall be referred to the Court for an appropriate order in
chambers in the presence of the parties concerned.
(8) The Court may determine whether any, and what, security is to be
given by any official liquidator on his appointment.
(9) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the Court
may, on the application of creditors to whom amounts not less than sixty percent of
the issued share-capital of the company being wound up are due, after notice to the
registrar, appoint a person whose name does not appear on the panel maintained for
the purpose, to be the official liquidator.
(10) An official liquidator shall not resign or quit his office before
conclusion of the liquidation proceedings except for reasons of personal disability
to the satisfaction of the Court.
(11) Any casual vacancy in the office of an official liquidator occurred
due to his death, removal or resignation, shall be filled up by the Court by the
appointment of another person from the panel maintained under sub-section (1):
Provided that in case of resignation, the outgoing official liquidator shall,
unless the Court directs otherwise, continue to act until the person appointed in his
place takes charge.
(12) The Commission may of its own, remove the name of any person
from the panel maintained under sub-section (1) on the grounds of misconduct,
fraud, misfeasance, breach of duties or professional incompetence:
Provided that the Commission before removing him from the panel shall
give him a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
(13) The person appointed on the panel under this section shall be subject
to such code of conduct and comply with the requirement of any professional
accreditation programs as may be specified by the Commission.
316. Removal of official liquidator.—(1) The Court may, on a

reasonable cause being shown including but not limited to lack of independence or
lack of impartiality, remove the provisional manager or the official liquidator, as
the case may be, on any of the following grounds, namely:—
(a) misconduct;
(b) fraud or misfeasance;
(c) professional incompetence or failure to exercise due care and

diligence in performance of the powers and functions;
(d) inability to act as provisional manager or official liquidator, as the

case may be;
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(e) conflict of interest during the term of his appointment that will
justify removal.
(2) Where the Court is of the opinion that any liquidator is responsible
for causing any loss or damage to the company due to fraud or misfeasance or
failure to exercise due care and diligence in the performance of his powers and
functions, the Court may recover or cause to be recovered such loss or damage from
the provisional manager or official liquidator, as the case may be, and pass such
other orders as it may think fit.
317. Remuneration of official liquidator.—(1) The terms and
conditions of appointment of a provisional manager or official liquidator and the
fee payable to him shall be fixed by the Court on the basis of task required to be
performed, experience, qualification of such liquidator and size of the company.
(2) An official liquidator, shall also be entitled to such remuneration by

way of percentage of the amount realised by him by disposal of assets as may be
fixed by the Court having regard to the amount and nature of the work actually done
and subject to such limits as may be prescribed:
Provided that different percentage rates may be fixed for different types of
assets and items.
(3) In addition to the remuneration payable under sub-section (2), the

Court may permit payment of a monthly allowance to the official liquidator for
meeting the expenses of the winding up for a period not exceeding one year from
the date of the winding up order.
(4) The remuneration fixed as aforesaid shall not be enhanced

subsequently but may be reduced by the Court at any time.
(5) If the official liquidator resigns, is removed from office or otherwise

ceases to hold office before conclusion of the winding up proceedings, he shall not
be entitled to any remuneration and the remuneration already received by him, if
any, shall be refunded by him to the company.
(6) No remuneration shall be payable to official liquidator who fails to

complete the winding up proceedings within the prescribed period or such extended
time as may be allowed by the Court.
318. Style and title of official liquidator.—The official liquidator shall

be described by the style of “the official liquidator” of the particular company in
respect of which he acts, and in no case he shall be described by his individual
name.
319. General provisions as to liquidators.—(1) The official liquidator

shall conduct the proceedings in winding up the company and perform such duties
in reference thereto as the Court may impose.
(2) The acts of a liquidator shall be valid, notwithstanding any defect

that may afterwards be discovered in his appointment or qualification:
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Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall be deemed to give validity to
acts done by a liquidator after his appointment has been shown to be invalid.
(3) The winding up proceedings shall be completed by the official

liquidator within a period as determined by the Court under section 322.
(4) If an official liquidator is convicted of misfeasance, or breach of

duty or other lapse or default in relation to winding up proceedings of a company,
he shall cease to be the official liquidator of the company and shall also become
disqualified, for a period of five years from such conviction, from being the
liquidator or to hold any other office including that of a director, in any company
and if he already holds any such office he shall forthwith be deemed to have ceased
to hold such office.
(5) The registrar or the Commission shall take cognizance of any lapse,
delay or other irregularity on the part of the official liquidator and may, without
prejudice to any other action under the law, report the same to the Court.
320. Statement of affairs to be made to official liquidator.—(1) Where

the Court has appointed a provisional manager or made a winding up order and
appointed an official liquidator, there shall be made out and submitted to the
provisional manager or official liquidator, a statement as to the affairs of the
company in the prescribed form, verified by an affidavit, and containing the
following particulars, namely—
(a) particulars of the company’s assets, debts and liabilities;
(b) the detail of cash balance in hand and at the bank;
(c) the names and addresses of the company’s creditors stating

separately the amount of secured debts and unsecured debts, and, in
the case of secured debts, particulars of the securities given, their
value and the dates when they were given.
(d) the names, residential addresses and occupations of the persons from
whom debts of the company are due and the amount likely to be
realised therefrom;
(e) where any property of the company is not in its custody or

possession, the place where and the person in whose custody or
possession such property is;
(f) full address of the places where the business of the company was
conducted during the one hundred and eighty days preceding the
relevant date and the names and particulars of the persons incharge
of the same;
(g) details of any pending suits or proceedings in which the company is

a party; and
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(h) such other particulars as may be prescribed or as the Court may
order or the provisional manager or official liquidator may require
in writing, including any information relating to secret reserves and
personal assets of directors.
(2) The statement shall be submitted and verified by persons who are at
the relevant date the directors, chief executive, chief financial officer and secretary
of the company.
(3) The provisional manager or official liquidator, subject to the

direction of the Court, may also require to make out and submit to him a statement
in the prescribed form as to the affairs of the company by some or all of the
persons−
(a) who have been directors, chief executives, chief financial officer,
secretary or other officers of the company within one year from the
relevant date;
(b) who have taken part in the formation of the company at any time
within one year before the relevant date;
(c) who are in the employment of the company, or have been in the
employment of the company within the said year, and are in the
opinion of the official liquidator or provisional manager capable of
giving the information required and to whom the statement relates;
(4) The statement shall be submitted within fifteen days from the
relevant date, or within such extended time not exceeding forty-five days from that
date as the official liquidator or provisional manager or the Court may, for special
reasons, appoint.
(5) Any person making the statement required by this section shall be
entitled to and be paid by the official liquidator or the provisional manager, as the
case may be, the reasonable expenses incurred in preparation of such statement.

section shall be an offence liable to a daily penalty of level 2 on the standard scale.
(7) Without prejudice to the operation of any provisions imposing

penalties in respect of any such default as aforesaid, the Court which makes the
winding up order or appoints a provisional manager may take cognizance of an
offence under sub-section (6) and try the offence itself in accordance with the
procedure laid down in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), for
the trial of cases by Magistrates and further direct the persons concerned to comply
with the provisions of this section within such times as may be specified by it.
(8) Any person stating himself in writing to be a creditor or contributory

of the company shall be entitled, by himself or by his agent, at all reasonable times,
on payment of the prescribed fee, to inspect the statement submitted in pursuance
of this section, and to a copy thereof or extract therefrom.
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(9) Any person untruthfully so stating himself to be a creditor or
contributory shall be guilty of an offence under section 182 of the Pakistan Penal
Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860), and shall, on the application of the official
liquidator or provisional manager, be punishable accordingly.
(10) In this section, the expression "the relevant date" means, in a case
where a provisional manager is appointed, the date of his appointment, and, in a
case where no such appointment is made, the date of the winding up order.
321. Report by official liquidator.—(1) Where the Court has made a

winding up order and appointed an official liquidator, such liquidator shall, as soon
as practicable after receipt of the statement to be submitted under section 320 and
not later than sixty days, from the date of the winding up order submit a report to
the Court, containing the following particulars, namely.—
(a) the nature and details of the assets of the company including their
location and current value duly ascertained by a registered valuer;
(b) the cash balance in hand and in the bank, if any, and the negotiable
securities, if any, held by the company;
(c) the amount of authorised and paid up capital;
(d) the existing and contingent liabilities of the company indicating

particulars of the creditors, stating separately the amount of secured
and unsecured debts, and in the case of secured debts, particulars of
the securities given;
(e) the debts due to the company and the names, addresses and
occupations of the persons from whom they are due and the amount
likely to be realised on account thereof;
(f) debts due from contributories;
(g) details of trademarks and intellectual properties, if any, owned by

the company;
(h) details of subsisting contracts, joint ventures and collaborations, if

any;
(i) details of holding and subsidiary companies, if any;
(j) details of legal cases filed by or against the company;
(k) any other information which the Court may direct or the official
liquidator may consider necessary to include.
(2) The official liquidator shall also include in his report the manner in
which the company was promoted or formed and whether in his opinion any fraud
has been committed by any person in its promotion or formation, or by any director
or other officer of the company in relation to the company since its formation.
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(3) The official liquidator shall also make a report on the viability of the
business of the company or the steps which, in his opinion, are necessary for
maximising the value of the assets of the company.
(4) The official liquidator may also, if he thinks fit or upon directions
of the Court, make any further report or reports.
(5) A certified copy of the reports aforesaid shall also be sent to the
registrar simultaneously with their submission to the Court.
322. Court directions on report of official liquidator.—(1) The Court
shall, on consideration of the report of the official liquidator, fix a time limit within
which the entire proceedings shall be completed and the company be dissolved:
Provided that the Court may, if it is of the opinion, at any stage of the
proceedings, or on examination of the reports submitted to it by the official
liquidator and after hearing the official liquidator, creditors or contributories or any
other interested person, that it will not be advantageous or economical to continue
the proceedings, revise the time limit within which the entire proceedings shall be
completed and the company be dissolved.
(2) The Court may, on examination of the reports submitted to it by the
official liquidator and after hearing the official liquidator, creditors or
contributories or any other interested person, order sale of the company as a going
concern or its assets or part thereof:
Provided that the Court may where it considers fit, appoint a sale committee
comprising such creditors, promoters and officers of the company as the Court may
decide to assist the official liquidator in sale under this sub-section.
(3) Where a report is received from the official liquidator or the
Commission or any person that a fraud has been committed in respect of the
company, the Court shall, without prejudice to the process of winding up, order for
investigation under section 257, and on consideration of the report of such
investigation it may pass order and give directions under sections 391 or 392 or
direct the official liquidator to file a criminal complaint against persons who were
involved in the commission of fraud.
(4) The Court may order for taking such steps and measures, as may be
necessary, to protect, preserve or enhance the value of the assets of the company.
(5) The Court may pass such other order or give such other directions
as it considers fit.
323. Settlement of list of contributories and application of assets.—
(1) As soon as may be after making a winding up order, the Court shall settle a list
of contributories, with power to rectify the register of members and shall cause the
assets of the company to be collected and applied in discharge of its liabilities:
Provided that, where it appears to the Court that it will not be necessary to
make calls on or adjust the rights of contributories, the Court may dispense with
the settlement of a list of contributories.
(2) In settling the list of contributories, the Court shall distinguish
between persons who are contributories in their own right and persons who are
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contributories as being representatives of, or liable for the debts of, others.
324. Custody of company's properties.—(1) Where a winding up order
has been made or where a provisional manager has been appointed, the official
liquidator or the provisional manager, as the case may be, shall, on the order of the
Court, forthwith take into his custody or control all the property, effects and
actionable claims to which the company is or appears to be entitled to and take such
steps and measures, as may be necessary, to protect and preserve the properties of
the company.
(2) On an application by the official liquidator or otherwise, the Court

may, at any time after the making of a winding up order, require any contributory
for the time being on the list of contributories, and any trustee, receiver, banker,
agent, officer or other employee of the company, to pay, deliver, surrender or
transfer forthwith, or within such time as the Court directs, to the official liquidator,
any money, property or books and papers in his custody or under his control to
which the company is or appears to be entitled.
(3) The promoters, directors, officers and employees, who are or have
been in employment of the company or acting or associated with the company shall
extend full cooperation to the official liquidator in discharge of his functions and
duties.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), all the
property and effects of the company shall be deemed to be in the custody of the
Court from the date of the appointment of the Provisional manager or the passing
of order for the winding up of the company as the case may be.
(5) Where any person, without reasonable cause, fails to discharge his
obligations under sub-sections (2) or (3), he shall be punishable with imprisonment
which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to five hundred
thousand rupees, or with both.
325. Power to require delivery of property.—Without prejudice to the
obligation imposed under any other provisions, the Court may, at any time after
making a winding up order, require any contributory for the time being on the list
of contributories and any trustee, receiver, banker, agent, officer or employee or
past officer or employee or auditor of the company to pay, deliver, convey,
surrender or transfer forthwith, or within, such time as the Court directs, to the
official liquidator any money, property or books and papers including documents
in his hands to which the company is prima facie entitled.
326. Power to summon persons suspected of having property of

company.—(1) The Court may, at any time after the appointment of a provisional
manager or the making of winding up order, summon before it any officer of the
company or person known or suspected to have in his possession any property or
books or papers of the company, or known or suspected to be indebted to the
company, or any person whom the Court deems capable of giving information
concerning the promotion, formation, trade, dealings, books or papers, affairs or
property of the company.
(2) The Court may examine a person summoned under sub-section (1)
on oath concerning the matters aforesaid, either by word of mouth or on written
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interrogatories, and may reduce his answers to writing and require him to sign them.
(3) The Court may require a person summoned under sub-section (1) to
produce any books and papers in his custody or power relating to the company, but,
where he claims any lien on books or papers produced by him, the production shall
be without prejudice to that lien, and the Court shall have jurisdiction in the winding
up to determine all questions relating to that lien.
(4) If any person so summoned, after being paid or tendered a
reasonable sum for his expenses, fails to come before the Court at the time
appointed, not having a lawful impediment made known to the Court at the time of
its sitting and allowed by it, the Court may cause him to be apprehended and
brought before the Court for examination.
(5) If, on his examination, any officer or person so summoned admits
that he is indebted to the company, the Court may order him to pay to the
provisional manager or, as the case may be, the liquidator, at such time and in such
manner as the Court may direct, the amount in which he is indebted, or any part
thereof, either in full discharge of the whole amount or not, as the Court thinks fit,
with or without costs of the examination.
(6) If, on his examination, any such officer or person admits that he has
in his possession any property belonging to the company, the Court may order him
to deliver to the provisional manager or, as the case may be, the liquidator that
property or any part thereof, at such time, in such manner and on such terms as the
Court may direct.
(7) Orders made under sub-sections (5) and (6) shall be executed in the
same manner as decrees for the payment of money or for the delivery of property
under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), respectively.
(8) Any person making any payment or delivery in pursuance of an
order made under sub-section (5) or sub-section (6) shall by such payment or
delivery be, unless otherwise directed by such order, discharged from all liability
whatsoever in respect of such debt or property.
327. Power to order public examination of promoters, directors.—

(1) When an order has been made for winding up a company by the Court, and the
official liquidator has made a report to the Court stating that in his opinion a fraud
or other actionable irregularity has been committed by any person in the promotion
or formation of the company or by any director or other officer of the company in
relation to the company since its formation, the Court may, after consideration of
the report, direct that such person, director or other officer shall attend before the
Court on a day appointed by the Court for that purpose, and be publicly examined
as to the promotion or formation or the conduct of the business of the company, or
as to his conduct and dealings as director, manager or other officer thereof.
(2) The official liquidator shall take part in the examination, and for that
purpose may, if specially authorised by the Court in that behalf, employ such legal
assistance as may be sanctioned by the Court.
(3) Any creditor or contributory may also take part in the examination
either personally or by any person entitled to appear before the Court.
196
(4) The Court may put such questions to the person examined as the
Court thinks fit.
(5) The person examined shall be examined on oath, and shall answer
all such questions as the Court may put or allow to be put to him.
(6) A person ordered to be examined under this section—
(a) shall, before his examination, be furnished at his own cost with a
copy of the official liquidator's report; and
(b) may at his own cost employ any person entitled to appear before the
Court, who shall be at liberty to put to him such questions as the
Court may deem just for the purpose of enabling him to explain or
qualify any answer given by him:
Provided that if he is, in the opinion of the Court, exculpated from any
charges made or suggested against him, the Court may allow him such costs as in
its discretion it may think fit.
(7) If any such person applies to the Court to be exculpated from any
charges made or suggested against him, it shall be the duty of the official liquidator
to appear on the hearing of the application and call the attention of the Court to any
matters which appear to the official liquidator to be relevant, and if the Court, after
hearing any evidence given or witnesses called by the official liquidator, grants the
application, the Court may allow the applicant such costs as it may think fit.
(8) Notes of the examination shall be taken down in writing and shall
be read over to or by, and signed by, the person examined, and may thereafter be
used in evidence against him and shall be open to the inspection of any creditor or
contributory at all reasonable times.
(9) The Court may, if it thinks fit, adjourn the examination from time to
time.
(10) An examination under this section may, if the Court so directs, and
subject to any rules in this behalf, be held before any officer of the Court, being an
official referee, registrar, additional registrar or deputy registrar.
(11) The powers of the Court under this section as to the conduct of the
examination, but not as to costs may be exercised by the person before whom the
examination is held by virtue of a direction under sub-section (10).
328. Power to arrest absconding contributory.—The Court, at any
time either before or after making a winding up order, on proof of probable cause
for believing that a contributory is about to quit Pakistan or otherwise to abscond,
or to remove or conceal any of his property, for the purpose of evading payment of
calls or of avoiding examination respecting the affairs of the company, may cause
the contributory to be arrested and his books and papers and movable property to
be seized, and kept safely until such time as the Court may order.
329. Power to order payment of debts by contributory.—(1) The

Court may, at any time after making a winding up order, make an order on any
contributory for the time being settled on the list of contributories to pay, in a
197
manner directed by the order, any money due from him or from the estate of the
person whom he represents to the company, exclusive of any money payable by
him or the estate by virtue of any call in pursuance of this Act.
(2) The Court in making such an order may—
(a) in the case of an unlimited company, allow the contributory by way

of set-off, any money due to him or to the estate which he represents
from the company on any independent dealing or contract with the
company, but not any money due to him as a member of the
company in respect of any dividend or profit; and
(b) in the case of a limited company, make to any director whose

liability is unlimited or to his estate the like allowance.
(3) In the case of any company, whether limited or unlimited, when all
the creditors are paid in full, any money due on any account whatever to a
contributory from the company may be allowed to him by way of set-off against
any subsequent call.
330. Power of Court to make calls.—(1) The Court may, at any time
after making a winding up order, and either before or after it has ascertained the
sufficiency of the assets of the company, make calls on and order payment thereof
by all or any of the contributories for the time being settled on the list of the
contributories to the extent of their liability, for payment of any money which the
Court considers necessary to satisfy the debts and liabilities of the company, and
the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights
of the contributories among themselves.
(2) In making the call the Court may take into consideration the
probability that some of the contributories may partly or wholly fail to pay the call.
331. Power to order payment into bank.—(1) The Court may order any
contributory, purchaser or other person from whom any money is due to the
company to pay the same into the account of the official liquidator in a scheduled
bank instead of to the official liquidator, and any such order may be enforced in the
same manner as if it had directed payment to the official liquidator.
(2) Information about the amount deposited shall be sent by the person
paying it to the official liquidator within three days of the date of payment.
332. Regulation of account with Court.– All moneys, bills, notes and
other securities paid and delivered into the scheduled bank where the official
liquidator of the company may have his account, in the event of a company being
wound up by the Court, shall be subject in all respect to the orders of the Court.
333. Order on contributory conclusive evidence.–(1) An order made

by the Court on a contributory shall, subject to any right of appeal, be conclusive
evidence that the money, if any, thereby appearing to be due or ordered to be paid
is due.
(2) All other pertinent matters stated in the order shall be taken to be
198
truly stated as against all persons, and in all proceedings whatsoever.
334. Power to exclude creditors not proving in time.–The Court may
fix a time or times within which creditors are to prove their debts or claims, or to
be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before those debts are
proved.
335. Adjustment of rights of contributories.–The Court shall adjust the

rights of the contributories among themselves, and distribute any surplus among
the persons entitled thereto.
336. Power to order costs.—The Court may, in the event of the assets
being insufficient to satisfy the liabilities, make an order as to the payment out of
the assets of the costs, charges and expenses incurred in the winding up in such
order of priority as the Court thinks just.
337. Powers and duties of official liquidator.—(1) Subject to directions

by the Court, if any, in this regard, the official liquidator, in a winding up of a
company, shall have the power—
(a) to carry on the business of the company so far as may be necessary

for the beneficial winding up of the company;
(b) to do all acts and to execute, in the name and on behalf of the
company, all deeds, receipts and other documents53[…];
(c) to sell the immovable and movable property and actionable claims
of the company by public auction or private contract, with power to
transfer such property to any person or body corporate;
(d) to sell whole of the undertaking of the company as a going concern;
(e) to institute or defend any suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding,

civil or criminal, in the name and on behalf of the company;
(f) to invite and settle claim of creditors, employees or any other

claimant and distribute sale proceeds in accordance with priorities
established under this Act;
(g) to draw, accept, make and endorse any negotiable instruments in the
name and on behalf of the company, with the same effect with
respect to the liability of the company as if such instruments had
been drawn, accepted, made or endorsed by or on behalf of the
company in the course of its business;
(h) to obtain any professional assistance from any person or appoint any
professional, in discharge of his duties, obligations and
responsibilities and for protection of the assets of the company,
53
Omitted expression “, and for that purpose, to use, when necessary, the company’s seal;” vide
the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
199
appoint an agent to do any business which the official liquidator is
unable to do himself;
(i) to appoint an Advocate entitled to appear before the Court or such

person as may be prescribed to assist him in the performance of his
duties;
(j) to take all such actions, steps, or to sign, execute and verify any
paper, deed, document, application, petition, affidavit, bond or
instrument as may be necessary-
(i) for winding up of the company;
(ii) for distribution of assets;
(iii) in discharge of his duties and obligations and functions as

official liquidator; and
(k) to apply to the Court for such orders or directions as may be

necessary for the winding up of the company.
(2) The exercise of powers by the official liquidator under sub-section

(1) shall be subject to the overall control of the Court, and any creditor or
contributory or the registrar may apply to the Court with respect to any exercise or
proposed exercise of any of the said powers.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (1), the official
liquidator shall perform such other duties as the Court may specify in this behalf.
338. Liquidator to keep books containing proceedings of meetings.—
The official liquidator of a company which is being wound up by the Court shall,
in order to reflect a correct and fair view of` the administration of the company’s
affairs, maintain proper books of accounts and also keep the following books−
(a) register showing the dates at which notices were issued to the
creditors and contributories;
(b) minutes book of all proceedings and resolutions passed at any

meeting of the contributories or the creditors;
(c) register containing particulars of all transactions and negotiations

made by him in relation to the winding up of the company and the
connected matters.
339. Liquidator’s account.—(1) The official liquidator shall,
(a) maintain proper and regular books of accounts including accounts

of receipts and payments made by him in such form and manner as
may be prescribed;
(b) at the end of one hundred and eighty days from the date of winding
up order, prepare a report consisting of account of his receipts and
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payments and dealings as liquidator, together with such further
information as may be prescribed, which shall be subjected to a
limited scope review by the company’s auditor;
(c) present to the Court and file with the registrar a certified copy of
such accounts within thirty days from the close of half year. Such
copies shall be open to the inspection of any person on payment of
prescribed fee;
(d) where the winding up is not concluded within one year from the date
of winding up order, within sixty days after the close of each year,
prepare a statement of financial position and the receipt and payment
accounts, get it audited by the company’s auditor and lay before the
contributories in the general meeting in the same manner as the
annual accounts of a company are laid before the annual general
meeting, in terms of section 223 of this Act.
(2) The account and information as aforesaid shall be in the prescribed

form, shall be made in duplicate, and shall be verified by a declaration in the
prescribed form.
(3) When the account and the books and papers have been audited, one
copy thereof alongwith the auditor’s report shall be filed and kept by the Court, and
the other copy alongwith the auditor’s report shall be delivered to the registrar for
filing; and each copy shall be open to the inspection of any person on payment of
prescribed fee.
(4) The official liquidator shall cause a copy of the account to be sent
by post to every creditor and contributory:
(a) within thirty days in case of half yearly accounts, referred in clause
(b) of sub-section (1); and
(b) at least fifty days before the date of general meeting in case of clause
(d) of sub-section (1).
(5) The concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government may,

by notification in the official Gazette require that the accounts and information
referred to in sub-section (1) shall be furnished to an officer to be designated by it
for the purpose and that such officer shall cause the accounts to be audited; and,
upon the publication of such notification, reference to “Court” in the preceding
provisions of this section shall be construed as a reference to such officer.
340. Exercise and control of liquidator’s powers.—(1) Subject to the

provisions of this Act, the official liquidator of a company which is being wound
up by the Court shall, in the administration of the assets of the company and in the
distribution thereof among its creditors, have regard to any directions that may be
given by resolution of the creditors or contributories at any general meeting.
(2) The official liquidator may summon general meetings of the

creditors or contributories for the purpose of ascertaining their wishes, and it shall
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be his duty to summon meetings at such times as the creditors or contributories, by
resolution, may direct, or whenever requested in writing to do so by one-tenth in
value of the creditors or contributories, as the case may be.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the official liquidator shall use
his own discretion in the administration of the assets of the company and in the
distribution thereof among the creditors.
(4) If any person is aggrieved by any act or decision of the official

liquidator, that person may apply to the Court, and the Court may confirm, reverse
or modify the act or decision complained of, and make such order as it thinks just
in the circumstances.
341. Distribution by official liquidator.—Subject to any directions

given by the Court, the official liquidator shall, within thirty days of the coming
into his hands of funds sufficient to distribute among the creditors or contributories
after providing for expenses of the winding up or for other preferential payments
as provided in this Act, distribute in accordance with the provisions of this Act:
Provided that in case of company licenced under section 42 of this Act, if

on a winding up, there remains after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, any
assets, those shall be transferred to another company licenced under section 42 of
this Act, preferably having similar or identical objects to those of the company in
the manner as may be specified and subject to such conditions as the Court may
impose:
Provided further that such portion of the funds as may be required for
meeting any claim against the company which may be subjudice or subject matter
of adjudication or assessment shall not be distributed till the claim is finally settled:
Provided also that any amounts retained as aforesaid shall be invested by
the official liquidator in Special Saving Certificates and the same shall be deposited
by him with the Court and the distribution thereof shall be made by him after the
pending claims are settled:
Provided also that in case of company licenced under section 42, if any of
the assets is not transferred in the manner provided in first proviso due to any
reason, all such assets shall be sold and proceeds thereof credited to the Investor
Education and Awareness Fund formed under section 245.
342. Dissolution of company.—(1) When the affairs of a company have
been completely wound up, or when the Court is of the opinion that the official
liquidator cannot proceed with the winding up of the company for want of funds
and assets or any other reason whatsoever and it is just and reasonable in the
circumstances of the case that an order of dissolution of the company be made, the
Court shall make an order that the company be dissolved from the date of the order,
and the company shall be dissolved accordingly:
Provided that such dissolution of the company shall not extinguish and right
of, or debt due to the company against or from any person.
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(2) A copy of the order shall, within fifteen days of the making thereof,
be forwarded by the official liquidator to the registrar, who shall make in his books
a minute of the dissolution of the company and shall publish a notice in the official
Gazette that the company is dissolved.
(3) If the official liquidator makes default in complying with the
requirements of this section, he shall be liable to a daily penalty of level 1 on the
standard scale.
343. Saving of other proceedings.—Any powers conferred on the Court

by this Act shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, any existing power of
instituting proceedings against any contributory or debtor of the company, or the
estate of any contributory or debtor, for the recovery of any call or other sums.
ENFORCEMENT OF ORDERS
344. Power to enforce orders.—All orders made by a Court under this

Act may be enforced in the same manner in which decrees of such Court made in
any suit may be enforced.
345. Order made by any Court to be enforced by other Courts.–Any

order made by a Court for, or in the course of, winding up of a company shall be
enforceable in any place in Pakistan, and in the same manner in all respects as in
such order had been made by a Court having jurisdiction in respect of that company
or a Court to whom the Court refers the order for enforcement.
346. Mode of Dealing with Orders to be enforced by other Courts.–

Where any order made by one Court is to be enforced by another Court, a certified
copy of the order so made shall be produced to the proper officer of the Court
required to enforce the same, and the production of such certified copy shall be
sufficient evidence of such order having been made; and thereupon the last
mentioned Court shall take the requisite steps in the matter for enforcing the order,
in the same manner as if it were the order of the Court enforcing the same.
347. Circumstances in which company may be wound up

voluntarily.—A company may be wound up voluntarily–
(a) if the company in general meeting passes a resolution requiring the

company to be wound up voluntarily as a result of the expiry of the
period for its duration, if any, fixed by its articles or on the
occurrence of any event in respect of which the articles provide that
the company should be dissolved; or
(b) if the company passes a special resolution that the company be

wound up voluntarily;
and, in the subsequent provisions of this Part, the expression "resolution for
voluntary winding up" means a resolution passed under clause (a) or clause (b).
348. Commencement of voluntary winding up.–A voluntary winding

up shall be deemed to commence at the time of the passing of the resolution for
voluntary winding up.
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349. Effect of voluntary winding up on status of company.—In the
case of voluntary winding up, the company shall, from the commencement of the
winding up, cease to carry on its business, except so far as may be required for the
beneficial winding up thereof:
Provided that the corporate state and corporate powers of the company shall,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary in its articles, continue until it is dissolved.
350. Notice of resolution to wind up voluntarily.–(1) Notice of any
resolution for winding up a company voluntarily shall be given by the company
within ten days of the passing of the same by advertisement in a newspaper in
English and Urdu languages at least in one issue each of a daily newspaper of
respective language having wide circulation and a copy thereof shall be sent to the
registrar immediately thereafter.

section shall be an offence liable to a daily penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
(3) For the purpose of this section, a liquidator of a company shall be
deemed to be an officer of the company.
351. Declaration of solvency in case of proposal to wind up
voluntarily.—(1) Where it is proposed to wind up a company voluntarily, its
directors, or in case the company has more than three directors, the majority of the
directors, including the chief executive, may, at a meeting of the board make a
declaration verified by an affidavit to the effect that they have made a full inquiry
into the affairs of the company, and that having done so, they have formed the
opinion that the company has no debts, or that it will be able to pay all its debts in
full from the proceeds of assets within such period not exceeding one year from the
commencement of the winding up, as may be specified in the declaration.
(2) A declaration made as aforesaid shall have no effect for the purposes
of this Act, unless—
(a) it is made within the five weeks immediately preceding the date of
the passing of the resolution for winding up the company and is
delivered to the registrar for registration before that date;
(b) it contains a declaration that the company is not being wound up to

defraud any person or persons; and
(c) it is accompanied by a copy of the report of the auditors of the

company, prepared, so far as the circumstances admit, in accordance
with the provisions of this Act, on the statement of financial position
and profit and loss account of the company for the period
commencing from the date up to which the last such accounts were
prepared and ending with the latest practicable date immediately
before the making of the declaration.
(3) Where the company is wound up in pursuance of a resolution passed

within the period of five weeks after the making of the declaration, but its debts are
204
not paid or provided for in full within the period specified in the declaration; it shall
be presumed, until the contrary is shown, that the director did not have reasonable
grounds for his opinion.
(4) Any director of a company making a declaration under this section
without having reasonable grounds for the opinion that the company will be able to
pay its debts in full from the proceeds of assets within the period specified in the
declaration shall be liable to penalty of level 3 on the standard scale.
352. Distinction between members and creditors voluntary winding
up.—A winding up in the case of which a declaration under section 351 has been
made is a members’ voluntary winding up and a winding up in the case of which
such a declaration has not been made is a “creditors’ voluntary winding up.
353. Appointment of liquidator.—(1) In a members’ voluntary winding

up, the company in general meeting shall appoint one or more liquidators, whose
written consent to act as such has been obtained in advance, for the purpose of
winding up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets.
(2) On the appointment of a liquidator all the powers of the board shall
cease, except for the purpose of giving notice of resolution to wind up the company
and appointment of liquidator and filing of consent of liquidator in pursuance of
sections 351 and 363 or in so far as the company in general meeting, or the
liquidator sanctions the continuance thereof.
(3) The liquidator shall subject to the specified limits be entitled to such
remuneration by way of percentage of the amount realised by him by disposal of
assets or otherwise, as the company in general meeting may fix having regard to
the nature of the work done, experience, qualification of such liquidator and size of
the company:
assets and items.
company in general meeting may authorise payment of a monthly allowance to the
liquidator for meeting the expenses of the winding up for a period not exceeding
one year from the date of the commencement of winding up.
(6) If the liquidator resigns, is removed from office or otherwise ceases
to hold office before conclusion of winding up, he shall not be entitled to any
remuneration and remuneration already received by him, if any, shall be refunded
by him to the company.
(7) The liquidator shall not resign or quit his office as liquidator before
conclusion of the winding up proceedings except for reasons of personal disability
to the satisfaction of the members and also be removed by a resolution in general
meeting.
(8) No remuneration shall be payable to liquidator who fails to complete
the winding up proceedings within the prescribed period.
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354. Power to fill vacancy in office of liquidator.−(1) If a vacancy
occurs by death, resignation or otherwise in the office of any liquidator appointed
by the company, the company in general meeting may fill the vacancy by
appointing a person who has given his written consent to act as liquidator.
(2) For that purpose a general meeting shall be convened by the out-
going liquidator before he ceases to act as liquidator except where the vacancy
occurs by death, or where there were more liquidators than one, by the continuing
liquidator, and failing that may be convened by any contributory, or by the
Commission on the application of any person interested in the winding up of the
company.
(3) The meeting shall be held in the manner provided by this Act or in
such manner as may, on application by any contributory or by the continuing
liquidator, or any person interested in the winding up be determined by the
Commission.
(4) If default is made in complying with the provisions of this section,

every person, including the outgoing liquidator, who is in default, shall be liable to
a daily penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
355. Notice by liquidator of his appointment.—(1) The liquidator

shall, within ten days after his appointment, file with the registrar for registration a
notice of his appointment in the specified form.
(2) If the liquidator fails to comply with this section, he shall be liable
to a daily penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
356. Power of liquidator to accept shares as consideration for sale of

property of company.—(1) Where—
(a) a company (in this section called the "transferor company") is

proposed to be, or is in the course of being, wound up altogether
voluntarily; and
(b) the whole or a part of its business or property is proposed to be

transferred or sold to another body corporate, whether a company
within the meaning of this Act or not (in this section called "the
transferee company"),
the liquidator of the transferor company may, with the sanction of a special
resolution of that company conferring on the liquidator either a general authority or
an authority in respect of any particular arrangement—
(i) receive, by way of compensation or part compensation for the

transfer or sale, shares, policies, or other like interests in the
transferee company, for distribution among the members of the
transferor company; or
(ii) enter into any other arrangement whereby the members of the
transferor company may, in lieu of receiving cash, shares, policies,
206
or other like interests or in addition thereto, participate in the profits
of, or receive any other benefit from, the transferee company.
(2) Any sale or arrangement in pursuance of this section shall be binding

on the members of the transferor company.
(3) If any member of the transferor company who did not vote in favour
of the special resolution expresses his dissent therefrom in writing addressed to the
liquidator and left at the registered office of the company within seven days after
the passing of the special resolution, he may require the liquidator either-
(a) to abstain from carrying the resolution into effect; or
(b) to purchase his interest at a price to be determined by agreement or

by arbitration in the manner hereafter provided.
(4) If the liquidator elects to purchase the member’s interest, the

purchase money shall be paid before the company is dissolved, and be raised by the
liquidator in such manner as may be determined by special resolution.
(5) A special resolution shall not be invalid for the purpose of this
section by reason only that it is passed before or concurrently with a resolution for
voluntary winding up or for appointing liquidators; but if an order is made within a
year for winding up the company by or subject to the supervision of the Court, the
special resolution shall not be valid unless it is sanctioned by the Court.
(6) The provisions of the Arbitration Act, 1940 (X of 1940), other than
those restricting the application of this Act in respect of the subject-matter of the
arbitration, shall apply to all arbitrations in pursuance of this section.
357. Duty of liquidator where company turns out to be insolvent.−(1)

Where the liquidator is of the opinion that the company will be unable to pay its
debts in full within the period stated in the directors’ declaration under section 351
he shall forthwith summon a meeting of the creditors and shall lay before the
meeting a statement of the assets and liabilities of the company and such other
particulars as may be specified.
(2) Where sub-section (1) becomes applicable, the creditors may in their
meeting held as aforesaid decide to continue with the existing liquidator or appoint
a different person as liquidator who has consented to act as such and in that case
the person so appointed shall be the liquidator.
(3) In the case of a different person being nominated, any director,

member of the company may, within fifteen days after the date on which the
nomination was made by the creditors, apply to the Court for an order either—
(a) directing that the person nominated as liquidator by the company

shall be liquidator instead of or jointly with the person nominated
by the creditors, or
207
(b) appointing some other person to be liquidator instead of the person
nominated by the creditors.
(4) A return of convening the creditors meeting as aforesaid along with

a copy of the notice thereof and a statement of assets and liabilities of the company
and the minutes of the meeting shall be filed with the registrar within ten days of
the date of the meeting.
(5) If the liquidator fails to comply with any of the requirements of this
section, he shall be liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
358. Duty of liquidator to call general meetings.−(1) The liquidator

shall—
(a) summon and hold annual general meeting of the company within a
period of sixty days from the close of first year after the
commencement of winding up, in the manner provided under
section 132;
(b) lay before the meeting audited accounts consisting of statement of

financial position and the receipt and payment accounts, auditors’
report and the liquidator’s report on the acts, dealings and the
conduct of the company’s winding up during the preceding period
from the date of winding up; and
(c) forward by post to every contributory a copy of the accounts and the
reports, as referred to in clause (b).
(2) A return of convening of each general meeting together with a copy

of the notice, accounts and the reports as aforesaid, the list of contributories as on
the date of the meeting and the minutes of the meeting shall be filed by the
liquidator with the registrar within fifteen days of the date of the meeting.
(3) If the liquidator fails to comply with this section, he shall be liable,
in respect of each failure, to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
359. Final meeting and dissolution.−(1) As soon as the affairs of a

company are fully wound up, the liquidator shall−
(a) prepare final accounts of the company, get the same audited; and
also prepare a report of the winding up, showing that the property
and assets of the company have been disposed of and its debts fully
discharged and such other particulars; as may be specified; and
(b) call a general meeting of the company for the purpose of laying the
report and accounts before it, and giving any explanation therefor.
(2) A copy of the report and accounts together with a copy of the
auditor’s report and notice of meeting shall be sent by post or courier or through
electronic mode to each contributory of the company at least twenty-one days
before the meeting required to be held under this section.
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(3) The notice of the meeting specifying the time, place and object of
the meeting shall also be published at least twenty-one days before the date of the
meeting in the manner specified in section 350.
(4) Within one week after the meeting, the liquidator shall file with the
registrar his final report in the specified form.
(5) If a quorum is not present at the meeting, the liquidator shall in lieu
of the return referred to in sub-section (4), make a return that the meeting was duly
summoned and that no quorum was present thereat, and upon such a return being
made within one week after the date fixed for the meeting along with a copy of his
report and account in the specified manner, the provision of sub-section (4) as to
the making of the return shall be deemed to have been complied with.
(6) The registrar, on receiving the report and account and either the
return mentioned in sub-section (4) or the return mentioned in sub-section (5), shall,
after such scrutiny as he may deem fit, register them, and on the expiration of ninety
days from such registration, the company shall be deemed to be dissolved:
Provided that, if on his scrutiny the registrar considers that the affairs of the
company or the liquidation proceedings have been conducted in a manner
prejudicial to its interest or the interests of its creditors and members or that any
actionable irregularity has been committed, he may take action in accordance with
the provisions of this Act:
Provided further that the Court may on the application of the liquidator or
of any other person who appears to the Court to be interested, make an order
deferring the date at which the dissolution of the company is to take effect, for such
time as the Court thinks fit.
(7) It shall be the duty of the person on whose application an order of
the Court under the foregoing proviso is made, within fourteen days after the
making of the order, to deliver to the registrar a certified copy of the order for
registration, and, if that person fails so to do, he shall be liable to a daily penalty of
level 1 on the standard scale.
(8) If the liquidator fails to comply with any requirements of this
360. Alternative provisions as to annual and final meetings in case of
insolvency.—Where section 357 has effect, sections 368 and 369 shall apply to the
winding up, to the exclusion of sections 358 and 359 as if the winding up were
creditors’ voluntary winding up and not a members’ voluntary winding up:
Provided that the liquidator shall not be required to summon a meeting of

creditors under section 368 at the end of the first year from the commencement of
the winding up, unless the meeting held under section 362 has been held more than
ninety days before the end of the year.
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO CREDITORS’
VOLUNTARY WINDING UP
361. Provisions applicable to creditors’ voluntary winding up.—The

provisions contained in sections 355 to 369, both inclusive, shall apply in relation
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to creditors’ voluntary winding up.
362. Meeting of creditors.—(1) The company shall−
(a) cause a meeting of its creditors to be summoned for a day not later
than the fourteenth day after the day on which there is to be held the
company meeting at which the resolution for voluntary winding up
is to be proposed;
(b) cause the notices of the creditors’ meeting to be sent by post to the
creditors not less than seven days before the day on which that
meeting is to be held; and
(c) cause notice of the creditors’ meeting to be advertised in a

newspaper in English and Urdu languages at least in one issue each
of respective language having wide circulation and a copy thereof
shall simultaneously be sent to the registrar.
(2) The directors of the company shall—
(a) make out a statement of the position of the company’s affairs and
assets and liabilities together with a list of the creditors of the
company, details of securities held by them respectively along with
the dates when such securities were held, the estimated amount of
their claims to be laid before the meeting of creditors and such other
information as may be specified; and
(b) appoint one of their members to preside at the said meeting.
(3) It shall be the duty of the director appointed to preside at the meeting
of creditors to attend the meeting and preside thereat.

363. Appointment of liquidator.−(1) The creditors and the company at

their respective meetings mentioned in sections 357 and 362 may nominate a
person, who has given his written consent to act as such, to be liquidator for the
purpose of winding up the affairs and distributing the assets of the company.
(2) If the creditors and company nominate different persons, the persons
nominated by the creditors shall be liquidator:
Provided that any director, member or creditor of the company may, within
fifteen days after the date on which the nomination was made by the creditors, apply
to the Court for an order either directing that the person nominated as liquidator by
the company shall be liquidator instead of or jointly with the person nominated by
the creditors or appointing some other person to be liquidator instead of the person
appointed by the creditors.
(3) If no person is nominated by the creditors, the person, if any,
nominated by the company shall be liquidator.
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(4) If no person is nominated by the company, the person, if any,
nominated by the creditors shall be the liquidator.
(5) The liquidator shall not resign or quit his office as liquidator before
conclusion of the winding up proceedings except for reasons of personal disability
to the satisfaction of the Court and may also be removed by the Court for reasons
to be recorded.
(6) Notice of appointment of liquidator as well as the resolution passed
at a creditors’ meeting in pursuance of section 362 shall be given by the company
to the registrar, along with the consent of the liquidator to act as such, within ten
days of the passing thereof.
364. Fixing of liquidator’s remuneration.—(1) The liquidator shall

subject to the specified limits be entitled to such remuneration by way of percentage
of the amount realised by him by disposal of assets or otherwise, as the creditors in
their meeting or the Court in terms of proviso to sub-section (2) of section 317 as
the case may be, may fix having regard to the nature of the work done, experience,
qualification of such liquidator and size of the company:
assets and items.
creditors in their meeting or the Court may authorise payment of a monthly
allowance to the liquidator for meeting the expenses of the winding up for a period
not exceeding one year from the date of the commencement of winding up.
(4) If the liquidator resigns, is removed from office or otherwise ceases

to hold office before conclusion of winding up, he shall not be entitled to any
remuneration and the remuneration already received by him, if any, shall be
refunded by him to the company.
365. Cessation of boards’ powers.—On the appointment of a liquidator,

all the powers of the board, chief executive and other officers shall cease, except
for the purpose of giving notice of resolution to wind up and appointment of the
liquidator and filing of consent of the liquidator as required under this Act, the
creditors, in general meeting may sanction the continuance thereof.
366. Power to fill vacancy in office of liquidator.—If a vacancy occurs,

by death, resignation or otherwise, in the office of a liquidator, other than a
liquidator appointed by or by the direction of, the Court, the creditors in their
meeting may fill the vacancy by appointing a person who has given his written
consent to act as liquidator, and for this purpose the provisions of section 354 shall
mutatis mutandis apply.
367. Application of section 356 to a creditors voluntary winding

up.—The provisions of section 356 shall apply in the case of a creditors voluntary
winding up as in the case of member’s voluntary winding up with the modification
that the powers of the liquidator under the said section shall not be exercised except
211
with the sanction of the Court.
368. Duty of liquidator to call meeting of company and of

creditors.−(1) The liquidator shall−
(a) summon and hold annual general meeting of the company and a
meeting of the creditors within a period of sixty days from the close
of its financial year in the manner provided under section 132;
(b) lay before the meetings mentioned in clause (a), audited accounts
consisting of statement of financial position and the receipt and
payment accounts, auditors’ report and the liquidator’s report on the
acts, dealings and the conduct of the company’s winding up during
the preceding period from the date of winding up; and
(c) forward by post to every contributory, a copy of the accounts and

the reports, as referred to in clause (b).
(2) A return of convening of each general meeting together with a copy

of the notice, accounts and the reports as aforesaid, the list of contributories as on
the date of the meeting and the minutes of the meeting shall be filed by the
liquidator with the registrar within fifteen days of the date of the meeting.
(3) If the liquidator fails to comply with this section, he shall be liable
to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
369. Final meeting and dissolution.−(1) As soon as the affairs of a

company are fully wound up, the liquidator shall—
(a) prepare final accounts of the company, get the same audited; and
also prepare a report of the winding up, showing that the property
and assets of the company have been disposed of and its debts fully
discharged and such other particulars; as may be specified;
(b) summon and hold general meeting of the company and a meeting of
the creditors within a period of sixty days from the close of its
financial year in the manner provided under section 132; and
(c) lay before the meetings mentioned in clause (a), audited accounts
consisting of statement of financial position and the receipt and
payment accounts, auditors’ report and the liquidator’s report on the
acts, dealings and the conduct of the company’s winding up during
the preceding period from the date of winding up.
(2) A copy of the report and accounts together with a copy of the
auditor’s report and notice of meeting shall be sent by post or courier or through
electronic mode to each contributory of the company at least twenty-one days
before the meeting required to be held under this section.
(3) The notice of the meeting specifying the time, place and object of
the meeting shall also be published at least twenty-one days before the date of the
meeting in the manner specified in section 350.
212
(4) Within one week after the meeting, the liquidator shall file with the
registrar his final report in the specified form.
(5) If a quorum (which for the purpose of this section shall be two
persons) is not present at either of such meetings, the liquidator shall in lieu of the
return referred to in sub-section (4), make a return that the meeting was duly
summoned and that no quorum was present thereat, and upon such a return being
made within one week after the date fixed for the meeting along with a copy of his
report and account in the specified manner, the provision of sub-section (4) as to
the making of the return shall be deemed to have been complied with.
(6) The registrar, on receiving the report and account and either the
return mentioned in sub-section (4) or the return mentioned in sub-section (5), shall,
after such scrutiny as he may deem fit, register them, and on the expiration of ninety
days from such registration, the company shall be deemed to be dissolved:
Provided that, if on his scrutiny the registrar considers that the affairs of the
company or the liquidation proceedings have been conducted in a manner
prejudicial to its interest or the interests of its creditors and members or that any
actionable irregularity has been committed, he may take action in accordance with
the provisions of this Act:
Provided further that the Court may on the application of the liquidator or
of any other person who appears to the Court to be interested, make an order
deferring the date at which the dissolution of the company is to take effect, for such
time as the Court thinks fit.
(7) It shall be the duty of the person on whose application an order of
the Court under the foregoing proviso is made, within fourteen days after the
making of the order, to deliver to the registrar a certified copy of the order for
registration, and, if that person fails so to do, he shall be liable to a daily penalty of
level 1 on the standard scale.
(8) If the liquidator fails to comply with any requirements of this
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO EVERY VOLUNTARY WINDING UP
370. Distribution of property of company.—Subject to the provisions

of this Act as to preferential payments, the property of a company shall, on its
winding up, be applied in satisfaction of its liabilities pari passu and, subject to
such application shall, unless the articles otherwise provide be distributed among
the members according to their rights and interests in the company.
371. Application of sections 320 and 321 to voluntary winding

up.−The provisions of sections 320 and 321 shall, so far as may be, apply to every
voluntary winding up as they apply to winding up by the Court except that
references to—
(a) “the Court” shall be omitted;
(b) the "official liquidator" or the "provisional manager" shall be

construed as references to the liquidator; and
213
(c) the "relevant date" shall be construed as reference to the date of
commencement of the winding up; and
the report referred to in section 321 shall be submitted to the registrar instead of the
Court.
372. Powers and duties of liquidator in voluntary winding up.−(1)

The liquidator may−
(a) in the case of a members’ voluntary winding up, with the sanction
of a special resolution of the company, and, in the case of a creditors’
voluntary winding up, of a meeting of the creditors, exercise any of
the powers given by sub-section (1) of section 337 to a liquidator in
a winding up by the Court;
(b) without the sanction referred to in clause (a), exercise any of the
other powers given by this Act to the liquidator in a winding up by
the Court;
(c) exercise the power of the Court under this Act of settling a list of
contributories, which shall be prima facie evidence of the liabilities
of the persons named therein to be contributories;
(d) exercise the powers of the Court of making calls;
(e) summon general meeting of the company and creditors for the
purpose of obtaining the sanction of the company by special
resolution or for any other purpose he may think fit.
(2) The exercise by the liquidator of the powers given by clause (a) of
sub- section (1) shall be subject to the control of the Court; and any creditor or
contributory may apply to the Court with respect to any exercise or proposed
exercise of any of the power conferred by this section.
(3) The liquidator shall pay the debts of the company and shall adjust
the rights of the contributories among themselves.
(4) The liquidator shall within thirty days of the coming into his hands
of any funds sufficient to distribute among the creditors or contributories after
providing for expenses of the winding up or for other preferential payments as
provided in this Act, distribute in accordance with the provisions of this Act:
Provided that in case of company licenced under section 42 of this Act, if
on a winding up, there remains after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, any
assets, those shall be transferred to another company licenced under section 42 of
this Act, preferably having similar or identical objects to those of the company in
the manner as may be specified:
Provided further that such portion of the funds as may be required for
meeting any claim against the company which may be subjudice or subject matter
of adjudication or assessment shall not be distributed till the claim is finally settled:
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Provided also that any amounts retained as aforesaid shall be invested by
the official liquidator in Special Saving Certificates or in such other securities or
instruments as may be specified and the distribution thereof shall be made by him
after the pending claims are settled:
Provided also that in case of company licenced under section 42, if any of
the assets is not transferred in the manner provided in first proviso due to any
reason, all such assets shall be sold and proceeds thereof credited to the Investor
Education and Awareness Fund formed under section 245.
(5) The winding up proceedings shall be completed by the liquidator
within a period of one year from the date of commencement of winding up:
Provided that the Court may, on the application of the liquidator, grant
extension by thirty days at any time but such extension shall not exceed a period
of one hundred and eighty days in all and shall be allowed only for the reason
that any proceedings for or against the company are pending in a court and the
Court shall also have the power to require expeditious disposal of such proceedings
as it could under section 337 if the company was being wound up by the Court.
(6) If an official liquidator is convicted of misfeasance, or breach of
duty or other lapse or default in relation to winding up proceedings of a company,
he shall cease to be the official liquidator of the company and shall also become
disqualified, for a period of five years from such conviction, from being the
liquidator of, or to hold any other office including that of a director in any company
and if he already holds any such office he shall forthwith be deemed to have ceased
to hold such office.
(7) When several liquidators are appointed, any power given by this Act
may be exercised by such one or more of them as may be determined at the time,
of their appointment, or in default of such determination, by any two or more of
them.
373. Power of Court to appoint and remove liquidator in voluntary
winding up.—(1) If from any cause whatever, there is no liquidator acting, the
Court may appoint a liquidator in accordance with the provisions of section 315
who shall have the same powers, as are exercisable by an official liquidator under
sub-section (1) of section 337.
(2) The Court may, on cause shown, replace a liquidator on the

application of any creditor or contributory or the registrar or a person authorised by
the Commission.
(3) The remuneration to be paid to the liquidator appointed under sub-

section (1) or sub-section (2) shall be fixed by the Court subject to the provisions
of section 364.
374. Notice by liquidator of his appointment.—(1) Every liquidator

shall, within fourteen days after his appointment, publish in the official Gazette,
and deliver to the registrar for registration, a notice of his appointment in the form
specified.
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(2) If the liquidator fails to comply with the requirements of sub-section
(1), he shall be liable to a daily penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
375. Arrangement when binding on company and creditors.—(1)

Any arrangement other than the arrangement referred to in section 356 entered into
between a company which is about to be, or is in the course of being wound up and
its creditors shall be binding on the company and on the creditors, if it is sanctioned
by a special resolution of the company and acceded to by the creditors who hold
three-fourths in value of the total amount due to all the creditors of the company.
(2) Any creditor or contributory may, within twenty-one days from the
completion of the arrangement, appeal to the Court against it, and the Court may
thereupon, as it thinks just, amend, vary, confirm or set aside the arrangement.
376. Power to apply to Court to have questions determined or powers

exercised.—(1) The liquidator or any contributory or creditor may apply to the
Court—
(a) to determine any question arising in the winding up of a company;

or
(b) to exercise as respects the enforcing of calls, the staying of

proceedings or any other matter, all or any of the powers which the
Court might exercise if the company were being wound up by the
Court.
(2) The liquidator or any contributory may apply to the Court specified
in sub-section (3) for an order setting aside any attachment, distress or execution
put into force against the estate or effects of the company after the commencement
of the winding up.
(3) An application under sub-section (2) shall be made−

(a) if the attachment, distress or execution is levied or put into force by
a Court, to such Court; and
(b) if the attachment, distress or execution is levied or put into force by

any other court, to the court having jurisdiction to wind up the
company.
(4) The Court, if it is satisfied that the determination of the question or

the required exercise of power or the order applied for will be just and beneficial,
may accede wholly or partially to the application on such terms and conditions as
it thinks fit, or may make such other orders on the application as it thinks just.
(5) A copy of an order staying the proceedings in the winding up, made
by virtue of this section, shall forthwith be forwarded by the company, or otherwise
as may be prescribed, to the registrar, who shall make a minute of the order in his
books relating to the company.
377. Application of liquidator to Court for public examination of
promoters, directors.—The liquidator may make a report to the Court stating that
216
in his opinion a fraud or any other actionable irregularity has been committed by
any person in the promotion or formation of the company or by any officer of the
company in relation to the company since its formation; and the Court may, after
considering the report, direct that person or officer shall attend before the Court on
a day appointed by it for that purpose, and be publicly examined as to the promotion
or formation or the conduct of the business of the company, or as to his conduct
and dealings as officer thereof, in the manner provided for such examination in the
case of winding up of a company by the Court.
378. Costs of voluntary winding up.—All costs, charges and expenses

properly incurred in the winding up, including the remuneration of the liquidator,
shall subject to the rights of secured creditors, if any, be payable out of the assets
of the company in priority to all other claims.
379. Saving for right of creditors and contributories.—The voluntary

winding up of a company shall not bar the right of any creditor or contributory to
have it wound up by the Court, but in the case of an application by a contributory,
the Court must be satisfied that the rights of the contributories will be prejudiced
by a voluntary winding up.
380. Power of Court to adopt proceedings of voluntary winding up.—

Where a company is being wound up voluntarily, and an order is made for winding
up by the Court, the Court may, if it thinks fit by the same or any subsequent order,
provide for the adoption of all or any of the proceedings in the voluntary winding
up.
WINDING UP SUBJECT TO SUPERVISION OF COURT
381. Power to order winding up subject to supervision.—When a

company has passed a resolution for voluntary winding up, the Court may of its
own motion or on the application of any person entitled to apply to the Court for
winding up a company, make an order that the voluntary winding up shall continue,
but subject to such supervision of the Court, and with such liberty for creditors,
contributories or others to apply to the Court, and generally on such terms and
conditions, as the Court thinks just.
382. Effect of petition for winding up subject to supervision.—A

petition for the continuance of a voluntary winding up subject to the supervision of
the Court shall, for the purpose of giving jurisdiction to the Court over suits and
another legal proceedings, be deemed to be a petition for winding up by the Court.
383. Court may have regard to the wishes of creditors and

contributories.—The Court may, in deciding between a winding up by the Court
and a winding up subject to supervision, in the appointment of liquidators, and in
all other matters relating to the winding up subject to supervision, have regard to
the wishes of the creditors or contributories as proved to it by any sufficient
evidence, but subject to the provisions which would have been applicable had the
company been wound up by the Court.
384. Power to replace liquidator.—Where an order is made for winding

up subject to supervision, the Court may on an application by any creditor or
contributory or the registrar or a person authorised by the Commission in this
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behalf, replace the liquidator who shall have the same powers, be subject to the
same obligations and in all respects stand in the same position as if he had been
appointed by the company.
385. Effects of supervision order.—(1) Where an order is made for a

winding up subject to supervision, the liquidator may, subject to any restriction
imposed by the Court, exercise all his powers, without the sanction or intervention
of the Court, in the same manner as if the company were being wound up altogether
voluntarily.
(2) Except as provided in sub-section (1), and save for the purposes of
section 327 an order made by the Court for a winding up subject to the supervision
of the Court shall for all purposes including the staying of suits and other
proceedings, be deemed to be an order of the Court for winding up the company by
the Court, and shall confer full authority on the Court to make call or to enforce
calls made by the liquidator, and to exercise all other powers which it might have
exercised if an order had been made for winding up the company altogether by the
Court.
(3) In the construction of the provisions whereby the Court is
empowered to direct any act or thing to be done to or in favour of the official
liquidator, the expression "official liquidator" shall be deemed to mean the
liquidator conducting the winding up subject to the supervision of the Court.
(4) Unless otherwise directed by the Court, an order for winding up
subject to supervision shall not in any way affect the duties, obligations and
liabilities of the liquidator as provided for in respect of voluntary winding up.
386. Appointment of voluntary liquidator as official liquidator in
certain cases.—Where an order has been made for the winding up of a company
subject to supervision, and an order is afterwards made for winding up by the Court,
the Court shall by the last mentioned order, appoint the voluntary liquidator, either
provisionally or permanently, and either with or without the addition of any other
person, to be official liquidator in the winding up by the Court.
387. Status of companies being wound up.—A company being wound

up shall continue to be a company for all purposes till its final dissolution in
accordance with the provisions of this Act and, unless otherwise specified, all
provisions and requirements of this Act relating to companies shall continue to
apply mutatis mutandis in the case of companies being wound up:
Provided that, from the date of commencement of the winding up of a

company, the official liquidator or the liquidator shall be deemed to have taken the
place of the board and chief executive of the company, as the case may be.
PROOF AND RANKING OF CLAIMS
388. Debts of all description to be proved.—In every winding up

(subject, in the case of insolvent companies, to the application in accordance with
the provisions of this Act or the law of insolvency) all debts payable on a
contingency, and all claims against the company, present or future, certain or
contingent, ascertained or sounding only in damages, shall be admissible to proof
against the company, a just estimate being made, so far as possible, of the value of
218
such debts or claims as may be subject to any contingency, or may sound only in
damages, or for some other reason do not bear a certain value.
389. Application of insolvency rules in winding up of insolvent

companies.—In the winding up of an insolvent company the same rules shall
prevail and be observed with regard to the respective rights of secured and
unsecured creditors and to debts provable and to the valuation of annuities and
future and contingent liabilities as are in force for the time being under the law of
insolvency with respect to the estates of persons adjudged insolvent; and all persons
who in any such case will be entitled to prove for and receive dividend out of the
assets of the company may come in under the winding up, and make such claims
against the company as they respectively are entitled to by virtue of this section.
390. Preferential payments.−(1) In a winding up, there shall be paid in
priority to all other debts—
(a) all revenues, taxes, cesses and rates due from the company to the
Federal Government or a Provincial Government or to a local
authority at the relevant date and having become due and payable
within the one year next before that date on pari passu basis;
(b) all wages or salary (including wages payable for time or piece work
and salary earned wholly or in part by way of commission) of any
employee in respect of services rendered to the company;
(c) all accrued holiday remuneration becoming payable to any
employee or in the case of his death to any other person in his right,
on the termination of his employment before, or by the winding up
order, or, as the case may be, the dissolution of the company;
(d) unless the company is being wound up voluntarily merely for the
purposes of reconstruction or of amalgamation with another
company, all amounts due, in respect of contributions towards
insurance payable during the one year next before the relevant date,
by the company as employer of any persons, under any other law for
the time being in force;
(e) unless the company has, at the commencement of the winding up,
under such a contract with insurers as is mentioned in section 14 of
the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923 (VIII of 1923), rights
capable of being transferred to and vested in the workman, all
amounts due in respect of any compensation or liability for
compensation under the said Act in respect of the death or
disablement of any employee of the company:
Provided that where any compensation under the said Act is

a weekly payment, the amount payable under this clause shall be
taken to be the amount of the lump sum for which such weekly
payment could, if redeemable, be redeemed, if the employer made
for that purpose under the said Act;
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(f) all sums due to any employee from a provident fund, a pension fund,
a gratuity fund or any other fund for the welfare of the employees
maintained by the company; and
(g) the expenses of any investigation held in pursuance of sections 256,

257 or 258, in so far as they are payable by the company.
(2) Where any payment has been made−
(a) to an employee of a company on account of wages or salary; or
(b) to an employee of a company or, in the case of his death, to any other
person in his right, on account of accrued holiday remuneration;
out of money advanced by some person for that purpose, the person by whom the
money was advanced shall, in a winding up, have a right of priority in respect of
the money so advanced and paid, up to the amount by which the sum in respect of
which the employee or other person in his right would have been entitled to priority
in the winding up has been diminished by reason of the payment having been made.
(3) The foregoing debts shall—
(a) rank equally among themselves and be paid in full, unless the assets
are insufficient to meet them, in which case they shall abate in equal
proportion; and
(b) so far as the assets of the company available for payment of general
creditors are insufficient to meet them, have priority over the claims
of holders of debentures under any floating charge created by the
company, and be paid accordingly out of any property comprised in
or subject to that charge.
(4) Subject to the retention of such sums as may be necessary for the
costs and expenses of the winding up, the foregoing debts shall be discharged
forthwith so far as the assets are sufficient to meet them and, in the case of the debts
to which priority is given by clause (d) of sub-section (1), formal proof thereof shall
not be required except in so far as may be otherwise prescribed.
(5) In the event of a landlord or other person distraining or having

distrained on any goods or effects of the company within ninety days next before
the date of winding up order, the debts to which priority is given by this section
shall be a first charge on the goods or effects so distrained on, or the proceeds of
the sale thereof:
Provided that, in respect of any money paid under any such charge, the
landlord or other person shall have the same rights of priority as the person to whom
the payment is made.
(6) For the purposes of this section−
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(a) any remuneration in respect of a period of holiday or of absence
from work on medical grounds or other good cause shall be deemed
to be wages in respect of services rendered to the company during
that period;
(b) the expression "accrued holiday remuneration" includes, in relation

to any person, all sums which by virtue either of his contract of
employment or of any enactment (including any order made or
direction given under any enactment), are payable on account of the
remuneration which would, in the ordinary course, have become
payable to him in respect of a period of holiday had his employment
with the company continued until he became entitled to be allowed
the holiday; and
(c) the expression "the relevant date" means—
(i) in the case of a company ordered to be wound up by the

Court, the date of the appointment (or first appointment) of
the provisional manager or, if no such appointment was
made, the date of the winding up order, unless in either case
the company had commenced to be wound up voluntarily
before that date; and
(ii) in any other case, the date of the passing of the resolution for
the voluntary winding up of the company.
391. Avoidance of transfers.−Except when an order to the contrary is

passed by the Court−
(a) every transfer of shares and alteration in the status of a member

made after the commencement of winding up shall, unless approved
by the liquidator, be void;
(b) any transfer or disposition of property, including actionable claims

of the company, not being a transfer or delivery made in the ordinary
course of its business or in favour of a purchaser or encumbrancer
in good faith and for valuable consideration, if made within a period
of one year before the presentation of a petition for winding up by
the Court or the passing of a resolution for voluntary winding up of
the company, shall be void.
392. Disclaimer of onerous property.—(1) Where any part of the

property of a company which is being wound up consists of−
(a) land of any tenure, burdened with onerous covenants;
(b) shares or stocks in companies;
(c) any other property which is not saleable or is not readily saleable by
reason of the possessor thereof being bound either to the
221
performance of any onerous act or to the payment of any sum of
money; or
(d) unprofitable contracts,
the liquidator may, notwithstanding that he has endeavoured to sell or has taken
possession of the property or exercised any act of ownership in relation thereto or
done anything in pursuance of the contract, with the leave of the Court and subject
to the provisions of this section, by writing signed by him, at any time within one
year after the commencement of the winding up or such extended period as may
be allowed by the Court, disclaim the property:
Provided that, where any such property has not come to the knowledge of
the liquidator within thirty days after the commencement of the winding up, the
power under this section of disclaiming the property may be exercised at any time
within one year after he has become aware thereof or such extended period as may
be allowed by the Court.
(2) The disclaimer shall operate to determine, as from the date of
disclaimer, the rights, interest and liabilities of the company in or in respect of the
property disclaimed, but shall not, except so far as is necessary for the purpose of
releasing the company and the property of the company from liability, affect the
rights, interest or liabilities of any other person.
(3) The Court, before or on granting leave to disclaim, may require such
notices to be given to persons interested, and impose such terms as a condition of
granting leave, and make such other order in the matter as the Court considers just
and proper.
(4) The liquidator shall not be entitled to disclaim any property in any
case where an application in writing has been made to him by any person interested
in the property requiring him to decide whether he will or will not disclaim and the
liquidator has not, within a period of twenty-eight days after the receipt of the
application or such extended period as may be allowed by the Court, give notice to
the applicant that he intends to apply to the Court for leave to disclaim, and in case
the property is under a contract, if the liquidator after such an application as
aforesaid does not within the said period or extended period disclaim the contract,
he shall be deemed to have adopted it.
(5) The Court may, on the application of any person who is, as against
the liquidator, entitled to the benefit or subject to the burden of a contract made
with the company, make an order rescinding the contract on such terms as to
payment by or to either party of damages for the non-performance of the contract,
or otherwise as the Court considers just and proper, and any damages payable under
the order to any such person may be proved by him as a debt in the winding up.
(6) The Court may, on an application by any person who either claims
any interest in any disclaimed property or is under any liability not discharged under
this Act in respect of any disclaimed property, and after hearing any such persons
as it thinks fit, make an order for the vesting of the property in, or the delivery of
the property to, any person entitled thereto or to whom it may seem just that the
property should be delivered by way of compensation for such liability as aforesaid,
or a trustee for him, and on such terms as the Court considers just and proper, and
222
on any such vesting order being made, the property comprised therein shall vest
accordingly in the person named therein in that behalf without any conveyance or
assignment for the purpose:
Provided that where the property disclaimed is of a leasehold nature, the
Court shall not make a vesting order in favour of any person claiming under the
company, whether as under-lessee or as mortgagee or holder of a charge by way of
demise, except upon the terms of making that person—
(a) subject to the same liabilities and obligations as those to which the
company was subject under the lease in respect of the property at
the commencement of the winding up; or
(b) if the Court thinks fit, subject only to the same liabilities and
obligations as if the lease had been assigned to that person at that
date,
and in either event as if the lease had comprised only the property comprised in the
vesting order, and any mortgagee or under-lessee declining to accept a vesting order
upon such terms shall be excluded from all interest in, and security upon the
property, and, if there is no person claiming under the company who is willing to
accept an order upon such terms, the Court shall have power to vest the estate and
interest of the company in the property in any person liable, either personally or in
a representative character, and either alone or jointly with the company, to perform
the covenants of the lessee in the lease, free and discharged from all estates,
encumbrances and interests created therein by the company.
(7) Any person affected by the operation of a disclaimer under this
section shall be deemed to be a creditor of the company to the amount of the
compensation or damages payable in respect of such effect, and may accordingly
prove the amount as a debt in the winding up.
EFFECT OF WINDING UP ON ANTECEDENT AND OTHER
TRANSACTIONS
393. Fraudulent preference.—(1) Where a company has given

preference to a person who is one of the creditors of the company or a surety or
guarantor for any of the debts or other liabilities of the company, and the company
does anything or suffers anything done which has the effect of putting that person
into a position which, in the event of the company going into liquidation, will be
better than the position he would have been in if that thing had not been done prior
to one hundred and eighty days of commencement of winding up, the Court, if
satisfied that, such transaction is a fraudulent preference may order as it may think
fit for restoring the position to what it would have been if the company had not
given that preference.
(2) If the Court is satisfied that there is a preference transfer of property,

movable or immovable, or any delivery of goods, payment, execution made, taken
or done by or against a company within one hundred and eighty days before the
commencement of winding up, the Court may order as it may think fit and may
declare such transaction invalid and restore the position.
394. Liabilities and rights of certain fraudulently preferred
223
persons.—(1) Where, in the case of a company which is being wound up, anything
made or done after the commencement of this Act, is invalid under section 393 as
a fraudulent preference of a person interested in property mortgaged or charged to
secure the company’s debt, then (without prejudice to any rights or liabilities arising
apart from this provision) the person preferred shall be subject to the same liabilities
and shall have the same rights as if he had undertaken to be personally liable as
surety for the debt to the extent of the charge on the property or the value of his
interest, whichever is less.
(2) The value of the said person’s interest shall be determined as at the
date of the transaction constituting the fraudulent preference, and shall be
determined as if the interest were free of all encumbrances other than those to which
the charge for the company’s debt was then subject.
(3) On any application made to the Court with respect to any payment
on the ground that the payment was a fraudulent preference of a surety or guarantor,
the Court shall have jurisdiction to determine any questions with respect to the
payment arising between the person to whom the payment was made and the surety
or guarantor and to grant relief in respect thereof, notwithstanding that it is not
necessary so to do for the purposes of the winding up, and for that purpose may
give leave to bring in the surety or guarantor as a third party as in the case of a suit
for the recovery of the sum paid.
(4) Sub-section (3) shall apply, with the necessary modifications, in

relation to transactions other than the payment of money as it applied in relation to
such payments.
395. Avoidance of certain attachments, executions.—(1) Where any

company is being wound up by or subject to the supervision of the Court, any
attachment, distress or execution put in force without leave of the Court against the
estate or effects or any sale held without leave of the Court of any of the properties
of the company after the commencement of the winding up shall be void.
(2) Nothing in this section applies to proceedings by the Government.

396. Effect of floating charge.—Where a company is being wound up,
a floating charge on the undertaking or property of the company created within one
year immediately preceding the commencement of the winding up shall, unless it
is proved that the company immediately after the creation of the charge was solvent,
be invalid except to the amount of any cash paid to the company at the time of, or
subsequently to the creation of, and in consideration for, the charge, together with
markup on that amount at the rate of five percent per annum or part thereof or such
other rate as may be notified by the Commission in the official Gazette.
OFFENCES ANTECEDENT TO OR IN COURSE OF WINDING UP
397. Power of Court to assess damages against delinquent

directors.—If in the course of winding up a company it appears that any person
who has taken part in the promotion or formation of the company or any past or
present director, liquidator or officer of the company−
224
(a) has misapplied or retained or become liable or accountable for any
money or property of the company; or
(b) has been guilty of any misfeasance or breach of trust in relation to

the company;
the Court may, on the application of the official liquidator or the liquidator or of
any creditor or contributory, made within the time specified in that behalf in sub-
section (2), examine into the conduct of the person, director, liquidator or officer
aforesaid, and compel him to repay or restore the money or property or any part
thereof respectively, with surcharge at such rate as the Court thinks just, or to
contribute such sum to the assets of the company by way of compensation in respect
of the misapplication, retainer, misfeasance or breach of trust as the Court thinks
just.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall be made within five years
from the date of the order for winding up, or of the first appointment of the
liquidator in the winding up, or of the misapplication, retainer, misfeasance or
breach of trust, as the case may be, whichever is longer.
(3) This section shall apply notwithstanding that the matter is one for
which the person concerned may be criminally liable.
398. Liability for fraudulent conduct of business.—(1) If in the course
of the winding up of a company it appears that any business of the company has
been carried on with intent to defraud creditors of the company or any other person,
or for any fraudulent purpose, the Court, on the application of the official liquidator
or the liquidator or any creditor or contributory of the company, may, if it thinks
fit, declare that any persons who were knowingly parties to the carrying on of the
business in the manner aforesaid shall be personally responsible, without any
limitation of liability, for all or any of the debts or other liabilities of the company
as the Court may direct.
(2) On the hearing of an application under sub-section (1), the official

liquidator or the liquidator, as the case may be, may himself give evidence or call
witnesses.
(3) Where the Court makes any such declaration, it may give such
further directions as it thinks proper for the purpose of giving effect to that
declaration; and, in particular, may make provision for making that liability of any
such person under the declaration a charge on any debt or obligation due from the
company to him, or on any mortgage or charge or any interest in any mortgage or
charge on any assets of the company held by or vested in him, or any company or
person on his behalf, or any person claiming as assignee from or though the person
liable or any company or person acting on his behalf, and may, from time to time,
make such further order as may be necessary for the purpose of enforcing any
charge imposed under this sub-section.
Explanation.−For the purpose of this sub-section, the expression
"assignee" includes any person to whom or in whose favour, by the directions of
the person liable, the debt, obligation, mortgage or charge was created, issued or
transferred or the interest was created, but does not include an assignee for valuable
225
consideration (not including consideration by way of marriage) given in good faith
and without notice of any of the matters on the ground of which declaration is made.
(4) Where any business of a company is carried on with such intent or
for such purpose as is mentioned in sub-section (1), every person who was a party
to the carrying on of the business in the manner aforesaid shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may
extend to one million rupees, or with both.
(5) This section shall apply, notwithstanding that the person concerned
may be criminally liable in respect of the matters on the ground of which the
declaration is to be made.
399. Liability under sections 397 and 398 to extend to partners or
directors in firm or body corporate.—Where an order under section 397 or a
declaration under section 398 is or may be made in respect of a firm or body
corporate, the Court shall also have power to pass an order under section 397 or
make a declaration under section 398, as the case may be, in respect of any person
who was at the relevant time a partner in that firm or a director of that body
corporate.
400. Penalty for fraud by officers of companies which have gone into
liquidation.—(1) If any person, being at the time of the commission of the alleged
offence an officer of a company which is subsequently ordered to be wound up by
the Court or which subsequently passes a resolution for voluntary winding up—
(a) has, by false pretenses or by means of any other fraud, induced any
person to give credit to the company; or
(b) with intent to defraud creditors of the company, has made or caused
to be made any gift or transfer of or charge on, or has caused or
connived at the levying of any execution against, the property of the
company; or
(c) with intent to defraud creditors of the company, has concealed or

removed any part of the property of the company since, or within
sixty days before, the date of any unsatisfied judgment or order for
payment of money obtained against the company;
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three
years, and shall also be liable to a fine which may extend to one million rupees.
(2) Where the Court has passed an order of winding up of a company
and prima facie concludes that any of the offence provided in sub-section (1) has
been committed, the Court may send a reference for adjudication of offence under
sub-section (1) to the court as provided under section 482.
401. Liability where proper accounts not kept.—(1) If, where a

company is being wound up, it is shown that proper books of account were not kept
by the company throughout the period of two years immediately preceding the
commencement of the winding up, or the period between the incorporation of the
company and the commencement of the winding up, whichever is the shorter, every
officer of the company who is in default shall, unless he shows that he acted
226
honestly and that in the circumstances in which the business of the company was
carried on the default was excusable, be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to one hundred
thousand rupees or with both.
(2) For the purpose of sub-section (1), proper books of account shall be
deemed not to have been kept in the case of a company, if there have not been kept−
(a) such books or accounts as are necessary to exhibit and explain the
transactions and financial position of the trade or business of the
company, including books containing entries from day to day in
sufficient detail of all cash received and all cash paid; and
(b) where the trade or business has involved dealings in goods,

statement of the annual stock takings and (except in the case of
goods sold by way of ordinary retail trade) of all goods sold and
purchased, showing the goods and the buyers and sellers thereof in
sufficient detail to enable those goods and those buyers and sellers
to be identified.
402. Penalty for falsification of books.—If any director, manager,

officer, auditor or contributory of any company being wound up destroys, mutilates,
alters or falsifies or fraudulently secrets any books, papers or securities, or makes
or is privy to the making of any false or fraudulent entry in any register, books or
paper belonging to the company with intent to defraud or deceive any person, he
shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with
fine which may extend to one million rupees, or with both.
403. Prosecution of delinquent directors.—(1) If it appears to the Court

in the course of winding up by, or subject to the supervision of the Court that any
past or present director, or other officer, or any member, of the company has been
guilty of any offence in relation to the company for which he is criminally liable,
the Court may, either on the application of any person interested in the winding up
or of its own motion, direct the liquidator either himself to prosecute the offender
or to refer the matter to the registrar.
(2) If it appears to the liquidator in the course of a voluntary winding up

that any past or present director, manager or other officer, or any member, of the
company has been guilty of any offence in relation to the company for which he is
criminally liable, he shall forthwith report the matter to the registrar and shall
furnish to him such information and give to him such access to and facilities for
inspecting and taking copies of any documents, being information or documents in
the possession or under the control of the liquidator relating to the matter in
question, as he may require.
(3) Where any report is made under sub-section (1) or (2) to the
registrar, he may, if he thinks fit, refer the matter to the Commission for further
inquiry and the Commission may thereupon investigate the matter and may, if it
thinks it expedient, appoint one or more competent inspectors to investigate the
affairs of the company and to report thereon as if it were a case falling under clause
(c) of section 256 and thereupon the provision contained in sections 259 to 273
shall mutatis mutandis apply in all respects.
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(4) If on any report to the registrar under sub-section (2) it appears to
him that the case is not one in which proceedings ought to be taken by him, he shall
inform the liquidator accordingly, giving his reasons, and thereupon, subject to the
previous sanction of the Court, the liquidator may himself take proceedings against
the offender.
(5) If it appears to the Court in the course of a voluntary winding up that
any past or present director, manager or other officer, or any member, of the
company has been guilty as aforesaid, and that no report with respect to the matter
has been made by the liquidator to the registrar, the Court may, on the application
of any person interested in the winding up or of its own motion, direct the liquidator
to make such a report and, on a report being made accordingly, the provisions of
this section shall have effect as though the report has been made in pursuance of
the provisions of sub-section (1) or (2).
(6) If, where any matter is reported or referred to the registrar under this
section, he considers that the case is one in which a prosecution ought to be
instituted, he shall report the matter to the Commission, and the Commission may,
after taking such legal advice as it thinks fit, direct the registrar to proceed in
accordance with sections 477 and 486:
Provided that no report shall be made by the registrar under this sub-section
without first giving the accused person an opportunity of making a statement in
writing to the registrar and of being heard thereon.
(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Qanun-e-Shahadat
Order, 1984 (P.O. No. Act X of 1984), when any proceedings are instituted under
this section it shall be the duty of the liquidator and of every officer and agent of
the company past and present (other than the defendant in the proceedings) to give
all assistance in connection with the prosecution which he is reasonably able to
give, and for the purposes of this sub-section the expression “agent” in relation to
a company shall be deemed to include any banker or legal adviser of the company
and any person employed by the company as auditor, whether that person is or is
not an officer of the company.
(8) If any person fails or neglects to give assistance in manner required
by sub-section (7), the Court may, on the application of the registrar or the
prosecutor, as the case may be, direct that person to comply with the requirements
of the said sub-section, and where any such application is made with respect to a
liquidator, the Court may, unless it appears that the failure or neglect to comply was
due to the liquidator not having in his hands sufficient assets of the company to
enable him so to do, direct that the cost of the application shall be borne by the
liquidator personally.
404. Penalty for false evidence.—If any person, upon any examination
upon oath authorised under this Act, or in any affidavit, disposition or solemn
affirmation, in or about the winding up of any company under this Act, or otherwise
in or about any matter arising under this Act, intentionally gives false evidence, he
shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and
shall also be liable to a fine which may extend to one million rupees.
405. Penal Provisions.—(1) If any person, being a past or present

director, chief executive, manager, auditor or other officer of a company which at
228
the time of the commission of the alleged offence, is being wound up, whether by
or under the supervision of the Court or voluntarily or is subsequently ordered to
be wound up by the Court or subsequently passes a resolution for voluntary winding
up—
(a) does not to the best of his knowledge and belief fully and truly
discover to the liquidator all the property, real and personal, of the
company, and how and to whom and for what consideration and
when the company disposed of any part thereof, except such part as
has been disposed of in the ordinary way of the business of the
company; or
(b) does not deliver up to the liquidator, or as he directs, all such part of
the real and personal property of the company as is in his custody or
under his control, and which he is required by law to deliver up; or
(c) does not deliver up to the liquidator, or as he directs, all books and
papers in his custody or under his control belonging to the company
which he is required by law to deliver up; or
(d) within one year next before the commencement of the winding up
or at any time thereafter, conceals any part of the property of the
company to the value of one thousand rupees or upwards or conceals
any debt due to or from the company; or
(e) within one year next before the commencement of the winding up
or at any time thereafter, fraudulently removes any part of the
property of the company to the value of one thousand rupees or
upward; or
(f) makes any material omission in any statement relating to the affairs
of the company; or
(g) knowing or believing that a false debt has been proved by any person
under the winding up, fails for the period of a month to inform the
liquidator thereof; or
(h) after the commencement of the winding up, prevents the production
of any books or papers affecting or relating to the property or affairs
of the company; or
(i) within one year next before the commencement of the winding up
or at any time thereafter, conceals, destroys, mutilates or falsifies, or
is privy to the concealment, destruction, mutilation or falsification
of, any book or paper affecting or relating to the property or affairs
of the company; or
(j) within one year next before the commencement of the winding up
or at any time thereafter, makes or is privy to the making of any false
entry in any book or paper affecting or relating to the property or
affairs of the company; or
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(k) within one year next before the commencement of the winding up
or at any time thereafter, fraudulently parts with, alters or makes any
omission in, or is privy to the fraudulent parting with, altering or
making any omission in, any document affecting or relating to the
property or affairs of the company; or
(l) after the commencement of the winding up or at any meeting of the

creditors of the company within one year next before the
commencement of the winding up, attempts to account for any part
of the property of the company by fictitious loses or expenses; or
(m) has within one year next before the commencement of the winding
up or at any time thereafter, by any false representation or other
fraud, obtained any property for or on behalf of the company on
credit which the company does not subsequently pay for; or
(n) within one year next before the commencement of the winding up
or at any time thereafter, under the false pretense that the company
is carrying on its business, obtains on credit, for or on behalf of the
company, any property which the company does not subsequently
pay for; or
(o) within one year next before the commencement of the winding up
or at any time thereafter, pawns, pledges or disposes of any property
of the company which has been obtained on credit and has not been
paid for, unless such pawning, pledging or disposing is in the
ordinary way of the business of the company; or
(p) is guilty of any false representation or other fraud for the purpose of
obtaining the consent of the creditors of the company or any of them
to an agreement with reference to the affairs of the company or to
the winding up;
he shall be punishable, in the case of the offences mentioned respectively in clauses

(m), (n) and (o) of this sub-section, with imprisonment for a term which may extend
to five years, and, in the case of any other offence, with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine which may extend
to five million rupees in each case and the liquidator may, with the permission of
the Court, file a complaint before the Court as provided under section 482 for
adjudication of offence:
Provided that it shall be a good defence, to a charge under any of clauses
(b), (c), (d), (f), (n) and (o), if the accused proves that he had no intent to defraud,
and to a charge under any of clauses (a), (h), (i) and (j), if he proves that he had no
intent to conceal the state of affairs of the company or to defeat the law.
(2) Where any person pawns, pledges or disposes of any property in
circumstances which amount to an offence under clause (o) of sub-section (1) every
person who takes in pawn or pledge or otherwise receives the property knowing it
to be pawned, pledged or disposed of in such circumstances as aforesaid shall be
230
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and shall
also be liable to a fine which may extend to one million rupees.
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS AS TO WINDING UP
406. Liquidator to exercise certain powers subject to sanction.—(1)

The liquidator may, with the sanction of the Court when the company is being
wound up by the Court or subject to the supervision of the Court, and with the
sanction of a special resolution of the company in the case of a voluntary winding
up, do the following things or any of them−
(a) pay any classes of creditors in full;
(b) make any compromise or arrangement with creditors or persons

claiming to be creditors or having or alleging themselves to have
any claim, present or future, whereby the company may be rendered
liable;
(c) compromise any calls and liabilities to calls, debts, and liabilities,
capable of resulting in debts, and all claims, present or future, certain
or contingent subsisting or supposed to subsist between the
company and a contributory or alleged contributory or other debtor
or person apprehending liability to the company, and all questions
in any way relating to or affecting the assets or liabilities or the
winding up of the company, on such terms as may be agreed, and
take any security for the discharge of any such calls, debt, liability
or claim, and give a complete discharge in respect thereof.
(2) The exercise by the liquidator of the powers under sub-section (1)
shall be subject to the control of the Court, and any creditor or contributory may
apply to the Court with respect to any exercise or proposed exercise of any of these
powers.
407. Meetings to ascertain wishes of creditors or contributories.—(1)

In all matter relating to the winding up of a company, the Court—
(a) shall have regard to the wishes of creditors or contributories of the

company, as proved to it by any sufficient evidence;
(b) may, if it thinks fit for the purpose of ascertaining those wishes,
direct meetings of the creditors or contributories to be called, held
and conducted in such manner as the Court directs; and
(c) may appoint a person to act as chairman of any such meeting and to
report the result thereof to the Court.
(2) When ascertaining the wishes of creditors, regard shall be had to the
value of each creditor’s debt.
(3) When ascertaining the wishes of contributories, regard shall be had
to the number of votes which may be cast by each contributory.
231
408. Documents of company to be evidence.—Where any company is
being wound up, all books and papers of the company and of the liquidators, shall,
as between the contributories of the company, be prima facie evidence of the truth
of all matters purporting to be recorded therein.
409. Summary disposal of certain suits by liquidators.—

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V
of 1908), a liquidator desiring to recover any debt due to the company may apply
to the Court in which the proceedings are pending that the same be determined
summarily, and the Court may determine it on affidavits but when the Court deems
it just and expedient, either on an application made to it in this behalf or of its own
motion, it may set down any issue or issues for hearing on other evidence also and
pass such orders for discovery of particulars as it may do in a suit.
410. Limitation.—Notwithstanding anything contained in the

Limitation Act (IX of 1908), in computing the time within which a liquidator may
file a suit for the recovery of any debt due to the company, the period which elapses
between the making of the petition for liquidation and the assumption of charge by
the liquidator, or a period of one year, whichever be greater, shall be excluded.
411. Court fees.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Court-

fees Act, 1870 (VII of 1870), or in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of
1908), where sufficient funds are not available with the liquidator and it is
necessary to file a suit for the recovery of a debt due to the company, no court-fee
stamp need be affixed on the plaint.
(2) If the liquidator succeeds in the suit, the Court shall calculate the
amount of court-fee which would have been paid by the liquidator if he had not
been permitted to sue under sub-section (1), and such amount shall be recoverable
by the Court from any party ordered by the decree to pay the same.
(3) Where the liquidator does not succeed, the court-fee shall be payable
by him out of other assets, if any, whenever realised.
412. Inspection of documents.—(1) After an order for a winding up by
or subject to the supervision of the Court, the Court may make such order for
inspection by creditors and contributories of the company of its documents as the
Court thinks just, and any documents in the possession of the company may be
inspected by creditors or contributories accordingly.
(2) The order as aforesaid may, in the case of voluntary winding up, be
made by the Commission.
(3) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall be taken as excluding or restricting
any rights conferred by any law for the time being in force—
(a) on the Federal Government or a Provincial Government; or
(b) on the Commission or any officer thereof; or
(c) on any person acting under the authority of any such Government or
the Commission or officer thereof; or
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(d) on the registrar.
413. Disposal of books and papers of company.—(1) Subject to any

rules made under sub-section (3), when a company has been wound up and is about
to be dissolved, the books and papers of the company and of the liquidators may be
disposed of as follows, that is to say−
(a) in the case of a winding up by or subject to the supervision of the

Court in such way as the Court directs;
(b) in the case of a members voluntary winding up, in such way as the
company by special resolution directs; and
(c) in the case of a creditors’ voluntary winding up, in such a way, as

the creditors of the company may direct.
(2) After the expiry of 54[five years] from the dissolution of the
company no responsibility shall rest on the company, or the liquidators, or any
person to whom the custody of the books and papers has been committed, by reason
of any book or paper not being forthcoming to any person claiming to be interested
therein.
55
(3) [The Commission may, as specified by regulations, prevent the
destruction of books and papers of a company which has been wound up.]
414. Power of Court to declare dissolution of company void.—(1)
Where a company has been dissolved, the Court may at any time within two years
of the date of the dissolution, on an application being made for the purpose by the
liquidator of the company or by any other person who appears to the Court to be
interested, make an order, upon such terms as the Court thinks fit, declaring the
dissolution to have been void, and thereupon such proceedings may be taken as
might have been taken if the company had not been dissolved.
(2) It shall be the duty of the person on whose application the order was
made, within fifteen days after the making of the order, to file with the registrar a
54
Substituted words “three years” vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020 dated 26 th August,
2020.
55
Substituted vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020 dated 26 th August, 2020. The substituted
“(3) The concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government, may by
notification, prevent for such period (not exceeding three years from the dissolution of the
company as the concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government thinks proper,
the destruction of the books and papers of a company which has been wound up, and enable
any creditor or contributory of the company to make representations to the concerned
Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government.”
233
certified copy of the order, and if that person fails so to do he shall be punishable a
daily penalty specified in level 1 on the standard scale.
415. Information as to pending liquidations.—(1) Where a company is
being wound up, if the winding up is not concluded within one year after its
commencement, the liquidator shall, once in each half year and at intervals of not
more than one hundred and eighty days, or such shorter period as may be
prescribed, until the winding up is concluded, file in the Court or with the registrar,
as the case may be, a statement in the prescribed form and containing the prescribed
particulars with respect to the accounts, proceedings in and position of the
liquidation alongwith the report of auditors.
(2) Any person stating himself in writing to be a creditor or contributory

of the company shall be entitled, by himself or by his agent, at all reasonable times,
on payment of the prescribed fee, to inspect the statement, and to receive a copy
thereof or extract therefrom; but any person untruthfully so stating himself to be a
creditor or contributory shall be deemed to be guilty of an offence under section
182 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860), and shall be punishable
accordingly on the application of the liquidator.
(3) When the statement is filed in the Court a copy shall simultaneously
be filed by the liquidator with the registrar and shall be kept by him along with the
other records of the company.
(4) If a liquidator fails to comply with the requirements of this section,
he shall be liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
416. Payments by liquidator into bank.—(l) Every liquidator of a
company shall, in such manner as may be prescribed, pay and keep all moneys
received by him or which become available with him or come under his control in
his capacity as such in a special account opened by him in that behalf in a scheduled
bank in the name of the company.
(2) If any such liquidator at any time retains or allows any money to be
not so paid and kept as aforesaid or utilises otherwise for more than three days a
sum exceeding ten thousand rupees or such other amount as the Court may on the
application of the liquidator authorise him to retain then he shall pay surcharge on
the amount so retained at the rate of two percent per month or part thereof and shall
be liable to (a) disallowance of all or such part of his remuneration as the Court
may think just; (b) to make good any loss suffered by the company personally and
(c) be removed from the office by the Court of its own motion or on application of
the registrar or a creditor or contributory of the company, and shall also be liable
personally for any loss occasioned by the default.
(3) No liquidator shall pay into his personal account or any account
other than the liquidation account of the particular company in liquidation any sums
received by him as liquidator.
(4) Every liquidator who makes default in complying with the
provisions of this section shall, in addition to his other liabilities, be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which
may extend to the amount of loss caused to the company or wrongful gain or five
hundred thousand rupees, whichever is higher.
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417. Unclaimed dividends and undistributed assets to be paid to the
account maintained under section 244.—(1) Without prejudice to the provision
of section 244, where any company is being wound up, if the liquidator has in his
hands or under his control any money of the company representing unclaimed
dividends or undistributed assets payable to any contributory which have remained
unclaimed or undistributed for one hundred and eighty days after the date on which
they became payable the liquidator shall forthwith deposit the said money in the
account to be maintained under section 244 of this Act and the liquidator shall, on
the dissolution of the company, similarly pay into the said account any money
representing unclaimed dividends or undistributed assets in his hands at the date of
dissolution.
(2) The liquidator shall when making any payment referred to in sub-
section (1) furnish to the Commission a statement in the specified form setting forth
in respect of all sums included in such payment the nature of the sums, the names
and last known addresses of the persons entitled to participate therein, the amount
to which each is entitled and the nature of his claim thereto, and such other
particulars as may be specified, alongwith the official receipt of the receipt of the
State Bank of Pakistan or National Bank of Pakistan, as the case may be.
(3) The receipt of the State Bank of Pakistan or National Bank of
Pakistan, as the case may be, for any money paid to it under sub-section (1) shall
be an effectual discharge of the liquidator in respect thereof.
(4) The liquidator shall, when filing a statement in pursuance of sub-
section (1) of section 415 indicate the sum of money which is payable to the State
Bank of Pakistan or National Bank of Pakistan, as the case may be, under sub-
section (1) which he has had in his hands or under his control during the one
hundred and eighty days preceding the date to which the said statement is brought
down and shall within fourteen days of the date of filing the said statement, pay that
sum into the account maintained under section 244.
(5) Any person claiming to be entitled to any money paid into the
account maintained under section 244 may apply to the Commission for payment
thereof in the manner prescribed under said section.
(6) Any liquidator retaining any money which should have been paid by
him into the account maintained under section 244 shall, in addition to such money,
pay surcharge on the amount retained at the rate of two per cent per month or part
thereof and shall also be liable to pay any expenses or losses occasioned by reason
of his default and he shall also be liable to disallowance of all or such part of his
remuneration as the Court may think just and to be removed from his office by the
Court on an application by the Commission.
418. Books of accounts and other proceedings to be kept by
liquidators.—(l) Every liquidator shall maintain at the registered office proper
books of accounts in the manner required in the case of companies under section
220 and the provisions of that section shall apply mutatis mutandis to companies
being wound up.
(2) Every liquidator shall also keep at the registered office proper books
and papers in the manner required under section 338.
235
(3) Any creditor or contributory may, subject to the control of the Court,
inspect any books and papers kept by the liquidator under sub-section (l) and (2).
(4) The concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government may
alter or add to any requirements of this section by a general or special order in which
case the provisions so altered or added shall apply.
(5) If any liquidator contravenes any provisions of this section, he shall
be punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to two years and
with fine, which may extend to five hundred thousand rupees.
419. Application of provisions relating to audit.—The provisions of
this Act relating to audit of accounts, rights, powers, duties, liabilities and report of
auditors of companies and the duties of companies and their officers as applicable
to companies shall apply mutatis mutandis to companies being wound up, books of
account and books and papers kept by the liquidator and his statements of accounts
subject as follows−
(a) all reference therein to officers of the company shall include

references to the liquidator;
(b) the appointment of auditor shall be made by the Court, members or

creditors, as the case may be, who appointed the liquidator, who
shall also fix his remuneration which shall be paid by the liquidator
from the funds of the company:
Provided that if no appointment of auditor is made by the members or

creditors, as the case may be, the liquidator shall apply to the Commission who
shall make the appointment and fix his remuneration.
420. Enforcement of duty of liquidator to make return.—(1) If any
liquidator who has made any default in complying with any provision of this Act
or committed any other irregularity in the performance of his duties fails to make
good the default or undo the irregularity, as the case may be, within thirty days after
the service on him of a notice requiring him to do so, the Court may of its own
motion or on an application made to it by any contributory or creditor of the
company or by the registrar, make an order directing the liquidator and any other
person involved to make good the default or undo the irregularity or otherwise make
amends as the circumstances may require, within such time as may be specified in
the order:
Provided that, where an application under this section is made by the

registrar, the Court shall dispose of the same within fourteen days of the submission
thereof.
(2) Any such order may provide that all costs of, and incidental to, the
application shall be borne by the liquidator.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be taken to prejudice the operation of
any enactment imposing penalty on a liquidator in respect of any such default or
irregularity as aforesaid.
421. Notification that a company is in liquidation.—(1) Where a
company is being wound up, whether by or under the supervision of the Court or
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voluntarily, every advertisement, notice, invoice, order for goods, business letter or
other communication or document issued by or on behalf of the company or a
liquidator of the company or a receiver or manager of the property of the company,
being a document on or in which the name of the company appears, shall contain a
statement that the company is being wound up and about the mode of its winding
up.
(2) If default is made in complying with this section, the company and
any of the following persons who authorises or permits the default, namely, any
officer of the company, any liquidator of the company and any receiver or manager,
shall be liable to a penalty of level 1 on the standard scale.
422. Court or person before whom affidavit may be sworn.—(1) Any
affidavit required to be sworn under the provisions or for the purposes of this Part
may be sworn−
(a) in Pakistan, before any Court, judge, or person lawfully authorised

to take and receive affidavits; and
(b) elsewhere before a Pakistan Consul or Vice-Consul.
(2) All courts, judges, justices, commissioners, and persons acting

judicially in Pakistan shall take judicial notice of the seal or stamp or signature, as
the case may be, of any such court, judge, person, Consul or Vice-Consul, attached,
appended or subscribed to any such affidavit or to any other document to be used
for the purposes of this Part.
423. Power to make rules.—(1) The Supreme Court may, in
consultation with the Courts or, where the Supreme Court advises the Federal
Government to do so, the Federal Government may in consultation with the Courts,
from time to time, make rules, consistent with this Act, concerning the mode of
proceedings to be held for winding up a company in a Court and in the courts
subordinate thereto, and for voluntary winding up (both members and creditors),
for the holding of meetings of creditors and members in connection with
proceedings under section 279 of this Act, and for giving effect to the provisions as
to the reduction of the capital and the scheme of reorganisation of a company and
generally for all applications to be made to the Court and all other proceedings or
matters coming within the purview or powers or duties of the Court under the
provisions of this Act and shall make rules providing for all matters relating to the
winding up of companies which, by this Act, are to be prescribed.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing powers, such

rules may enable or require all or any of the powers and duties conferred and
imposed on the Court by this Act in respect of the matters following, to be exercised
or performed by the official liquidator, and subject to control of the Court, that is
to say, the powers and duties of the Court in respect of−
(a) holding and conducting meetings to ascertain the wishes of creditors
and contributories;
(b) settling lists of the contributories and rectifying the register of

members where required, and collecting and applying the assets;
237
(c) requiring delivery of property or documents to the liquidator;
(d) making calls;
(e) fixing a time within which debts and claims must by proved:
Provided that the official liquidator shall not, without the special leave of
the Court, rectify the register of members, and shall not make any call without the
special leave of the Court.
424. Inactive Company.—(1) Where a company, other than a listed
company, is formed for a future project or to hold an asset or intellectual property
and has no significant accounting transaction, such a company or an inactive
company may make an application to the registrar in such manner as may be
specified for obtaining the status of an inactive company.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section—
(a) “inactive company” means a company, other than a listed

company, which has not been carrying on any business or operation,
or has not made any significant accounting transaction during the
last two financial years;
(b) “significant accounting transaction” means any transaction other

than—
(i) payments made by it to fulfill the requirements of this Act or

any other law;
(ii) allotment of shares to fulfill the requirements of this Act; and
(iii) payments for maintenance of its office and records.
(2) The registrar on consideration of the application shall allow the

status of inactive company to the applicant and issue a certificate in such form as
may be specified to that effect.
(3) The registrar shall maintain a register of inactive companies in such

form as may be specified.
(4) In case of a company which has not filed financial statements or

annual returns for two financial years consecutively, the registrar shall issue a
notice to that company and enter the name of such company in the register
maintained for inactive companies.
(5) An inactive company shall have such minimum number of directors,

file such documents as may be specified by the Commission through regulations to
the registrar to retain its inactive status in the register and pay such annual fee as
prescribed in the Seventh Schedule and may become an active company on an
application made in this behalf accompanied by such documents as may be
specified by the Commission through regulations on payment of such fee as
prescribed in the Seventh Schedule.
238
(6) The registrar shall strike off the name of an inactive company from
the register of inactive companies, which has failed to comply with the
requirements of this section.

section shall be an offence liable to a penalty of level 2 on the standard scale and in
case false or misleading information has been given to obtain the status of an
inactive company, the directors and other officers of the company in default shall
be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years.
425. Registrar may strike defunct company off register.—(1) Where

the registrar has reasonable cause to believe that a company is not carrying on
business or is not in operation, he may send to the company by post a letter inquiring
whether the company is carrying on business or is in operation.
(2) If the registrar does not within fifteen days of sending the letter
receive any answer thereto, he may send to the company by registered post another
letter referring to the first letter, and stating that no answer thereto has been received
and that, if an answer is not received to the second letter within thirty days from
the date thereof, a notice will be published in the newspaper with a view to striking
the name of the company off the register.
(3) If the registrar either receives an answer from the company to the
effect that it is not carrying on business or is not in operation, or does not within
fifteen days after sending the second letter receive any answer, he may publish in
the newspaper having wide circulation, and send to the company by post a notice
that, at the expiration of thirty days from the date of that notice, the name of the
company mentioned therein will, unless cause is shown to the contrary, be struck
off the register and the company will be dissolved.
(4) Without prejudice to any other provisions, if, in any case where a
company is being wound up, the registrar has reasonable cause to believe either that
no liquidator is acting or that the affairs of the company are fully wound up, and
the returns required to be made by the liquidator have not been made for a period
of three consecutive months after notice by the registrar demanding the returns has
been sent by post to the company, or to the liquidator at his last known place of
business, the registrar may publish in the newspaper having wide circulation and
send to the company a like notice as is provided in the last preceding sub-section.
(5) At the expiration of the time mentioned in the notice the registrar
may, unless cause to the contrary is previously shown by the company or the
liquidator, as the case may be, strike its name off the register, and shall publish
notice thereof in the official Gazette, and, on the publication in the official Gazette
of this notice, the company shall be dissolved:
Provided that the liability criminal, civil or otherwise (if any) of every
director, officer, liquidator and member of the company shall continue and may be
enforced as if the company had not been dissolved:
Provided further that nothing in this section shall affect the powers of the
Court to wind up a company the name of which has been struck off the register.
239
(6) If a company or any member or creditor thereof feels aggrieved by
the company having been struck off the register, the Court, on the application of
the company or a member or creditor made before the expiry of three years from
the publication in the official Gazette of the notice aforesaid, may, if satisfied that
the company was at the time of the striking off carrying on business or in operation,
or otherwise that it is just that the company be restored to the register, order the
name of the company to be restored to the register and, upon the filing of a certified
copy of such order with the registrar, the company shall be deemed to have
continued in existence as if its name had not been struck off, and the Court may by
the order give such directions and make such provisions as seem just for placing
the company and all other persons in the same position as nearly as may be as if the
name of the company had not been struck off.
(7) A letter or notice under this section may be addressed to the

company at its registered office, or if no office has been registered, to the care of
some director, chief executive or other officer of the company whose name and
address are known to the registrar or if no such address is known to the registrar,
may be sent to each of the persons who subscribed the memorandum, addressed to
him at the address mentioned in the memorandum.
(8) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a company which
has any known assets and liabilities, and such company shall be proceeded against
for winding up.
(9) If due to inadvertence or otherwise the name of any company which

has any assets and liabilities or which has been in operation or carrying on business
or about whose affairs any enquiry or investigation may be necessary has been
struck off the register, the registrar may, after such enquiries as he may deem fit,
move the Commission to have the name of the company restored to the register and
thereupon the Commission may, if satisfied that it will be just and proper so to do,
order the name of the company to be restored and shall exercise the powers of the
Court in the manner provided in sub-section (6).
(10) The provisions of this section shall mutatis mutandis apply to a

company established outside Pakistan but having a place of business in Pakistan as
they apply to a company registered in Pakistan.
426. Easy exit of a defunct company.—(1) A company which ceases to

operate and has no known assets and liabilities, may apply to the registrar in the
specified manner, seeking to strike its name off the register of companies on
payment of such fee mentioned in the Seventh Schedule.
(2) After examination of the application, the registrar on being satisfied,

may publish a notice in terms of sub-section (3) of section 425 of this Act, in the
Official Gazette stating that at the expiration of ninety days from the date of that
notice, unless cause is shown to the contrary, the name of the applicant company
will be struck off the register of companies and the company will be dissolved.
Such notice shall also be posted on the Commission’s website.
240
(3) At the expiration of the time mentioned in the notice, the registrar
may, unless any objection to the contrary is received by him, strike its name off the
register, and shall publish a notice thereof in the official Gazette, and, on the
publication of such notice, the company shall stand dissolved:
Provided that the liability criminal, civil or otherwise (if any) of every
director, officer and member of the company shall continue and may be enforced
as if the company had not been dissolved.
PART XI
WINDING UP OF UNREGISTERED COMPANIES
427. Meaning of "unregistered company".—For the purposes of this
Part, the expression "unregistered company" shall not include a railway company
incorporated by Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom or by a Pakistan law, nor
a company registered under any previous Companies Act or under this Act, but
save as aforesaid, shall include any partnership, association or company consisting
of more than seven members.
428. Winding up of unregistered companies.—(1) Subject to the

provisions of this Part, any unregistered company may be wound up under this Act,
and all the provisions of this Act with respect to winding up shall apply to an
unregistered company, with the following exceptions and additions—
(a) an unregistered company shall, for the purpose of determining the

Court having jurisdiction in the matter of the winding up, be deemed
to be registered in the Province where its principal place of business
is situated or, if it has a principal place of business situate in more
than one Province then in each Province where it has a principal
place of business; and the principal place of business situate in the
Province in which proceedings are being instituted shall, for all the
purposes of the winding up, be deemed to be the registered office of
the company;
(b) no unregistered company shall be wound up under this Act

voluntarily or subject to supervision of the Court;
(c) the circumstances in which an unregistered company may be wound

up are as follows (that is to say)−
(i) if the company is dissolved, or has ceased to carry on

business or is carrying on business only for the purpose of
winding up its affairs;
(ii) if the company is unable to pay its debts;
(iii) if the Court is of opinion that it is just and equitable that the
company should be wound up;
(d) an unregistered company shall, for the purposes of this Act, be

deemed to be unable to pay its debts—
241
(i) if a creditor, by assignment or otherwise, to whom the
company is indebted in a sum exceeding fifty thousand
rupees then due, has served on the company, by leaving at
its principal place of business, or by delivering to the
secretary, or some director, manager or principal officer of
the company, or by otherwise serving in such manner as the
Court may approve or direct, a demand under his hand
requiring the company to pay the sum so due, and the
company has for thirty days after the service of the demand
neglected to pay the sum, or to secure or compound for it to
the satisfaction of the creditor;
(ii) if any suit or other legal proceeding has been instituted

against any member for any debt or demand due or claimed
to be due, from the company or from him in his character of
member, and notice in writing of the institution of the suit or
other legal proceeding having been served on the company
by leaving the same at its principal place of business or by
delivering it to the secretary, or some director, manager or
principal officer of the company or by otherwise serving the
same in such manner as the Court may approve or direct, the
company has not within fifteen days after service of the
notice paid, secured or compounded for the debt or demand,
or procured the suit or other legal proceeding to be stayed,
or indemnified the defendant to his reasonable satisfaction
against the suit or other legal proceeding, and against all
costs, damages and expenses to be incurred by him by reason
of the same;
(iii) if execution or other process issued on a decree or order

obtained in any Court or other competent authority in favour
of a creditor against the company, or any member thereof as
such, or any person authorised to be sued as nominal
defendant on behalf of the company, is returned unsatisfied
in whole or in part;
(iv) if it is otherwise proved to the satisfaction of the Court that

the company is unable to pay its debts; and, in determining
whether a company is unable to pay its debts, the Court shall
take into account the contingent and prospective liabilities of
the company and its solvency.
(2) Nothing in this Part shall affect the operation of any enactment
which provides for any partnership, association or company being wound up, or
being wound up as a company or as an unregistered company, under any previous
Companies Act:
Provided that references in any such enactment to any provision contained
in any previous Companies Act shall be read as references to the corresponding
provision (if any) of this Act.
242
(3) Where a company incorporated outside Pakistan which has been
carrying on business in Pakistan ceases to carry on business in Pakistan, it may be
wound up as an unregistered company under this Part, notwithstanding that it has
been dissolved or otherwise ceased to exist as a company under or by virtue of the
laws of the country under which it was incorporated.
429. Contributories in winding up of unregistered companies.—(1)
In the event of an unregistered company being wound up, every person shall be
deemed to be a contributory who is liable to pay or contribute to the payment of
any debt or liability of the company or to pay or contribute to the payment of any
sum for the adjustment of the rights of the members among themselves, or to pay
or contribute to the payment of the cost and expenses of winding up the company,
and every contributory shall be liable to contribute to the assets of the company all
sums due from him in respect of any such liability as aforesaid.
(2) In the event of any contributory dying or being adjudged insolvent,

the provisions of this Act with respect to the legal representatives and heirs of
deceased contributories, and to the assignees of insolvent contributories, shall
apply.
430. Power to stay or restrain proceedings.—The provisions of this
Act with respect to staying and restraining suits and legal proceedings against a
company at any time after the presentation of a petition for winding up and before
the making of a winding up order shall, in the case of an unregistered company
where the application to stay or restrain is by a creditor; extend to suits and legal
proceedings against any contributory of the company.
431. Suits stayed on winding up order.—Where an order has been

made for winding up an unregistered company, no suit or other legal proceedings
shall be proceeded with or commenced against any contributory of the company in
respect of any debt of the company, except by leave of the Court, and subject to
such terms as the Court may impose.
432. Directions as to property in certain cases.—If an unregistered

company has no power to sue and be sued in a common name, or if for any reason
it appears expedient, the Court may, by the winding up order, or by any subsequent
order, direct that all or any part of the property, movable or immovable, including
all interests and rights in, to and out of property, movable and immovable, and
including obligations and actionable claims as may belong to the company or to
trustees on its behalf, is to vest in the official liquidator by his official name and
thereupon the property or any part thereof specified in the order shall vest
accordingly; and the official liquidator may, after giving such indemnity (if any) as
the Court may direct, bring or defend in his official name any suit or other legal
proceeding relating to that property, or necessary to be brought or defended for the
purposes of effectually winding up the company and recovering its property.
433. Provisions of this part cumulative.—The provisions of this Part

with respect to unregistered companies shall be in addition to, and not in derogation
of, any provisions hereinbefore, in this Act contained with respect to winding up of
companies by the Court and the Court or official liquidator may exercise any
powers or do any act in the cases of unregistered companies which might be
exercised or done by it or him in winding up companies formed and registered
243
under this Act; but an unregistered company shall not, except in the event of its
being wound up, be deemed to be a company under this Act, and then only to the
extent provided by this Part.
PART XII
COMPANIES ESTABLISHED OUTSIDE PAKISTAN

PROVISIONS AS TO ESTABLISHMENT OF PLACES OF BUSINESS IN
PAKISTAN
434. Application of this Part to foreign companies.—This Part shall

apply to all foreign companies, that is to say, companies incorporated or formed
outside Pakistan which, after the commencement of this Act, establish a place of
business within Pakistan or which have, before the commencement of this Act,
established a place of business in Pakistan and continue to have an established
either a place of business within Pakistan or conduct business in Pakistan through
an agent or any other means at the commencement of this Act.
435. Documents to be delivered to registrar by foreign companies.–

(1) Every foreign company which, after the commencement of this Act, establishes
a place of business in Pakistan shall, within thirty days of the establishment of the
place of business or conduct of business activity, deliver to the registrar—
(a) a certified copy of the charter, statute or memorandum and articles

of the company, or other instrument constituting or defining the
constitution of the company, and if the instrument is not written in
the English or Urdu language, a certified translation thereof in the
English or Urdu language;
(b) the full address of the registered or principal office of the company;
(c) a list of the directors, chief executive and secretary (if any) of the
company;
56
(d) [a return showing the full present and former names and surnames,
present and former nationality, full address in Pakistan and such
56
clause (d) & (e) of sub-section (1) were read as under:
“(d) a return showing the full present and former names and surnames, father‘s name
or, in the case of a married woman or widow, the name of her husband or
deceased husband, present and former nationality, designation and full address
in Pakistan of the principal officer of the company in Pakistan by whatever name
called;
(e) the full present and former names and surnames, father‘s name, or, in case of a
married woman or widow, the name of her husband or deceased husband, present
and former nationality, occupation and full addresses of some one or more
persons resident in Pakistan authorised to accept on behalf of the company
service of process and any notice or other document required to be served on the
company together with his consent to do so; and”
244
other particulars, as may be specified, of the principal officer of the
company in Pakistan by whatever name called; and
(e) the full present and former names and surnames, full addresses and
such other particulars as may be specified of some one or more
persons resident in Pakistan authorized to accept on behalf of the
company service of process and any notice or other document
required to be served on the company together with his consent to
do so; and]
(f) the full address of that office of the company in Pakistan which is to
be deemed its principal place of business in Pakistan of the
company.
Explanation.– For the purposes of this section the term “conduct of

business activity” includes any business to be undertaken by a foreign
company by virtue of its memorandum and articles of association or as
licensed or authorized by any law.
(2) The list referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (1) shall contain the
following particulars, that is to say—
(a) with respect to each director 57[and chief executive]—
(i) in the case of an individual, his present and former name and
surname in full, his usual residential address, his nationality,
and if that nationality is not the nationality of origin, his
nationality of origin, and his business occupation, if any, and
any other directorship which he holds;
(ii) in the case of a body corporate, its corporate name and

registered or principal office; and the full name, address,
nationality and nationality of origin, if different from that
nationality, of each of its director;
(b) with respect to the secretary, or where there are joint secretaries,
with respect to each of them—
(i) in the case of an individual, his present and former name and
surname, and his usual residential address;
(ii) in the case of a body corporate, its corporate name and

registered or principal office:
Provided that, where all the partner in a firm are joint secretaries of the
company, the name and principal office of the firm may be stated instead of the
particulars mentioned in clause (b).
(3) Every foreign company, other than a company mentioned in sub-
section (1) shall, if it has not delivered to the registrar before the commencement
of this Act the documents and particulars specified in section 451 of the Companies
57
245
Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII of 1984), shall continue to be subject to the obligation to
deliver those documents and particulars and be liable to penalties in accordance
with the provisions of that Ordinance.
58
[(4) The registrar shall maintain a register of foreign companies on paper
or in any electronic form under this Act in such form and manner as may be
specified.]
436. Return to be delivered to registrar by foreign companies whose
documents altered.—If any alteration is made or occurs in—
(a) the charter, statute or memorandum and articles of a foreign

company or any such instrument as is referred to in section 435;
(b) the address of the registered or principal office of the company
(c) the directors, chief executive or secretary or in the particulars

contained in the list referred to in section 435;
(d) the principal officer referred to in section 435;
(e) the name or addresses or other particulars of the persons authorised

to accept service of process, notices and other documents on behalf
of the company as referred to in the preceding section 435, or
(f) the principal place of business of the company in Pakistan;
the company shall, within thirty days of the alteration, deliver to the registrar for
registration a return containing the specified particulars of the alteration and in the
case of change in persons authorised to accept service of process, notices and other
documents on behalf of the company, also his consent to do so.
437. Accounts of foreign companies.−(1) Every foreign company shall

in every year make out and file with the registrar, together with a list of Pakistani
members and debenture-holders and of the places of business of the company in
Pakistan−
(a) such number of copies of financial statements, not being less than
three, as may be specified, in such form, audited by such person,
containing such particulars and including or having annexed or
attached thereto such documents (including, in particular documents
relating to every subsidiary of the company) as nearly as may be as
under the provisions of this Act it would, if it were a company
formed and registered under this Act, be required to file in
accordance with the provisions of this Act, in respect of the
company’s operations in Pakistan as if such operations had been
conducted by a separate public company formed and registered in
Pakistan under this Act; and
(b) in a case where, by the law for the time being in force of the country
in which the company is incorporated, such company is required to
file with the public authority an annual statement of financial
58
Added vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2021 dated 1st December, 2021.
246
position and profit and loss accounts, also such number of copies of
that statement of financial position and profit and loss account
together with any documents annexed thereto as may be specified,
and if the same is not in the English language a certified translation
thereof in the English language; or
(c) in a case where a company is not required to file with the public
authority of the country in which the company is incorporated an
annual statement of financial position and profit and loss account as
referred to in clause (b), the specified number of copies, not being
less than three, of the statement of financial position and profit and
loss account and the report of auditors and other documents annexed
thereto, in such form and manner as under the provisions of this Act
it would, if it had been a public company within the meaning of this
Act, be required to make out and lay before the company in general
meeting.
(2) The period within which the documents, returns or reports referred
to in sub-section (1) are to be filed with the registrar shall be a period of forty five
days from the date of submission of such documents or returns to the public
authority of the country of incorporation or within one hundred and eighty days
of the date up to which the relevant accounts are made up, whichever is earlier.
438. Certain obligations of foreign companies.—Every foreign
company shall–
(a) maintain at its principal place of business in Pakistan, or, if it has

only one place of business in Pakistan, in that place of business, a
register of Pakistani members and debenture-holders, directors and
officers, which shall be open to inspection and copies thereof
supplied as in the case of similar registers maintained by a company
under this Act;
(b) in every prospectus inviting subscriptions for its shares or

debentures in Pakistan, state the country in which the company is
incorporated;
(c) conspicuously exhibit on the outside of every place where it carries

on business in Pakistan the name of the company and the country in
which the company is incorporated in letter easily legible in English
or Urdu characters and also, if any place where it carries on business
is beyond the local limits of the ordinary original civil jurisdiction
of a Court, in the characters of one of the vernacular language used
in that place;
(d) cause the name of the company and of the country in which the
company is incorporated mentioned in legible English or Urdu
characters in all bill-heads and letter papers, and in all notices,
advertisements, documents and other official publications of the
company; and
247
(e) if the liability of the members of the company is limited, cause
notice of that fact to be stated in legible English or Urdu characters
in every prospectus inviting subscriptions for its shares, and in all
bill-heads and letter papers, notices, advertisements and other
official publications of the company in Pakistan, and to be exhibited
on the outside of every place where it carries on business in Pakistan.
439. Power of the Commission to require information from foreign

companies.−(1) The Commission may, at any time, call upon a foreign company
to furnish information of shareholding including beneficial ownership or such other
information or document, as may be required for the purposes of this Act or in
connection with any inspection, inquiry or investigation and it shall be the duty of
the company and its officers to furnish such information or document within
specified time.
(2) Any person who fails to provide any information or document

required under sub-section (1) shall commit an offence liable to a penalty of level
3 on standard scale.
440. Service on foreign company.−Any process, notice or other

document required to be served on such company as is referred to in this Part shall
be deemed to be sufficiently served if addressed to any person whose name has
been so filed with the registrar as aforesaid and left at or sent by post to the address
which has been so filed:
Provided that−
(a) where any such company makes default in delivering to the registrar
the name and address of a person resident in Pakistan who is
authorised to accept on behalf of the company service of process,
notices or other documents; or
(b) if at any time all the persons whose names and addresses have been
so filed are dead or have ceased to so reside, or refuse to accept
service on behalf of the company or for any reason cannot be served;
a document may be served on the company against an acknowledgement or by post

or courier service to, any place of business established by the company in Pakistan
or through electronic means or in any other manner as may be specified.
441. Company’s failure to comply with this part not to affect its
liability under contracts.—Any failure by a foreign company to comply with any
of the requirement or section 435 or section 436 shall not affect the validity of any
contract, dealing or transaction entered into by the company or its liability to be
sued in respect thereof; but the company shall not be entitled to bring any suit, claim
any set-off, make any counter-claim or institute any legal proceeding in respect of
any such contract, dealing or transaction, until it has complied with the provisions
of section 435 and section 436.
442. Provisions relating to names, inquiries to apply to foreign

companies.—The provisions of sections 10 to 13 relating to names and changes in
the names of companies shall, as far as applicable, also apply to companies to which
248
this Part applies; and the power of inspection, inquiries and investigation conferred
by this Act on the registrar and the Commission in respect of companies shall
likewise extend to such companies.
443. Intimation of ceasing to have place of business to be given.—(1)

Any company to which this Part applies shall at least thirty days before it intends
to cease to have any place of business in Pakistan, –
(a) give a notice of such intention to the registrar; and
(b) publish a notice of such intention at least in two daily newspapers

circulating in the Province or Provinces in which such place or
places of business are situate.
(2) As from the date of intention to cease to have any place of business
in Pakistan stated in the notice referred to in sub-section (1), unless the said date is
by a similar notice altered, the obligation of the company to delivery any document
to the registrar shall cease, provided it has no other place of business in Pakistan.
444. Penalties.—(1)If any foreign company fails to comply with any of
the provisions of this Part, except section 439, the company, and every officer or
agent of the company who authorises or permits the default, shall be liable to a
(2) If a foreign company or any of its directors or other persons as

referred in section 439 fails to comply with the provisions of said section, shall be
445. Interpretation of provisions of this Part.—For the purposes of this
Part—
(a) the expression “certified” means certified in the specified manner to

be a true copy or a correct translation;
(b) the expression “director”, in relation to a company includes any

person in accordance with whose directives or instructions the
directors of the company are accustomed to act;
(c) the expression “place of business” includes a branch, management,

share transfer or registration office, factory, mine or other fixed
place of business, but does not include an agency unless the agent
has, and habitually exercise, a general authority to negotiate and
conclude contracts on behalf of the company or maintains a stock of
merchandise belonging to the company from which he regularly fills
orders on its behalf:
Provided that:
(i) a company shall not be deemed to have an established place

of business in Pakistan merely because it carries on business
dealings in Pakistan through a bona fide broker or general
249
commission agent acting in the ordinary course of his
business as such;
(ii) the fact that a company has a subsidiary which is

incorporated, resident, or carrying on business in Pakistan
(whether through an established place of business or
otherwise) shall not of itself constitute the place of business
of that subsidiary an established place of business of the
company; and
(d) the expression “secretary” includes any person occupying the

position of secretary, by whatever name called.
PROSPECTUS
446. Issue of prospectus.—No person shall issue, circulate or distribute

in Pakistan any prospectus offering for subscription securities of a foreign company
or soliciting deposits of money, whether the company has or has not established, or
when formed will or will not establish, a place of business in Pakistan unless
authorised to do so by the Commission under the relevant law or as may be
specified.
447. Restriction on canvassing for sale of securities.—(1) No person

shall go from house to house offering securities of a foreign company for
subscription or purchase to the public or any member of the public.
Explanation.−In this sub-section, “house” shall not include an office used

for business purposes.

448. Registration of charges.—(1) The provision of sections 100 to 112

both inclusive, shall extend to charges on properties in Pakistan which are created,
and to charges on property in Pakistan which is acquired, by a foreign company
which has an established place of business in Pakistan:
Provided that references in the said sections to the registered office of the
company shall be deemed to be reference to the principal place of business in
Pakistan of the company:
Provided further that, where a charge is created outside Pakistan or the

completion of the acquisition of property takes place outside Pakistan, clause (a) of
the proviso to sub-section (1) and sub-section (4) of section 100 shall apply as if
the property wherever situated were situated outside Pakistan.
(2) Where a company to which this section applies creates, or has

created at any time before establishing a place of business in Pakistan, a charge on
any property otherwise registerable under this Act it shall register the same with
the registrar in accordance with the provisions of this Act−
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(a) within thirty days of the establishment of a place of business in
Pakistan; or
(b) if the charge was created before the commencement of this Act and
subsisted immediately before such commencements, within ninety
days thereof.
449. Notice of appointment of receiver.—The provisions of section 113

and 114 shall mutatis mutandis apply to the case of all foreign companies having
an established place of business in Pakistan and the provisions of section 220 shall
apply to such companies to the extent of requiring them to keep at their principal
place of business in Pakistan the books of account required by that section with
respect to money received and expended, sales and purchases made, and assets and
liabilities in relation to its business in Pakistan:
Provided that references in the said section to the registered office of the
company shall be deemed to be reference to the principal place of business in
Pakistan of the company.
450. Notice of liquidation.—(1) If a foreign company having an

established place of business in Pakistan goes into liquidation in the country of its
incorporation, it shall–
(a) within thirty days give notice thereof to the registrar, and
simultaneously publish a notice at least in two daily newspapers
circulating in the Province or Provinces or the part of Pakistan not
forming part of a Province, as the case may be, in which its place or
places of business are situated and furnish to the registrar within
thirty days of the conclusion of the liquidation proceedings all
returns relating to the liquidation and the liquidation account in
respect of such portion of the company’s affairs as relates to its
business in Pakistan; and
(b) cause, in legible letters, a statement to appear, on every invoice,

order, bill-head, letter paper, notice of other publication in Pakistan,
to the effect that the company is being wound up in the country of
its incorporation.
(2) Where a company to which this section applies has been dissolved,
or has otherwise ceased to exist, no person shall, after the date of such dissolution
or cessation, carry on, or purport to carry on, any business in Pakistan in the name
or on behalf of such company.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing a company
to which this section applies from being wound up in Pakistan in accordance with
the provisions of this Act, notwithstanding that it has neither been dissolved nor
otherwise ceased to exist in the country of its incorporation.
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PART XIII
GENERAL
451. Certification of Shariah compliant companies and Shariah

compliant securities.−(1) No company shall claim that it is a Shariah compliant
company unless it has been declared Shariah compliant in such form and manner
(2) No person shall claim that a security, whether listed or not, is

Shariah compliant unless it has been declared Shariah compliant in such form and
manner as may be specified.
(3) For the purposes of sub-section (1) and (2), no company shall
appoint or engage any person for Shariah compliance, Shariah advisory, or Shariah
audit unless that person meets the fit and proper criteria and fulfills such terms and
conditions as may be specified:
Provided that the person already appointed or engaged by a company for

the purpose of sub-section 3 shall have 180 days to meet the fit and proper criteria
and fulfill such terms and conditions as may be specified.
(4) Every person who is responsible for contravention of this section

shall without prejudice to other liabilities be liable to a penalty not exceeding level
3 on the standard scale.
(5) Nothing in sub-section (1) and (3) shall apply to a banking company
or any other company which is required to follow the Shariah governance
framework prescribed by the State Bank of Pakistan.
452. Companies’ Global Register of Beneficial Ownership.—(1)

Every substantial shareholder or officer of a company incorporated under the
Company law, who is citizen of Pakistan within the meaning of the Citizenship
Act, 1951 (II of 1951), including dual citizenship holder whether residing in
Pakistan or not having shareholding in a foreign company or body corporate shall
report to the company his shareholding or any other interest as may be notified by
the Commission, on a specified form within thirty days of holding such position or
interest.
Explanation.−For the purposes of this section the expression “foreign

company” means a company or body corporate incorporated or registered in any
form, outside Pakistan regardless of the fact that it has a place of business or
conducts any business activity or has a liaison office in Pakistan or not.
(2) The company shall submit all the aforesaid information received by
it during the year to the registrar along with the annual return.
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(3) Any investment in securities or other interest as may be notified in
sub-section (1) by a company incorporated under this Act, in a foreign company or
body corporate or any other interest shall also be reported to the registrar along with
the annual return.
(4) All the above information shall be reported to the registrar through
a special return on a specified form within sixty days from the commencement of
this Act and thereafter in accordance with the sub-section (2).
section shall be an offence liable to a fine of level 1 on the standard scale and the
registrar shall make an order specifying time to provide information under sub-
section (1) and (3).
(6) Any person who fails to comply with the direction given under sub-
section (5) by the registrar shall be punishable with imprisonment which may
extend to three years and with fine upto five hundred thousand rupees or both.
(7) The Commission shall keep record of the information in the
Companies’ Global Register of Beneficial Ownership.
(8) The Commission shall provide the information maintained under
sub-section (7) to the Federal Board of Revenue or to any other agency, authority
and court.
453. Prevention of offences relating to fraud, money laundering and
terrorist financing.−(1)Every officer of a company shall endeavor to prevent the
commission of any fraud, offences of money laundering including predicated
offences as provided in the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010 (VII of 2010) with
respect to affairs of the company and shall take adequate measures for the purpose.
(2) Whosoever fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall
be liable to punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years
and with fine which may extend to one hundred million rupees:
Provided that where any such officer has taken all reasonable measures
available under the applicable laws within his capacity to prevent commission of
such offence, shall not be liable under this section.
Provided further that the punishment provided under this section shall
be in addition to any punishment attracted due to active involvement of such
officer in commission of an offence of money laundering under Anti-Money
Laundering Act, 2010 (VII of 2010).
454. Free Zone Company.—(1) A company incorporated for the
purpose of carrying on business in the export processing zone or an area notified
by the Federal Government as free zone, shall be eligible to such exemptions from
the requirements of this Act as may be notified in terms of section 459.
(2) The Commission may, for the protection of foreign investors and to
secure foreign investment, restrict the disclosure of information maintained by the
registrar regarding promoters, shareholders and directors of the company
incorporated under sub-section (1), who are foreign nationals unless such
disclosure of information is authorized by the company in writing:
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Provided that the restriction of non-disclosure contained in this section shall
not apply to the revenue authorities collecting tax, duties and levies or requirement
or obligation under international law, treaty or commitment of the Government.
(3) A company formed for the purposes stated in sub-section (1) may
be dispensed with the words “Private Limited” or “Limited” as the case may be,
and called as the “Free Zone Company” having the parenthesis and alphabets
"FZC" at the end of its name.
(4) A Free Zone Company shall pay the annual renewal fee as specified
in the Seventh Schedule.
455. Filing of documents through intermediaries.—(1) A person may,
for the purpose of filing of documents under this Act, avail services of intermediary
(2) An intermediary intending to provide services in terms of sub-

section (1) must possess the requisite qualification and be registered with the
Commission in the manner as may be specified.
(3) The registration as intermediary under this section shall be liable to

be cancelled by the Commission on such grounds and in such manner as may be
specified after providing an opportunity of being heard.
456. Acceptance of advances by real estate companies engaged in real

estate projects .—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other
law, any company which invites advances from public for real estate project shall
comply with the provisions of this section in addition to those provided in the other
provisions of this Act.
(2) A company engaged in real estate project shall−

(a) not announce any real estate project, unless it has obtained the
approval of the Commission, and all necessary approvals,
permissions or NOCs etc., of the concerned authorities required as
per applicable general, special and local laws, having jurisdiction
over area under which the real estate project is being developed or
undertaken to the satisfaction of the Commission and subject to such
additional disclosure requirements as may be notified;
(b) not make any publication or advertisement of real estate projects,
unless it has obtained the approval of the Commission and all
necessary approvals, permissions or NOCs etc., of the concerned
authorities required as per applicable general, special and local laws,
having jurisdiction over area under which the real estate project is
being developed or undertaken to the satisfaction of the Commission
and subject to such additional disclosure requirements as may be
notified;
(c) not accept any advances or deposits in any form whatsoever against
any booking to sell or offer for sale, or invite persons to purchase
any land, apartment or building, as the case may be, in any real estate
project or part of it, unless it has obtained the approval of the
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Commission and all necessary approvals, permissions or NOCs, of
the concerned authorities required as per applicable general, special
and local laws, having jurisdiction over area under which the real
estate project is being developed or undertaken to the satisfaction of
the Commission and subject to such additional disclosure
requirements as may be notified;
(d) not accept a sum against purchase of the apartment, plot or building,
as the case may be, as an advance payment from a person without
first entering into a written agreement for sale with such person
except nominal fee for application;
(e) maintain and preserve such books of account, records and
documents in the manner as may be specified;
(f) deposit any sum obtained from the allottees, from time to time, in a
separate escrow account opened in the name of the project as may
be specified;
(g) comply with any directions notified by the Commission and
accounting framework as may be notified; and
(h) do or not to do any act or activity as may be specified.
(3) For the purposes of this section the escrow accounts shall be
dedicated exclusively for carrying out the project and no attachment shall be
imposed on the payment of such escrow accounts for the benefit of creditors of the
real estate company except for the purpose of project and the real estate company
shall recognize its income in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards notified by the Commission.
(4) The Commission shall provide copy of any returns or information

submitted by real estate company free of cost to the concerned authority, on their
request, to enable such authority to regulate real estate project under its jurisdiction
in accordance with the applicable laws.
(5) The conditions laid down under this section shall be in addition to
and not in derogation of requirement of law and concerned authority under whose
jurisdiction the project is being undertaken by the real estate company shall
continue to exercise its authority in a manner provided in the relevant law.
(6) Any person who contravenes the provisions of this section shall be
guilty of an offence which is liable to a penalty of level 3 on the standard scale.
Explanations.−For the purposes of this section the−
(i) expression “real estate project” shall include projects for the
development and construction of residential or commercial
buildings or compounds and shall not include other construction
project;
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(ii) expression “authority” shall include authority created or prescribed
under any law which has powers to give permission for planning and
development of real estate project in specific area.
457. Agriculture Promotion Companies.—(1) Notwithstanding

anything contained in this Act or any other law for the time being in force, any
person, having its Principal line of business related to produce for agriculture
promotion or managing produce as collateral or engaged in any activity connected
with or related to any Produce or other related activities may establish Agriculture
Promotion Company under this section in such form and manner and subject to
such terms, conditions and limitations as may be specified.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section:

(a) “Agriculture Promotion Company” includes a Producer
Company or a Collateral Management Company involved in
Produce or any other company or class of companies or corporate
body or any other entity as the concerned Minister-in-Charge of the
Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette
specify as Agriculture Promotion Company under this section;
(b) “Produce” means—
(i) produce of farmers, arising from agriculture (including

animal husbandry, forest products, re-vegetation, bee raising
and farming plantation products), or from any other activity
or service which promotes the farming business; or
(ii) any product resulting from any of the above activities,

including by-products of such products;
(iii) any activity which is intended to increase the production of

anything referred to in above sub-clauses or improve the
quality thereof;
(2) Producer Company means any company, with or without share

capital, formed under this section by farmers and engaged in any activity connected
with or related to any Produce including the following matters−
(a) production, harvesting, procurement, grading, pooling, handling,
marketing, selling, export of produce of the members or import of
goods or services for their benefit;
(b) processing including preserving, drying, distilling, brewing,

canning and packaging of produce of its members;
(c) rendering technical services, consultancy services, training

research; and development and all other activities for the promotion
of the interests of its Members;
(d) arranging insurance of produce; and
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(e) financing of procurement, processing, marketing, extending of
credit facilities including microfinance subject to such terms and
conditions as may be specified, or any other financial services to its
members;
(3) Every Producer Company shall deal primarily with the produce of
its members for carrying out any of its activities.
(4) For the purposes of this section, member of a Producer Company
means farmers as promoters and sponsors of a Producer Company and farmers
admitted to membership after registration in accordance with requirements as
specified in the regulations.
(5) Collateral Management Company means any company formed
under this section to engage in the activity of managing produce as collateral,
including but not limited to the following matters:
(a) warehousing, i.e. provision of quality storage and preservation
services for a range of agricultural commodities;
(b) issuance of credible warehouse receipts for agricultural commodity

financing; and
(c) stock audit and verification services;
(6) If an Agriculture Promotion Company or Collateral Management

Company or Producer Company or their members indulges in any activity which is
prejudicial to the interests of farmers, members, lending institutions, commodity
exchange, consumers, or other stakeholders, shall be liable to a penalty of level 3
on the standard scale.
(7) Any dues outstanding against agriculture promotion company under
this section shall be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.
(8) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, the Government or
any institution or authority owned and controlled by the Government may form an
Agriculture Promotion Company.
458. Power to give exemptions by the Federal Government.—
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law, the concerned
Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government may by notification in the official
Gazette exempt companies under sections 454, 456 and 457 from any provisions
of law for the time being in force.
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[458A. Measures for greater ease of doing business.—
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any other law for the time
being in force, the Commission may implement measures for providing greater ease
of doing business, improving regulatory quality and efficiency and facilitating
innovation and the use of technology in conducting business by the corporate
sector, including but not limited to-
59
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(a) formalizing existing practice through regulations and implementing
other measures for attaining international standards of regulatory
quality and efficiency for greater ease of doing business;
(b) specifying modes and procedures for enabling greater ease of entry
into and exit from the market to startup companies;
(c) constituting special task groups from the corporate sector for
encouraging the use of financial technology in the conduct of
business;
(d) creating environments for testing and examining the impact of

innovation, new processes or technologies outside the existing
regulatory framework including but not limited to crowdfunding,
digital assets, open application programming interface (APIs), smart
contracts, cloud based solutions and allowing the establishment and
use of regulatory sandboxes;
(e) encouraging the use of technology for providing and meeting

regulatory reporting requirements, risk assessment, customer due
diligence, the issuance of suspicious transaction reports, keeping
records and such other requirements as may be specified to meet
anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards;
(f) improving regulatory compliance and specifying proportionate

data-driven standards for the corporate sector to take measures for
cyber-security, data sovereignty and algorithm supervision;
(g) specifying exemptions and incentives under the prevailing laws with
the object of fostering innovation, promoting startups and
entrepreneurship ecosystem in line with international best practices;
(h) improving regulatory monitoring, reporting and compliance

requirements; and
(i) prescribing such other frameworks as may be notified by the

Commission for stimulating innovation and financial inclusion in
the conduct of business by the corporate sector through the use of
financial technology, regulatory technology and supervisory
technology:
Provided that the Commission may take such other measures prior to the
issuance of regulations as it may deem fit through guidelines, policy papers,
frameworks or any other modes or mechanisms.]
459. Quota for persons with disabilities in the public interest
companies.—Every public interest company, employing one hundred or more
employees shall ensure special quota for employment of persons with
disabilities of two percent or such higher percentage as may be specified or
required under the applicable Federal and Provincial law:
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Provided that in case of any conflict between this Act and any other
Federal or Provincial law for persons with disabilities, the later shall apply.
460. Valuation by registered valuers.—(1) Where a valuation is
required to be made in respect of any property, stocks, shares, debentures, securities
or goodwill or any other assets (herein referred to as the assets) or net worth of a
company or its liabilities under the provisions of this Act, it shall be valued by a
person having such qualifications and experience and registered as a valuer in such
manner, on such terms and conditions as may be specified.
(2) The valuer appointed under sub-section (1) shall—
(a) make an impartial, true and fair valuation of any assets which may
be required to be valued;
(b) exercise due diligence while performing the functions as valuer; and
(c) not undertake valuation of any assets in which he has a direct or

indirect interest or becomes so interested at any time before
submission of the report.
(3) The valuer shall prepare his report in such manner and applying such
approaches, as may be specified.
(4) If a valuer contravenes the provisions of this section or the
regulations made thereunder, the valuer shall be liable to a penalty of level 2 on the
standard scale:
Provided that if the valuer has contravened such provisions with the
intention to defraud the company, its members or creditors, he shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine which
may extend to five hundred thousand rupees.
(5) Where a valuer has been convicted under sub-section (4), he shall
be liable to—
(a) refund the remuneration received by him to the company; and
(b) pay for damages to the company or to any other person for loss
arising out of incorrect or misleading statements of particulars made
in his report.
(6) The registration as valuer under this section shall be liable to be

cancelled by the Commission on such grounds and in such manner as may be
specified after providing an opportunity of being heard.
461. Security clearance of shareholder and director.—The

Commission may require the security clearance of any shareholder or director or
other office bearer of a company or class of companies as may be notified by the
concerned Minister-in-charge of the Federal Government.
REGISTRATION OFFICES AND FEES
462. Registration offices.—(1) For the purposes of the registration of
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companies and other work under this Act, there shall be offices at such places as
the Commission thinks fit.
(2) The Commission may appoint such registrars as it thinks necessary

for the registration of companies and performing other duties under this Act, and
may make regulations with respect to their duties.
(3) While performing their functions and duties under this Act, all
registrars shall observe and follow the order and instructions of the Commission.
(4) The Commission may direct a seal or seals to be prepared for the
authentication of documents required for or connected with the registration of
companies.
(5) Any person may, in the manner as may be specified, inspect the
documents kept by the registrar and may require a certified copy of certificate of
incorporation or any other certificate of any company, or a copy or extract of any
other document or register maintained by the registrar or any part thereof on
payment of the fees specified in the Seventh Schedule.
(6) A copy of or an extract from any document filed or lodged, whether

in electronic or physical form, with the Commission or the registrar under this Act
or the rules or regulations made thereunder or supplied or issued by the Commission
or the registrar and certified to be a true copy thereof or extract therefrom under the
hand and seal of an officer of the Commission or the registrar, shall be admissible
in evidence in any proceedings as of equal validity as the original document.
(7) Where a document is filed or lodged, whether in electronic or

physical form, with the Commission or the registrar, the Commission or the
registrar shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person by reason
of any error or omission of whatever nature arising or appearing in any document
obtained by any person under the e-service or in physical form under this Act or
the rules or regulations made thereunder, if such error or omission was made in
good faith and in the ordinary course of the discharge of the duties of the
Commission or the registrar or occurred or arose as a result of any defect or
breakdown in the service or in the equipment used for the provision of the e-service.
(8) Wherever any act is by this Act directed to be done to or by the

registrar it shall, until the Commission otherwise directs, be done to or by the
existing Registrar of Companies or in his absence to or by such person as the
Commission may for the time being authorise; but, in the event of the Commission
altering the constitution of the existing registration offices or any of them, any such
act shall be done to or by such officer and at such place with reference to the local
situation of the registered offices of the companies to be registered as the
Commission may appoint.
463. Production of documents kept by registrar.—(1) No process for

compelling the production of any document or register kept by the registrar shall
issue from any court except with the special leave of that court for reasons to be
recorded; and any such process, if issued, shall bear thereon a statement that it is
issued with the special leave of the court so granted and state the reasons for grant
of such leave.
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(2) A copy of, or extract from, any document or register kept and
registered at any of the offices for the registration of companies under this Act,
certified to be a true copy under the hand of the registrar (whose official position it
shall not be necessary to prove) shall, in all legal proceedings, be admissible in
evidence as of equal validity with the original document.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, no one shall,
without the permission of the Commission in writing, take over or remove any
original document or register from the custody of the registrar.
464. Registrar not to accept defective documents.—(1) Where, in the
opinion of the registrar, any document required or authorised by or under this Act
to be filed or registered with the registrar−
(a) contains any matter contrary to law, or does not otherwise comply
with the requirements of law;
(b) is not complete owing to any defect, error or omission;
(c) is insufficiently legible or is written upon paper which is not

durable; or
(d) is not properly authenticated;
the registrar may require the company to file a revised document in the form and
within the period to be specified by him.
(2) If the company fails to submit the revised document within the
specified period, the registrar may refuse to accept or register the document and
communicate his decision in writing to the company.
(3) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (4) and (5), if the registrar
refuses to accept any document for any of the reasons aforesaid, the same shall not
be deemed to have been delivered to him in accordance with the provisions of this
Act unless a revised document in the form acceptable to the registrar is duly
delivered within such time, or such extended time, as the registrar may specify in
this behalf.
(4) If registration of any document is refused, the company may either
supply the deficiency and remove the defect pointed out or, within thirty days of
the order of refusal, prefer an appeal−
(a) where the order of refusal has been passed by an additional
registrar, a joint registrar, an additional joint registrar, a
deputy registrar, an assistant registrar or such other officer as
may be designated by the Commission, to the registrar; and
(b) where the order of refusal has been passed, or upheld in appeal, by
the registrar, to the Commission.
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(6) If a document has been accepted for record and its data or any of the
information contained therein or any of the supporting documents subsequently
found to be defective or incorrect or false or forged, the registrar concerned may
for special reasons to be recorded in writing, after obtaining such evidence as he
may deem appropriate, allow the rectification in such document or allow the filing
of a revised document in lieu thereof.
(7) If a document has been accepted for record and its data or any of the
information contained therein or any of the supporting documents subsequently
found to be defective or incorrect which is not possible of rectification or false or
forged or it was accepted by mistake, the registrar concerned may for special
reasons to be recorded in writing, after obtaining such evidence as he may deem
appropriate cancel the recording thereof.
465. Special return to rectify the data.—(1) The Commission or the

registrar may at any time, by a general or specific order, require a company or class
of companies or all the companies to file a special return signed by all the directors
to rectify the record.
(2) The information provided in the special return filed under this
section shall be a conclusive evidence of all the relevant facts and shall not be called
in question by any of the person who has signed it.
(3) The persons who have signed the special return shall be responsible
for the loss caused to any person on account of incorrect information provided in
the return filed under this section.
(4) A company shall inform the registrar about any change of more
than twenty five percent in its shareholding or membership or voting rights in
a manner as may be specified by the Commission.
466. Jurisdiction in the disputes relating to shareholding and

directorship.—The registrar shall have no jurisdiction to determine the rights of
the parties relating to shareholding and directorship.
467. Approval of transfer of shares by the agents licenced by the

Commission.—(1) In case of companies to be notified for the purpose, before
making any application for registration of the transfer of shares to the board the
transferor and the transferee shall appear before the agent licenced by the
Commission under this section; who shall record the statement of both the parties
and forward a certified copy of the statement so recorded to the company for further
necessary action in such form and manner and subject to such conditions as may be
specified:
Provided that the provision of this sub-section shall not apply to transfer or
transmission of shares by operation of law.
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(2) The agent licenced under this section shall maintain complete record
of all the statements recorded by him including the documents submitted by the
parties, for a period of ten years.
(3) The licence under this section may be granted by the Commission
in the manner and subject to such conditions, and to the persons having such
qualification and infrastructure, as may be specified.
(4) An agent licenced under this section shall be responsible for the loss
caused to any person due to any fault on his part, as determined by the Court while
deciding a case under section 126.
(5) The agent licenced under this section may charge the fee for the
services rendered by him, not exceeding the limit notified by the Commission.
(6) The Commission may at any time revoke a licence granted under
this section on being satisfied that the agent has failed to comply with any of the
terms or conditions to which the licence is subject:
Provided that, before a licence is so revoked, the Commission shall give to

the agent notice in writing of its intention to do so, and shall afford the association
an opportunity to be heard.
468. Acceptance of documents presented after prescribed time.—(1)

Notwithstanding anything contained in section 479, where any document required
under this Act to be filed or registered with the registrar is presented after the expiry
of the prescribed period, the registrar may accept the same, on payment of the fee
as specified below−
(a) within ninety days, a fee equivalent to two times;
(b) within one hundred and eighty days, a fee equivalent to three
times;
(c) within one year, a fee equivalent to four times;
(d) within two years, a fee equivalent to five times;
of the prescribed fee payable in respect thereof:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall be applicable to the

public interest company.
(2) No such document as aforesaid shall be deemed to have been filed

with the registrar until the specified fee, has been paid in full.
(3) The acceptance of the document by the registrar under sub-section

(1) shall not absolve the defaulting company or other person concerned of any other
liability arising from the default in complying with the requirements of this Act:
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Provided that no proceeding shall be initiated against the company or any
of its officers on account of delay in filing of any document required under this Act
to be filed or registered with the registrar which is presented by the company or
other person concerned on the payment of fee as specified under sub-section (1)
and within the period as specified therein.
469. Fees.—(1) There shall be paid in respect of the several matters

mentioned in the Seventh Schedule the several fees therein, for the time being,
specified fees as the Commission may direct:
Provided that, in the case of resolutions to which section 150 applies, not
more than one fee shall be required for the filing of more resolutions than one
passed in the same meeting if such resolutions are filed with the registrar at the
same time.
(2) All fees paid in pursuance of this Act shall be accounted for to the
Commission.
(3) Any document required or authorised by this Act to be filed by a

company with the registrar shall not be deemed to have been so filed until the fee
payable in respect thereof has been duly paid and either the original receipt or other
proof acceptable to the registrar has been furnished to him.
470. Power to specify fees chargeable by companies.—The maximum

limits of fees to be paid to or charged by companies and liquidators from members,
creditors or other persons for supply of copies of documents, inspection of records
and other services as are required to be provided under this Act shall be such as
may be specified.
471. Filing of documents electronically.—(1) The Commission may

provide any means or mode for filing, any document, return or application required
to be filed, lodged or submitted with the Commission or the registrar under this Act
or the rules or regulations made thereunder electronically.
(2) Any additional information or document required to be submitted

along with any document to be filed under this Act shall also be submitted through
electronic means including in a scanned form.
(3) Any document to be submitted electronically shall be authenticated

by the companies by affixing electronic signature or advanced electronic signature,
as required under the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, 2002, (LI of 2002).
(4) From the date appointed by the Commission through notification in

the official Gazette any document, return or application required to be filed, lodged
or submitted with the Commission or the registrar under this Act or the rules or
regulations made thereunder, shall only be lodged, filed or submitted electronically
through e-service or any other means or service provided by the Commission for
this purpose:
264
Provided that the Commission may relax the requirement of this section for
a company or class of companies, for such document, return or application and for
such time as may be notified from time to time.
472. Destruction of physical record.—The record of the companies

including the statutory returns and applications, maintained by the registrar and the
Commission under this Act or the company law shall be preserved for such period
as the Commission may determine and may be destroyed in the manner as may be
specified:
Provided further that the physical record converted into electronic form in
terms of first proviso, shall be admissible as an evidence in all legal proceedings
and for all purposes.
473. Supply of documents, information, notices to the members

electronically.—(1) After a date notified by the Commission, the information,
notices and accounts or any other document to be provided by the company to its
members under this Act, shall only be provided electronically on the email address
provided by the members.
(2) A member requiring the supply of any of the document mentioned

in sub-section (1) in physical form shall bear the cost as fixed by the company.
474. Enforcing compliance with provisions of Act.—(1) If a company,

having made default in complying with any provision of this Act or committed any
other irregularity fails to make good the default or undo the irregularity, as the case
may be, within thirty days after the service of a notice on the company requiring it
to do so, the Commission may, of its own motion or on an application made to it
by any member or creditor of the company or a reference by the registrar and, in
the case of a listed company, besides other persons as aforesaid, on a reference by
the securities exchange, make an order directing the company and any officer
thereof, as the case may be, to make good the default or undo the irregularity or
otherwise make amends, as the circumstances may require, within such time as may
be specified in the order.
(2) Any such order may provide that all costs of and incidental to the
application or reference shall be borne by the company or by an officer of the
company responsible for the default.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be taken to prejudice the operation of
any enactment imposing penalties on a company or its officers in respect of any
such default as aforesaid.
475. Power of Court trying offences under Act to direct compliance
with the provisions.—The Court, the Commission, the registrar or other officer
trying an offence for a default in compliance with any provisions or requirements
of this Act may, at any time during the pendency of the trial or at the time of passing
final order, direct, without prejudice to any liability, any officer, auditor or
employee of the company in respect of which the default has been committed to
undo the irregularity including but not limited to unwinding the unlawful
transaction or to comply with the said provisions or requirements within such time
as may be specified in the order.
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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, OFFENCES
476. Offences to be cognizable.—Notwithstanding anything contained

in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898) or any other law, save as
expressly provided otherwise in this Act or in the Eighth Schedule, any offence in
which punishment of imprisonment is provided under this Act shall be cognizable
by the Commission only and shall be proceeded in accordance with section 38 of
the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997 (XLII of 1997) and
this Act.
477. Complaint to the court by the Commission, registrar, member

or creditor in case of certain offences.—(1) Offences provided in the Eighth
Schedule under this Act which is alleged to have been committed by any company
or any officer or auditor or any other person shall not be taken cognizance by the
court, except on the complaint in writing of−
(a) the Commission through its authorised officer or the registrar; or
(b) in the case of a company having a share capital, by a member or

members holding not less than five percent of the issued share
capital of the company or a creditor or creditors of the company
having interest equivalent in amount to not less than five percent of
the issued share capital of the company; or
(c) in the case of a company not having a share capital, by any member
or creditor entitled to present a petition for winding up of the
company:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a prosecution by a

company of any of its officers or employees:
Provided further that the complaint filed under this section shall not require
formal procedure as provided under section 38 of the Securities and Exchange
Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997 (XLII of 1997) and such complaint shall be
taken cognizance by the court in accordance with Chapter XVI of Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).
(2) Sub-section (1) shall not apply to any action taken by the liquidator
of a company in respect of any offence alleged to have been committed in respect
of any of the matters included in Part-X or in any other provision of this Act relating
to the winding up to companies.
(3) A liquidator of a company shall not be deemed to be an officer of
the company within the meaning of sub-section (1).
478. Penalty to be imposed by the Commission.—Wherever a penalty
is provided for any offence, contravention of or default in complying with, any of
the provisions of this Act, rules or regulations made under this Act such penalty
shall be imposed by the Commission after providing a reasonable opportunity of
hearing to the party.
479. Adjudication of offences and standard scale of penalty.—(1)
266
There shall be a standard scale of penalty for offences under this Act, which shall
be known as “the standard scale”.
(2) The standard scale consists of—
Level Limit of penalty Per day penalty

during which the
default continues
1 Upto Rs.25,000 Upto Rs.500
2 Upto Rs.500,000 Upto Rs.1,000
3 Upto Rs.100 million Upto Rs.500,000
(3) Where a penalty is provided for any offence, contravention of, or

default in complying with, any of the provisions of this Act or a directive of the
Commission or the registrar or other authority empowered to issue a directive under
any provisions of this Act, it shall be adjudged and imposed—
(a) where any person shall be liable to a penalty of level 1, by the officer
who is incharge of the company registration office in which the
company is registered:
Provided that the Commission and the registrar shall have

concurrent jurisdiction under this clause;
(b) where any person shall be liable to a penalty of level 2, by the

registrar designated for the purpose:
Provided that the Commission shall have concurrent

jurisdiction under this clause; and
(c) where any person shall be liable to a penalty of level 3, by the

Commission or an officer authorised by it.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2), the

Commission may, by an order in writing empower any officer to exercise the
powers conferred by the said sub-section in respect of any case or class of cases,
either to the exclusion of, or concurrently with, any other officer.
(5) The penalty as aforesaid shall be imposed after giving the person
concerned an opportunity to show cause why he should not be punished for the
alleged offence, contravention, default or non-compliance and, if he so requests,
after giving him an opportunity of being heard personally or through such person
(6) The penalty imposed under this section by the Commission, the
registrar designated for the purpose or the officer incharge of the company
registration office, shall be without prejudice to any other action for the violation
or contravention as provided under the relevant provision of this Act.
480. Appeal against order passed by officer of the Commission.—
267
Any person aggrieved by any order passed under this Act may, within thirty days
of such order, except as otherwise provided in this Act, prefer an appeal to—
(a) the registrar designated by the Commission against the order

passed by an additional registrar, a joint registrar, an additional
joint registrar, a deputy registrar or an assistant registrar or
such other officer as may be designated by the Commission; and
(b) officer authorized by the Commission where the order has been
passed or upheld by the registrar designated under clause (a) by the
Commission.
481. Appeal before the Appellate Bench.—Any person aggrieved by an

order passed by the registrar or an officer authorized by the Commission under
section 480, may prefer an appeal to the Appellate Bench of the Commission under
section 33 of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997 (XLII
OF 1997):
Provided that no appeal shall lie against—
(a) an administrative direction given by a Commissioner or an officer

of the Commission;
(b) a sanction provided or decision made by a Commissioner or an

officer of the Commission to commence legal proceedings; and
(c) an interim order which does not dispose of the entire matter.
482. Adjudication of offences involving imprisonment.—

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act
V of 1898), no court other than court of sessions or such other court as may be
notified under section 37 of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
Act, 1997(XLII of 1997), shall take cognizance of any offence punishable with
imprisonment or imprisonment in addition to fine under this Act.
483. Powers of the Commission in relation to enquiries and
proceedings.—(1) The Commission, an authorised officer or the registrar, as the
case may be, shall, for the purposes of a proceeding or enquiry in exercise of its or
his powers and discharge of functions, have the same powers as are vested in a
Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), while trying a suit,
in respect of the following matters, namely—
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any witness and

examining him on oath or affirmation;
(b) compelling the discovery or production of any document or other

material object;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavit; and
(d) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses and

documents.
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(2) Any proceeding before the Commission, an authorised officer or
registrar, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding within the
meaning of section 193 and section 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV
of 1860), and the Commission, an authorised officer or registrar shall be deemed to
be a civil court for the purposes of section 195 and Chapter XXXV of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).
484. Procedure for trial of a corporate body.—(1) In any proceedings
against a body corporate for an offence against any provisions of this Act a notice
to show cause or appear may be sent to or served on the body corporate by
registered post or in any other manner laid down for the service of summons issued
by a court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), at its registered
office, or if there is no registered office at its principal place of business in Pakistan
and where no such office is known to exist or is not functioning, at the address of
the chief executive or any director or officer of the body corporate.
(2) On service of the notice referred to in sub-section (1), it shall be the

duty of the chief executive and other officers of the company to show cause or
appear before the Court, Commission, registrar, other officer or authority himself
or by a counsel or by an officer or other authorised representative of the body
corporate who may be in a position to answer the charge as may be specified in the
notice.
(3) Where a body corporate does not appear in the manner aforesaid,
the Court, Commission, registrar or officer trying the offence, as the case may be,
may either issue a directive to the chief executive or other officer of the body
corporate as is referred to in sub-section (2) to appear personally and answer the
charge, or, at its or his direction, proceed to hear and decide the case in the absence
of the body corporate.
485. Recovery of penalty.—Any sum adjudged, penalty imposed by the
Commission or the registrar in exercise of powers under this Act or any rules or
any regulations made thereunder or directed to be paid, shall be recovered in
accordance with section 42B of the Securities and Exchange Commission of
Pakistan Act, 1997(XLII of 1997).
486. Prosecution of offences by the Commission.—All prosecution

conducted by the Commission under this Act shall be made in the manner as
provided in section 38 of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act,
1997(XLII of 1997).
487. Appeal against acquittal.—Notwithstanding anything contained in

the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), the Commission may, in
any case arising out of this Act, direct any officer of the Commission or authorise
any other person, either by name or by virtue of his office, to present an appeal
from an order of acquittal passed by the court other than a Court and an appeal
presented by such prosecutor or other person shall be deemed to have been validly
presented to the appellate court.
488. Payment of compensation in cases of frivolous or vexatious

prosecution.—(1) In respect of any case instituted upon the complaint of a member
or creditor against the company or any officer thereof under section 477, the
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following provisions shall apply instead of the provisions of section 250 of the Code
of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).
(2) If the Court, officer, Commission or registrar by whom any such

case is heard discharges or acquits all or any of the accused, and is of opinion that
the accusation against them or any of them was false and either frivolous or
vexatious, the Court, officer, Commission or registrar, as the case may be, may by
its or his order of discharge or acquittal, if the member or creditor upon whose
complaint the accusation was made is present, call upon him forthwith to show
cause why he should not pay compensation to such accused, or to each or any of
such accused when there is more than one, or if such member or creditor is not
present, direct the issue of a summons to him to appear and show cause as aforesaid.
(3) The Court, officer, Commission or registrar, as the case may be,
shall record and consider any cause which such member or creditor may show; and
if it or he is satisfied that the accusation was false and either frivolous or vexatious,
it or he may, for reasons to be recorded, direct that compensation to such amount
as it may determine be paid by such member or creditor, as the case may be, to the
accused or to each or any of them not exceeding one million rupees in all.
(4) In default of payment of the compensation ordered under sub-
section (3), the member or creditor ordered to pay such compensation shall suffer
simple imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, and shall also be liable to
a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand rupees.
(5) When any person is imprisoned under sub-section (4), the provisions
of sections 68 and 69 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860) shall,
so far as may be, apply.
(6) No person who has been directed to pay compensation under this
section shall, by reason of such order, be exempted from any civil or criminal
liability in respect of the complaint made by him:
Provided that any amount paid to an accused person under this section shall
be taken into account in awarding compensation to such person in any subsequent
civil suit relating to the same matter.
(7) A complainant who has been ordered to pay compensation under
sub-section (3) may appeal from the order, in so far as it relates to the payment of
compensation, as if such complainant had been convicted on a trial.
(8) Where an order for payment of compensation to an accused person
is made, the amount of compensation recovered shall not be paid to him before the
period allowed for the presentation of the appeal under sub-section (7) has elapsed;
or, if an appeal is presented, before the appeal has been decided.
(9) Nothing contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V
of 1898) or anything contained in this section shall be applicable to the authorized
officer of the Commission or the registrar and all actions by such officer or registrar
shall deemed to be validly done in good faith and no compensation or suit for
damages shall lie, whatsoever.
489. Application of fines or penalties.—(1) The Court, officer,
Commission or registrar imposing any fine or penalty under this Act may direct
270
that the whole or any part thereof shall be applied in or towards−
(a) payment of costs of the proceedings;
(b) rewarding the person on whose information the fine or penalty is

recovered; and
(c) payment to an aggrieved party of compensation for any loss caused

by the offence.
(2) Any amount recovered as fine or penalty which is not applied as

aforesaid shall be accounted for in accordance with section 40AA of the Securities
and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997 (XLII of 1997).
490. Production and inspection of books where offence suspected.—
(1) Without prejudice to the powers otherwise exercisable by the Commission or
any of its authorised officers or registrar, or person under this Act, the Court in
Chambers may, on an application made by a public prosecutor or the Attorney-
General for Pakistan or the Advocate-General of the Province or an officer
authorised by the Commission in this behalf or by a special public prosecutor
appointed under section 38 of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
Act, 1997 (XLII of 1997) or by the registrar, if it is shown that there is reasonable
cause to believe that any person has, while he was an officer of a company,
committed an offence in connection with the management of the company’s affairs,
and that evidence of the commission of the offence is to be found in any books or
papers of or under the control of the company or any officer or agent of the
company, make an order—
(a) authorising any person named therein to inspect the said books or
papers or any of them for the purpose of investigating, and obtaining
evidence of the commission of, the offence; or
(b) requiring the chief executive of the company or such other officer
thereof or person as may be named in the order, to produce the said
books or papers or any of them to a person, and at a place and time,
named in the order.
(2) Sub-section (1) shall apply also in relation to any books or papers of
a person carrying on the business of banking so far as they relate to the company’s
affairs, as it applies to any books or papers of or under the control of the company,
except that no such order as is referred to in clause (b) thereof shall be made by
virtue of this sub-section.
(3) No appeal shall lie from a decision under this section.
491. Power to require limited company to give security for costs.—
Where a limited company is plaintiff or petitioner in any suit or other legal
proceeding, the Court having jurisdiction in the matter may, if it appears that there
is reason to believe that the company will be unable to pay the costs of the defendant
if successful in his defence, require sufficient security to be given for those costs,
and may stay all proceedings until the security is given.
271
492. Power of Court to grant relief in certain cases.—(1) If in any
criminal proceeding for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust
against a person to whom this section applies, it appears to the Court, hearing the
case that that person is or may be liable in respect of the negligence, default, breach
of duty or breach of trust, but that he has acted honestly and reasonably, and that
having regard to all the circumstances of the case, including those connected with
his appointment, he ought fairly to be excused for the negligence, default, breach
of duty or breach of trust, the Court, may relieve him, either wholly or partly, from
his liability on such terms as the Court may think fit.
(2) Where any person to whom this section applies has reason to
apprehend that any claim will or might be made against him in respect of any
negligence, default, breach of duty, or breach of trust, he may apply to the Court
for relief, and the Court on any such application shall have the same power to
relieve him as if proceedings against that person for negligence, default, breach of
duty or breach of trust had been brought before the Court.
(3) The persons to whom this section applies are the following
namely—
(a) directors of a company;
(b) chief executive of a company;
(c) officers of a company;
(d) persons employed by a company as auditors, whether they are or are

not officers of the company;
(e) liquidator of a company.
(4) The Court shall not grant any relief to any person under sub-section
(1) or sub-section (2) unless it by notice served in the manner specified by it
requires the Commission or the registrar and such other person, if any, as it thinks
necessary to show cause why such relief should not be granted.
493. Enforcement of orders of Court.—Any order made by the Court

under this Act may be enforced in the same manner as a decree made by a Court in
a suit.
494. Enforcement of orders of Court by other courts.—(1) Where any

order made by the Court is required to be enforced by another Court, a certified
copy of the order shall be produced to the proper officer of the Court required to
enforce the order.
(2) The production of such certified copy shall be sufficient evidence of

the order.
(3) Upon the production of such certified copy, the Court shall take the
requisite steps for enforcing the order, in the same manner as if it had been made
by itself.
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495. Protection of acts done in good faith.—No suit, prosecution or
other legal proceeding shall lie against the Government or the Commission or any
officer of Government or the Commission or the registrar or any other person in
respect of anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance
of this Act or any rules or regulations or orders made thereunder or in respect of the
publication by or under the authority of the Government, Commission or such
officer of any report, paper or proceedings.
496. Penalty for false statement, falsification, forgery, fraud,

deception.—(1)Notwithstanding anything contained in the Criminal Procedure
Code, 1898, (V of 1898) or any other law, whoever in relations to affairs of the
company or body corporate−
(a) makes a statement or submit any document in any form, which is

false or incorrect in any material particular, or omits any material
fact, knowing it to be material, in any return, report, certificate,
statement of financial position, profit and loss account, income and
expenditure account, offer of shares, books of account, application,
information or explanation required by or for the purposes of any of
the provisions of this Act or pursuant to an order or direction given
under this Act with an intention to defraud, or cheat the Commission
or to obtain incorporation or to avoid any penal action for an offence
under this Act or administered legislation;
(b) makes any false entry or omits or alter any material particular from
books, paper or accounts with an intent to defraud, destroy, alter or
falsifies any books of account belonging to or in his possession shall
commit an offence of falsification of account;
(c) submit, present or produce any forged or fabricated document,
knowingly to be forged or fabricated, to the Commission for the
purposes of cheating or cheating by personation or to obtain any
wrongful gain or wrongful loss or to avoid any penal action for an
offence under this Act or administered legislation; or
(d) employ any scheme, artifice or practice in the course of business of
the company to defraud or deceive general public;
shall be punishable with imprisonment which shall not be less than one year but
which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be
less than the amount involved in the fraud but may extend to three times the amount
involved in the offence:
Provided further that in case of offence involves public interest, the term of
imprisonment under this section shall not be less than three years along with fine.
Explanation.— For the purpose of this section−
(i) “fraud” in relation to affairs of the company or body corporate shall
mean doing a thing with an intent to defraud other person;
(ii) “wrongful gain” means the gain by unlawful means of property to

which the person gaining is not legally entitled;
273
(iii) “wrongful loss” means the loss by unlawful means of property to
which the person losing is legally entitled.
(iv) “cheating, cheating by personation, falsification of accounts or

forgery or forgery for the purposes of cheating” shall have the
same meanings as assign to it in Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (XLV
of 1860).
(2) All offences under this section shall be non-bailable and non-
compoundable.
497. Penalty for wrongful withholding of property.—(1) Any director,

chief executive or other officer or employee or agent of a company who wrongfully
obtains possession of any property of the company, or having any such property in
his possession wrongfully withholds it or wilfully applies it to purposes other than
those expressed or directed in the articles and authorised by this Act shall, on the
complaint of the company or any creditor or contributory thereof or a memorandum
placed on record by the registrar or an officer subordinate to him, be punishable
with a fine not exceeding one million rupees and may be ordered by the Court, or
officer, Commission or registrar or the concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal
Government trying the offence, to deliver up or refund within a time to be fixed by
the said Court, officer, Commission or registrar or the concerned Minister-in-
Charge of the Federal Government any such property improperly obtained or
wrongfully withheld or wilfully misapplied and any gain or benefit derived
therefrom.
(2) Whoever fails to comply with an order under sub-section (1), shall
be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and
shall also be liable to a fine which may extend to five hundred thousand rupees.
498. Liability of directors for allotment of shares for inadequate
consideration.—(1) Any director, creditor or member of a company may apply to
the Court for a declaration that any shares of the company specified in the
application have been allotted for inadequate consideration.
(2) Every director of the company who is a party to making the

allotment of such shares shall be liable, jointly and severally with his co-directors,
to make good to the company the amount by which the consideration actually
received by the company for the shares is found by the Court, after full inquiry into
the circumstances of the transaction, to be less than the consideration that the
company ought to have received for such shares, if it is proved, as to any such first
mentioned director, that such director−
(a) had knowledge that the consideration so received by the company
was inadequate; or
(b) failed to take reasonable steps to ascertain whether such

consideration so received by the company was in fact adequate.
499. Punishment for non-compliance of directive of Court.—(1)

Where any directive is given or order is issued by the Court, the officer, the
Commission, the registrar or the concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal
274
Government under any provision of this Act, non-compliance thereof within the
period specified in such direction or order shall render every officer of the company
or other person responsible for non-compliance thereof punishable, in addition to
any other liability, shall be liable to a penalty of level 3 on the standard scale.
(2) If non-compliance or failure continues after conviction under sub-

section (1), the officer or other person who is a party to such non-compliance or
failure shall be liable to punishment with imprisonment which may extend to one
year and fine not exceeding ten thousand rupees for every day after the first during
which such non-compliance continues, and shall further cease to hold office in the
company and be disqualified from holding any office in any company for a period
of five years.
500. Penalty for carrying on ultra vires business.—If any business or

part of business carried on or any transaction made, by a company is ultra vires of
the company shall be an offence and every person who acted as a director or officer
of the company and is responsible for carrying on such business shall be liable to a
penalty of level 3 on the standard scale, and shall also be personally liable for the
liabilities and obligations arising out of such business or transaction.
501. Penalty for improper use of word “Limited”.—If any person or

persons trade or carry on business under, or otherwise use or display, any name or
title of which the word “Limited” or the words “(Private) Limited” or “(Guarantee)
Limited” or “(SMC-Private) Limited” or any contraction or imitation thereof is or
are the last word or words, that person or each of those persons shall, unless duly
incorporated with limited liability or as a private limited company or with the
liability of members limited by guarantee, as the case may be, be liable to a penalty
502. Penalty where no specific penalty is provided.—If a company or

any other person contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of this Act or
any condition, limitation or restriction subject to which any approval, sanction,
consent, confirmation, recognition, direction or exemption in relation to any matter
has been accorded, given or granted, for which no punishment is provided
elsewhere in this Act, the company and every officer of the company who is in
default or such other person shall be liable to a penalty of level 3 on the standard
scale.
503. Power to accord approval subject to conditions.—(1) Where the

Commission or registrar is required or authorised by any provision of this Act—
(a) to accord approval, sanction, consent, confirmation or recognition

to or in relation to any matter;
(b) to give any direction in relation to any matter; or
(c) to grant any exemption in relation to any matter,
then, in the absence of anything to the contrary contained in such or any other
provision of this Act, the Commission or registrar may accord, give or grant such
approval, sanction, consent, confirmation, recognition, direction or exemption
275
subject to such conditions, limitations or restrictions as the Commission or registrar
may think fit to impose and may, in the case of contravention of any such condition,
limitation or restriction, rescind or withdraw such approval, sanction, consent,
confirmation, recognition, direction or exemption.
(2) Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, every application
which may be or is required to be made to the Commission or registrar under any
provision of this Act—
(a) in respect of any approval, sanction, consent, confirmation or
recognition to be accorded by the Commission or registrar, or in
relation to, any matter; or
(b) in respect of any direction or exemption to be given or granted by

the Commission or registrar to or in relation to any other matter; or
(c) in respect of any other matter;
shall be accompanied by fee specified in the Seventh Schedule.

504. Delegation of powers.—The concerned Minister-in-Charge of the
Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, direct that all or
any of his powers and functions under this Act may, subject to such limitations,
restrictions or conditions, if any, as he may from time to time impose, be exercised
or performed by the Commission or an officer specified for the purpose.
505. Application of Act to companies governed by special

enactments.—(1) The provisions of this Act shall apply—
(a) to insurance companies, except in so far as the said provisions are

inconsistent with the provisions of the Insurance Ordinance, 2000
(XXXIX of 2000);
(b) to banking companies, except in so far as the said provisions are

inconsistent with the provisions of the Banking Companies
Ordinance, 1962 (LVII of 1962);
(c) to modaraba companies and modarabas, except in so far as the said

provisions are inconsistent with the provisions of the Modaraba
Companies and Modaraba (Floatation and Control) Ordinance, 1980
(XXXI of 1980);
(d) to any other company governed by any special enactment for the
time being in force, except in so far as the said provisions are
inconsistent with the provisions of such special enactments.
(2) The provisions of sections 130, 132, 220 to 239, 247 to 267, 270 and
271 shall mutatis mutandis apply to listed companies or corporations established
by any special enactment for the time being in force whose securities are listed and
in the said sections the expression “company” shall include a listed company so
established:
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Provided that the Commission may, by notification in the official Gazette,
direct that the provisions of any of the aforesaid sections specified in the
notification shall, subject to such conditions, if any, as may be so specified, not
apply to any listed company or securities so specified.
SCHEDULES, TABLES, FORMS AND GENERAL RULES
506. Forms.—The forms in the schedules or forms as near thereto as

circumstances admit and such other forms as may be prescribed in the rules or
specified through regulations shall be used in all matters to which those forms refer.
507. Power to alter schedules.—(1) The concerned Minister-in-Charge

of the Federal Government may, by notification, in the official Gazette, alter or add
to, the Sixth and Eighth Schedules.
(2) The Commission may, by notification in the official Gazette, alter

or add to any of the tables, regulations, requirements, forms and other provisions
contained in any of the schedules except Sixth and Eighth Schedules, and such
alterations or additions shall have effect as if enacted in this Act and shall come
into force on the date of the notification, unless the notification otherwise directs.
508. Power of the Federal Government to make rules.—(1) In
addition to the powers conferred by any other section, the Federal Government
may, by notification in the official Gazette, make rules—
(a) for the matters which by this Act are to be prescribed;
(b) for establishment and regulating the activities of any company or

class of companies; and
(c) generally to carry out the purposes of this Act:
Provided that, before making any such rule, the draft thereof shall be
published by the concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal Government in the
official Gazette for eliciting public opinion thereon within a period of not less than
fourteen days from the date of publication.
(2) Any rule made under sub-section (1) may provide that a
contravention thereof shall be punishable with a penalty which may extend to five
million rupees and, where the contravention is a continuing one, with a further
penalty which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees for every day after the
first during which such contravention continues.
509. Repeal and savings.—(1) The Companies Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII
of 1984), hereinafter called as repealed Ordinance, shall stand repealed, except Part
VIIIA consisting of sections 282A to 282N, from the date of coming into force of
this Act and the provisions of the said Part VIIIA along with all related or connected
provisions of the repealed Ordinance shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to Non-
banking Finance Companies in a manner as if the repealed Ordinance has not been
repealed:
Provided that repeal of the repealed Ordinance shall not−
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(a) affect the incorporation of any company registered or saved under
repealed Ordinance; or
(b) revive anything not in force at the time at which the repeal take
effect; or
(c) affect the previous operation of the repealed Ordinance or anything

duly done or suffered thereunder; or
(d) affect any right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired, accrued

or incurred under the said repealed Ordinance; or
(e) affect any penalty imposed, forfeiture made or punishment awarded

in respect of any offence committed under the repealed Ordinance;
or
(f) affect any inspection, investigation, prosecution, legal proceeding or

remedy in respect of any obligation, liability, penalty, forfeiture or
punishment as aforesaid, and any such inspection, investigation,
prosecution, legal proceedings or remedy may be made, continued
or enforced and any such penalty, forfeiture or punishment may be
imposed, as if this Act has not been passed.
(2) Notwithstanding the repeal of the repealed Ordinance—
(a) any document referring to any provision of the repealed Ordinance

shall be construed as referring, as far as may be, to this Act, or to the
corresponding provision of this Act;
(b) all rules, regulations, notification, guideline, circular, directive,

order (special or general) or exemption issued, made or granted
under the repealed Ordinance shall have effect as if it had been
issued, made or granted under the corresponding provision of this
Act unless repealed, amended or substituted under this Act;
(c) any official appointed and any body elected or constituted under
repealed Ordinance shall continue and shall be deemed to have been
appointed, elected or constituted, as the case may be, under the
corresponding provision of this Act;
(d) all funds and accounts constituted or maintained under the repealed
Ordinance shall be deemed to be in continuation of the
corresponding funds and accounts constituted or maintained under
this Act;
(e) every mortgage and charge recorded in any register or book

maintained at any office under the repealed Ordinance shall be
deemed to have be recorded in the register or book maintained under
the corresponding provisions of this Act;
(f) any licence, certificate or document issued, made or granted under

the repealed Ordinance shall be deemed to have been issued, made
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or granted under this Act and shall, unless cancelled, in pursuance
of any provisions of this Act, continue to be inforce until the date
specified in the licence, certificate or documents.
(3) The mention of particular matters in this section or in any other

section of this Act shall not prejudice the general application of section 6 of the
General Clauses Act, 1897 (X of 1897), with regard to the effect of repeals.
(4) After the commencement of this Act, the expression Companies

Ordinance, 1984(XLVII of 1984) and any referring sections thereof, used in any
law for the time being in force including all administered legislation and rules,
regulations and guidelines made thereunder, shall be read as Companies Act, 2017
along with corresponding provisions of Companies Act, 2017 unless the context
requires otherwise.
510. Power to issue directives, circulars, guidelines.—(1) The

Commission may issue such directives, prudential requirements, codes, guidelines,
circulars or notifications as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act and
the rules and regulations made under this Act.
(2) Any person, who obstructs or contravenes or does not comply with
any directive, prudential requirements, codes, circulars or notifications, given under
this section shall be liable to a penalty of level 3 on the standard scale.
511. Power of the Commission to permit use of Urdu words of
abbreviations.—The Commission may, by notification in the official Gazette,
permit use of an Urdu equivalent of any English word or term required to be used
pursuant to or for the purposes of this Act or an abbreviation of any such word or
term instead of such word or term.
512. Power to make regulations.—(1) The Commission may, by

notification in the official Gazette, make such regulations as may be necessary to
carry out the purposes of this Act:
Provided that the power to make regulations conferred by this section shall
be subject to the condition of previous publication and before making any
regulations the draft thereof shall be published in the manner considered most
appropriate by the Commission for eliciting public opinion thereon within a period
of not less than fourteen days from the date of publication.
(2) Any regulation made under sub-section (1) may provide that a
contravention thereof shall be punishable with a penalty which may extend to five
million rupees and, where the contravention is a continuing one, with a further
penalty which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees for every day after the
first during which such contravention continues.
513. Validation of laws.—(1)All amendments made to the Companies

Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII of 1984) or any administered legislation through various
Finance Acts shall be deemed to have been validly made from the date of
commencement of such Acts.
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(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, all orders
made, proceedings taken and acts done, rules, regulations, instructions,
notifications and other legal instruments made at any time before the promulgation
of companies Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII of 1984) or any administered legislation,
including appeals decided by the Appellate Bench of the Commission or
authorization of investigation, enquiry and inspection by the Federal Government,
the Commission or any officer of the Commission under delegated authority, the
registrar or any other officer having authority under the law in exercise or purported
exercise of powers under amendments made to Companies Ordinance, 1984
(XLVII of 1984) or any administered legislation through various Finance Acts, and
that have now been promulgated as well as affirmed in terms of sub-section (1) of
this section, are declared and affirmed to have been and shall be deemed to have
always been, validly made, decided, taken or done.
514. Former registration offices and registers continued.—(1) The

offices existing at the commencement of this Act for registration of companies shall
be continued as if they had been established under this Act.
(2) Any books of account, book or paper, register or document kept under
the provisions of any previous law relating to companies shall be deemed part of
the books of accounts, book or paper, register or document to be kept under this
Act.
515. Removal of difficulty.—If any difficulty arises in giving effect to
any provision of this Act, the concerned Minister-in-Charge of the Federal
Government may, by notification in the official Gazette make such provisions as
may appear to it to be necessary for the purpose of removing the difficulty.
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FIRST SCHEDULE
TABLE A
(See sections 2 and 36)
PART I
REGULATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT OF A COMPANY
LIMITED BY SHARES
PRELIMINARY
1. (1) In these regulations—
(a) “section” means section of the Act;
(b) “the Act” means the Companies Act, 2017; and
(c) “the seal” means the common seal or official seal of the company
as the case may be.
(2) Unless the context otherwise requires, words or expressions
contained in these regulations shall have the same meaning as in this Act; and words
importing the singular shall include the plural, and vice versa, and words importing
the masculine gender shall include feminine, and words importing persons shall
include bodies corporate.
BUSINESS
2. The directors shall have regard to the restrictions on the
commencement of business imposed by section 19 if, and so far as, those
restrictions are binding upon the company.
SHARES
3. In case of shares in the physical form, every person whose name is
entered as a member in the register of members shall, without payment, be entitled
to receive, within thirty days after allotment or within fifteen days of the application
for registration of transfer, a certificate under the seal specifying the share or shares
held by him and the amount paid up thereon:
Provided that if the shares are in book entry form or in case of conversion
of physical shares and other transferable securities into book-entry form, the
company shall, within ten days after an application is made for the registration of
the transfer of any shares or other securities to a central depository, register such
transfer in the name of the central depository.
4. The company shall not be bound to issue more than one certificate
in respect of a share or shares in the physical form, held jointly by several persons
and delivery of a certificate for a share to one of several joint holders shall be
sufficient delivery to all.
5. If a share certificate in physical form is defaced, lost or destroyed, it
may be renewed on payment of such fee, if any, not exceeding one hundred rupees,
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and on such terms, if any, as to evidence and indemnity and payment of expenses
incurred by the company in investigating title as the directors think fit.
6. Except to the extent and in the manner allowed by section 86, no part of the
funds of the company shall be employed in the purchase of, or in loans upon the
security of, the company’s shares.
TRANSFER AND TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
7. The instrument of transfer of any share in physical form in the
company shall be executed both by the transferor and transferee, and the transferor
shall be deemed to remain holder of the share until the name of the transferee is
entered in the register of members in respect thereof.
8. Shares in physical form in the company shall be transferred in the
following form, or in any usual or common form which the directors shall
approve:—
Form for Transfer of Shares
(First Schedule to the Companies Act, 2017)
I……………... s/o ........................r/o...................... (hereinafter called “the

transferor”) in consideration of the sum of rupees ............................ paid to me
by.....……………......... s/o ........................r/o...................... (hereinafter called “the
transferee”), do hereby transfer to the said transferee....................the share (or
shares) with distinctive numbers from ………….....to...................inclusive, in
the.............................Limited, to hold unto the said transferee, his executors,
administrators and assigns, subject to the several conditions on which I held the
same at the time of the execution hereof, and I, the said transferee, do hereby agree
to take the said share (or shares) subject to the conditions aforesaid.
As witness our hands this.................. day of.............................., 20.....
Signature ………………… Signature …………………

Transferor Transferee
Full Name, Father’s / Husband’s Name Full Name, Father’s / Husband’s Name
CNIC Number (in case of foreigner, CNIC Number (in case of foreigner,
Passport Number) Passport Number)
Nationality Nationality
Occupation and usual Residential Occupation and usual Residential
Address Address
Cell number
Landline number, if any
Email address
Witness 1: Witness 2:
Signature………………..date Signature………………..date
………… …………
Name, CNIC Number and Full Name, CNIC Number and Full
Address Address
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Bank Account Details of Transferee for Payment of Cash Dividend
(Mandatory in case of a listed company or optional for any other company)
It is requested that all my cash dividend amounts declared by the company,

may be credited into the following bank account:
Tile of Bank Account

Bank Account Number
Bank’s Name
Branch Name and
Address
It is stated that the above mentioned information is correct and that I will
intimate the changes in the above-mentioned information to the company and the
concerned Share Registrar as soon as these occur.
……………………………….
Signature of the Transferee(s)
9. (1) Subject to the restrictions contained in regulation 10 and 11,
the directors shall not refuse to transfer any share unless the transfer deed is
defective or invalid. The directors may also suspend the registration of transfers
during the ten days immediately preceding a general meeting or prior to the
determination of entitlement or rights of the shareholders by giving seven days’
previous notice in the manner provided in the Act. The directors may, in case of
shares in physical form, decline to recognise any instrument of transfer unless—
(a) a fee not exceeding fifty rupees as may be determined by the

directors is paid to the company in respect thereof; and
(b) the duly stamped instrument of transfer is accompanied by the
certificate of the shares to which it relates, and such other evidence
as the directors may reasonably require to show the right of the
transferor to make the transfer.
(2) If the directors refuse to register a transfer of shares, they shall

within fifteen days after the date on which the transfer deed was lodged with the
company send to the transferee and the transferor notice of the refusal indicating
the defect or invalidity to the transferee, who shall, after removal of such defect or
invalidity be entitled to re-lodge the transfer deed with the company.
Provided that the company shall, where the transferee is a central depository
the refusal shall be conveyed within five days from the date on which the instrument
of transfer was lodged with it notify the defect or invalidity to the transferee who
shall, after the removal of such defect or invalidity, be entitled to re-lodge the
transfer deed with the company.
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
10. The executors, administrators, heirs, or nominees, as the case may
be, of a deceased sole holder of a share shall be the only persons recognised by the
company to deal with the share in accordance with the law. In the case of a share
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registered in the names of two or more holders, the survivors or survivor, or the
executors or administrators of the deceased survivor, shall be the only persons
recognised by the company to deal with the share in accordance with the law.
11. The shares or other securities of a deceased member shall be
transferred on application duly supported by succession certificate or by lawful
award, as the case may be, in favour of the successors to the extent of their interests
and their names shall be entered to the register of members.
12. A person may on acquiring interest in a company as member,

represented by shares, at any time after acquisition of such interest deposit with the
company a nomination conferring on a person, being the relatives of the member,
namely, a spouse, father, mother, brother, sister and son or daughter, the right to
protect the interest of the legal heirs in the shares of the deceased in the event of his
death, as a trustee and to facilitate the transfer of shares to the legal heirs of the
deceased subject to succession to be determined under the Islamic law of
inheritance and in case of non-Muslim members, as per their respective law.
13. The person nominated under regulation 12 shall, after the death of
the member, be deemed as a member of company till the shares are transferred to
the legal heirs and if the deceased was a director of the company, not being a listed
company, the nominee shall also act as director of the company to protect the
interest of the legal heirs.
14. A person to be deemed as a member under regulation 11, 12 and 13

to a share by reason of the death or insolvency of the holder shall be entitled to the
same dividends and other advantages to which he would be entitled if he were the
registered holder of the share and exercise any right conferred by membership in
relation to meetings of the company.
ALTERATION OF CAPITAL
15. The company may, by special resolution—
(a) increase its authorised capital by such amount as it thinks expedient;
(b) consolidate and divide the whole or any part of its share capital into
shares of larger amount than its existing shares;
(c) sub-divide its shares, or any of them, into shares of smaller amount
than is fixed by the memorandum;
(d) cancel shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution in
that behalf, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person,
and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the
share so cancelled.
16. Subject to the provisions of the Act, all new shares shall at the first
instance be offered to such persons as at the date of the offer are entitled to such
issue in proportion, as nearly as the circumstances admit, to the amount of the
existing shares to which they are entitled. The offer shall be made by letter of offer
specifying the number of shares offered, and limiting a time within which the offer,
if not accepted, will deem to be declined, and after the expiration of that time, or
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on the receipt of an intimation from the person to whom the offer is made that he
declines to accept the shares offered, the directors may dispose of the same in such
manner as they think most beneficial to the company. The directors may likewise
so dispose of any new shares which (by reason of the ratio which the new shares
bear to shares held by persons entitled to an offer of new shares) cannot, in the
opinion of the directors, be conveniently offered under this regulation.
17. The new shares shall be subject to the same provisions with
reference to transfer, transmission and otherwise as the shares in the original share
capital.
18. The company may, by special resolution—
(a) consolidate and divide its share capital into shares of larger amount
than its existing shares;
(b) sub-divide its existing shares or any of them into shares of smaller
amount than is fixed by the memorandum of association, subject,
nevertheless, to the provisions of section 85;
(c) cancel any shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution,
have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person.
19. The company may, by special resolution, reduce its share capital in
any manner and with, and subject to confirmation by the Court and any incident
authorised and consent required, by law.
GENERAL MEETINGS
20. The statutory general meeting of the company shall be held within
the period required by section 131.
21. A general meeting, to be called annual general meeting, shall be
held, in accordance with the provisions of section 132, within sixteen months from
the date of incorporation of the company and thereafter once at least in every year
within a period of one hundred and twenty days following the close of its
financial year.
22. All general meetings of a company other than the statutory meeting
or an annual general meeting mentioned in sections 131 and 132 respectively shall
be called extraordinary general meetings.
23. The directors may, whenever they think fit, call an extra-ordinary
general meeting, and extra-ordinary general meetings shall also be called on such
requisition, or in default, may be called by such requisitionists, as provided by
section 133. If at any time there are not within Pakistan sufficient directors capable
of acting to form a quorum, any director of the company may call an extra-ordinary
general meeting in the same manner as nearly as possible as that in which meetings
may be called by the directors.
24. The company may provide video-link facility to its members for
attending general meeting at places other than the town in which general meeting
is taking place after considering the geographical dispersal of its members:
285
Provided that in case of listed companies if the members holding ten percent
of the total paid up capital or such other percentage of the paid up capital as may
be specified, are resident in any other city, the company shall provide the facility
of video-link to such members for attending annual general meeting of the
company, if so required by such members in writing to the company at least seven
days before the date of the meeting.
NOTICE AND PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS
25. Twenty-one days’ notice at the least (exclusive of the day on which
the notice is served or deemed to be served, but inclusive of the day for which notice
is given) specifying the place, the day and the hour of meeting and, in case of special
business, the general nature of that business, shall be given in manner provided by
the Act for the general meeting, to such persons as are, under the Act or the
regulations of the company, entitled to receive such notice from the company; but
the accidental omission to give notice to, or the non-receipt of notice by, any
member shall not invalidate the proceedings at any general meeting.
26. All the business transacted at a general meeting shall be deemed
special other than the business stated in sub-section (2) of section 134 namely; the
consideration of financial statements and the reports of the board and auditors, the
declaration of any dividend, the election and appointment of directors in place of
those retiring, and the appointment of the auditors and fixing of their remuneration.
27. No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a
quorum of members is present at that time when the meeting proceeds to business.
The quorum of the general meeting shall be—
(a) in the case of a public listed company, not less than ten members
present personally, or through video-link who represent not less than
twenty-five per cent of the total voting power, either of their own
account or as proxies;
(b) in the case of any other company having share capital, two members
pre sent personally, or through video-link who represent not less
than twenty-five percent of the total voting power, either of their
own account or as proxies.
28. If within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a
quorum is not present, the meeting, if called upon the requisition of members, shall
be dissolved; in any other case, it shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next
week at the same time and place, and, if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not
present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, the members
present, being not less than two, shall be a quorum.
29. The chairman of the board of directors, if any, shall preside as
chairman at every general meeting of the company, but if there is no such chairman,
or if at any meeting he is not present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed
for the meeting, or is unwilling to act as chairman, any one of the directors present
may be elected to be chairman, and if none of the directors is present, or willing to
act as chairman, the members present shall choose one of their number to be
chairman.
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30. The chairman may, with the consent of any meeting at which a
quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting), adjourn the meeting
from time to time but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other
than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took
place. When a meeting is adjourned for fifteen days or more, notice of the adjourned
meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. Save as aforesaid, it
shall not be necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be
transacted at an adjourned meeting.
31. (1) At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the
meeting shall be decided on a show of hands unless a poll is (before or on the
declaration of the result of the show of hands) demanded. Unless a poll is so
demanded, a declaration by the chairman that a resolution has, on a show of hands,
been carried, or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost, and an
entry to that effect in the book of the proceedings of the company shall be
conclusive evidence of the fact, without proof of the number or proportion of the
votes recorded in favour of, or against, that resolution.
(2) At any general meeting, the company shall transact such businesses
as may be notified by the Commission, only through postal ballot.
32. A poll may be demanded only in accordance with the provisions of
section 143.
33. If a poll is duly demanded, it shall be taken in accordance with the
manner laid down in sections 144 and 145 and the result of the poll shall be deemed
to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded.
34. A poll demanded on the election of chairman or on a question of
adjournment shall be taken at once.
35. In the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or
on a poll, the chairman of the meeting at which the show of hands takes place, or
at which the poll is demanded, shall have and exercise a second or casting vote.
36. Except for the businesses specified under sub-section (2) of section
134 to be conducted in the annual general meeting, the members of a private
company or a public unlisted company (having not more than fifty members), may
pass a resolution (ordinary or special) by circulation signed by all the members for
the time being entitled to receive notice of a meeting. The resolution by circulation
shall be deemed to be passed on the date of signing by the last of the signatory
member to such resolution.
VOTES OF MEMBERS
37. Subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to
any class or classes of shares, on a show of hands every member present in person
shall have one vote except for election of directors in which case the provisions of
section 159 shall apply. On a poll every member shall have voting rights as laid
down in section 134.
38. In case of joint-holders, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote,
whether in person or by proxy or through video-link shall be accepted to the
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exclusion of the votes of the other joint-holders; and for this purpose seniority shall
be determined by the order in which the names stand in the register of members.
39. A member of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has
been made by any court having jurisdiction in lunacy, may vote, whether on show
of hands or on a poll or through video link, by his committee or other legal guardian,
and any such committee or guardian may, on a poll, vote by proxy.
40. On a poll votes may be given either personally or through videolink,
by proxy or through postal ballot:
Provided that nobody corporate shall vote by proxy as long as a resolution
of its directors in accordance with the provisions of section 138 is in force.
41. (1) The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under
the hand of the appointer or of his attorney duly authorised in writing.
(2) The instrument appointing a proxy and the power-of-attorney or
other authority (if any) under which it is signed, or a notarially certified copy of
that power or authority, shall be deposited at the registered office of the company
not less than forty-eight hours before the time for holding the meeting at which the
person named in the instrument proposes to vote and in default the instrument of
proxy shall not be treated as valid.
42. An instrument appointing a proxy may be in the following form, or
a form as near thereto as may be:
INSTRUMENT OF PROXY
……………………………………….………...……………………… Limited
“I ………………………….…. s/o ................................. r/o

......................................... being a member of the
………………………………………….. Limited, hereby appoint
…………………………… s/o ................................. r/o .........................................
as my proxy to attend and vote on my behalf at the (statutory, annual, extra-
ordinary, as the case may be) general meeting of the company to be held on the
…………….. day of ……………….., 20…… and at any adjournment thereof.”
43. A vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy
shall be valid notwithstanding the previous death or insanity of the principal or
revocation of the proxy or of the authority under which the proxy was executed, or
the transfer of the share in respect of which the proxy is given, provided that no
intimation in writing of such death, insanity, revocation or transfer as aforesaid
shall have been received by the company at the office before the commencement
of the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the proxy is used.
DIRECTORS
44. The following subscribers of the memorandum of association shall
be the first directors of the company, so, however, that the number of directors shall
not in any case be less than that specified in section 154 and they shall hold office
until the election of directors in the first annual general meeting:
1. ab
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2. cd
3. ef
4. gh
45. The remuneration of the directors shall from time to time be

determined by the company in general meeting subject to the provisions of the Act.
46. Save as provided in section 153, no person shall be appointed as a
director unless he is a member of the company.
POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
47. The business of the company shall be managed by the directors, who
may pay all expenses incurred in promoting and registering the company, and may
exercise all such powers of the company as are not by the Act or any statutory
modification thereof for the time being in force, or by these regulations, required to
be exercised by the company in general meeting, subject nevertheless to the
provisions of the Act or to any of these regulations, and such regulations being not
inconsistent with the aforesaid provisions, as may be prescribed by the company in
general meeting but no regulation made by the company in general meeting shall
invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if that
regulation had not been made.
48. The directors shall appoint a chief executive in accordance with the
provisions of sections 186 and 187.
49. The amount for the time being remaining undischarged of moneys
borrowed or raised by the directors for the purposes of the company (otherwise than
by the issue of share capital) shall not at any time, without the sanction of the
company in general meeting, exceed the issued share capital of the company.
50. The directors shall duly comply with the provisions of the Act, or
any statutory modification thereof for the time being in force, and in particular with
the provisions in regard to the registration of the particulars of mortgages, charges
and pledge affecting the property of the company or created by it, to the keeping of
a register of the directors, and to the sending to the registrar of an annual list of
members, and a summary of particulars relating thereto and notice of any
consolidation or increase of share capital, or sub-division of shares, and copies of
special resolutions and a copy of the register of directors and notifications of any
changes therein.
MINUTE BOOKS
51. The directors shall cause records to be kept and minutes to be made
in book or books with regard to—
(a) all resolutions and proceedings of general meeting(s) and the
meeting(s) of directors and Committee(s) of directors, and every
member present at any general meeting and every director present
at any meeting of directors or Committee of directors shall put his
signature in a book to be kept for that purpose;
289
(b) recording the names of the persons present at each meeting of the
directors and of any committee of the directors, and the general
meeting; and
(c) all orders made by the directors and Committee(s) of directors:
Provided that all records related to proceedings through video-link shall be

maintained in accordance with the relevant regulations specified by the
Commission which shall be appropriately rendered into writing as part of the
minute books according to the said regulations.
THE SEAL
52. The directors shall provide for the safe custody of the seal and the
seal shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of a resolution of
the board of directors or by a committee of directors authorized in that behalf by
the directors and in the presence of at least two directors and of the secretary or
such other person as the directors may appoint for the purpose; and those two
directors and secretary or other person as aforesaid shall sign every instrument to
which the seal of the company is so affixed in their presence.
DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS
53. No person shall become the director of a company if he suffers from
any of the disabilities or disqualifications mentioned in section 153 or disqualified
or debarred from holding such office under any of the provisions of the Act as the
case may be and, if already a director, shall cease to hold such office from the date
he so becomes disqualified or disabled:
Provided, however, that no director shall vacate his office by reason only of
his being a member of any company which has entered into contracts with, or done
any work for, the company of which he is director, but such director shall not vote
in respect of any such contract or work, and if he does so vote, his vote shall not be
counted.
PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS
54. The directors may meet together for the dispatch of business,
adjourn and otherwise regulate their meetings, as they think fit. A director may, and
the secretary on the requisition of a director shall, at any time, summon a meeting
of directors. Notice sent to a director through email whether such director is in
Pakistan or outside Pakistan shall be a valid notice.
55. The directors may elect a chairman of their meetings and determine
the period for which he is to hold office; but, if no such chairman is elected, or if at
any meeting the chairman is not present within ten minutes after the time appointed
for holding the same or is unwilling to act as chairman, the directors present may
choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.
56. At least one-third (1/3rd) of the total number of directors or two (2)
directors whichever is higher, for the time being of the company, present personally
or through video-link, shall constitute a quorum.
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57. Save as otherwise expressly provided in the Act, every question at
meetings of the board shall be determined by a majority of votes of the directors
present in person or through video-link, each director having one vote. In case of
an equality of votes or tie, the chairman shall have a casting vote in addition to his
original vote as a director.
58. The directors may delegate any of their powers not required to be
exercised in their meeting to committees consisting of such member or members of
their body as they think fit; any committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the
powers so delegated, conform to any restrictions that may be imposed on them by
the directors.
59. (1) A committee may elect a chairman of its meetings; but, if no
such chairman is elected, or if at any meeting the chairman is not present within ten
minutes after the time appointed for holding the same or is unwilling to act as
chairman, the members present may choose one of their number to be chairman of
the meeting.
(2) A committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper. Questions
arising at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members
present. In case of an equality of votes, the chairman shall have and exercise a
second or casting vote.
60. All acts done by any meeting of the directors or of a committee of
directors, or by any person acting as a director, shall, notwithstanding that it be
afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any such
directors or persons acting as aforesaid, or that they or any of them were
disqualified, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed and was
qualified to be a director.
61. A copy of the draft minutes of meeting of the board of directors shall
be furnished to every director within seven working days of the date of meeting.
62. A resolution in writing signed by all the directors for the time being
entitled to receive notice of a meeting of the directors shall be as valid and effectual
as if it had been passed at a meeting of the directors duly convened and held.
FILLING OF VACANCIES
63. At the first annual general meeting of the company, all the directors
shall stand retired from office, and directors shall be elected in their place in
accordance with section 159 for a term of three years.
64. A retiring director shall be eligible for re-election.
65. The directors shall comply with the provisions of sections 154 to
159 and sections 161, 162 and 167 relating to the election of directors and matters
ancillary thereto.
66. Any casual vacancy occurring on the board of directors may be filled
up by the directors, but the person so chosen shall be subject to retirement at the
same time as if he had become a director on the day on which the director in whose
place he is chosen was last elected as director.
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67. The company may remove a director but only in accordance with
the provisions of the Act.
DIVIDENDS AND RESERVE
68. The company in general meeting may declare dividends but no
dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by the directors.
69. The directors may from time to time pay to the members such
interim dividends as appear to the directors to be justified by the profits of the
company.
70. Any dividend may be paid by a company either in cash or in kind
only out of its profits. The payment of dividend in kind shall only be in the shape
of shares of listed company held by the distributing company.
71. Dividend shall not be paid out of unrealized gain on investment
property credited to profit and loss account.
72. Subject to the rights of persons (if any) entitled to shares with special
rights as to dividends, all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the
amounts paid on the shares.
73. (1) The directors may, before recommending any dividend, set aside
out of the profits of the company such sums as they think proper as a reserve or
reserves which shall, at the discretion of the directors, be applicable for meeting
contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for any other purpose to which the
profits of the company may be properly applied, and pending such application may,
at the like discretion, either be employed in the business of company or be invested
in such investments (other than shares of the company) as the directors may, subject
to the provisions of the Act, from time to time think fit.
(2) The directors may carry forward any profits which they may think
prudent not to distribute, without setting them aside as a reserve.
74. If several persons are registered as joint-holders of any share, any
one of them may give effectual receipt for any dividend payable on the share.
75. (1) Notice of any dividend that may have been declared shall be
given in manner hereinafter mentioned to the persons entitled to share therein but,
in the case of a public company, the company may give such notice by
advertisement in a newspaper circulating in the Province in which the registered
office of the company is situate.
(2) Any dividend declared by the company shall be paid to its registered
shareholders or to their order. The dividend payable in cash may be paid by cheque
or warrant or in any electronic mode to the shareholders entitled to the payment of
the dividend, as per their direction.
(3) In case of a listed company, any dividend payable in cash shall only
be paid through electronic mode directly into the bank account designated by the
entitled shareholders.
76. The dividend shall be paid within the period laid down under the
Act.
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ACCOUNTS
77. The directors shall cause to be kept proper books of account as
required under section 220.
78. The books of account shall be kept at the registered office of the
company or at such other place as the directors shall think fit and shall be open to
inspection by the directors during business hours.
79. The directors shall from time to time determine whether and to what
extent and at what time and places and under what conditions or regulations the
accounts and books or papers of the company or any of them shall be open to the
inspection of members not being directors, and no member (not being a director)
shall have any right of inspecting any account and book or papers of the company
except as conferred by law or authorised by the directors or by the company in
general meeting.
80. The directors shall as required by sections 223 and 226 cause to be
prepared and to be laid before the company in general meeting the financial
statements duly audited and reports as are referred to in those sections.
81. The financial statements and other reports referred to in regulation
80 shall be made out in every year and laid before the company in the annual general
meeting in accordance with sections 132 and 223.
82. A copy of the financial statements and reports of directors and
auditors shall, at least twenty-one days preceding the meeting, be sent to the persons
entitled to receive notices of general meetings in the manner in which notices are
to be given hereunder.
83. The directors shall in all respect comply with the provisions of
sections 220 to 227.
84. Auditors shall be appointed and their duties regulated in accordance
with sections 246 to 249.
NOTICES
85. (1) A notice may be given by the company to any member to his
registered address or if he has no registered address in Pakistan to the address, if
any, supplied by him to the company for the giving of notices to him against an
acknowledgement or by post or courier service or through electronic means or in
any other manner as may be specified by the Commission.
(2) Where a notice is sent by post, service of the notice shall be deemed
to be effected by properly addressing, prepaying and posting a letter containing the
notice and, unless the contrary is proved, to have been effected at the time at which
the letter will be delivered in the ordinary course of post.
86. A notice may be given by the company to the joint-holders of a share
by giving the notice to the joint-holder named first in the register in respect of the
share.
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87. A notice may be given by the company to the person entitled to a
share in consequence of the death or insolvency of a member in the manner
provided under regulation 85 addressed to them by name, or by the title or
representatives of the deceased, or assignees of the insolvent, or by any like
description, at the address, supplied for the purpose by the person claiming to be so
entitled.
88. Notice of every general meeting shall be given in the manner

hereinbefore authorised to (a) every member of the company and also to (b) every
person entitled to a share in consequence of the death or insolvency of a member,
who but for his death or insolvency would be entitled to receive notice of the
meeting, and (c) to the auditors of the company for the time being and every person
who is entitled to receive notice of general meetings.
WINDING UP
89. (1) In the case of members’ voluntary winding up, with the sanction
of a special resolution of the company, and, in the case of creditors’ voluntary
winding up, of a meeting of the creditors, the liquidator shall exercise any of the
powers given by sub-section (1) of section 337 of the Act to a liquidator in a
winding up by the Court including inter-alia divide amongst the members, in specie
or kind, the whole or any part of the assets of the company, whether they consist of
property of the same kind or not.
(2) For the purpose aforesaid, the liquidator may set such value as he
deems fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how
such division shall be carried out as between the members or different classes of
members.
(3) The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part
of such assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the contributories as the
liquidator, with the like sanction, thinks fit, but so that no member shall be
compelled to accept any shares or other securities whereon there is any liability.
INDEMNITY
90. Every officer or agent for the time being of the company may be
indemnified out of the assets of the company against any liability incurred by him
in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, arising out of his dealings
in relation to the affairs of the company, except those brought by the company
against him, in which judgment is given in his favour or in which he is acquitted,
or in connection with any application under section 492 in which relief is granted
to him by the Court.
We, the several persons whose names and addresses are subscribed below,
are desirous of being formed into a company, in pursuance of these articles of
association, and we respectively agree to take the number of shares in the capital of
the company set opposite our respective names:
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Name and NIC No. Father's/ Nationality(i Usual Number of
surname (in case of Husband's es) with any residential address in shares taken
Occupation
(present & foreigner, Name in former full or the by each
Signatures
former) in Passport full Nationality registered/ principal subscriber (in
full (in No) office address for a figures and
Block subscriber other than words)
Letters) natural person
Total number of shares taken (in figures and words)
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20___

Witness to above signatures: (For the documents submitted in physical form)
Signature
Full Name (in Block Letters)
Father’s/ Husband’s name
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.
Usual residential address
Witness to above signatures: (For the documents submitted electronically)
(Digital Signature Certificate Provider)
Name:
Address:
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PART II
REGULATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT OF A SINGLE

MEMBER PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
INTERPRETATION
1. In the interpretation of these articles the following expressions shall

have the following meanings unless repugnant to or inconsistent with the subject
articles—
(a) “company” or “this company” means _______________ (SMC-

Private) Limited;
(b) “directors” or “board of directors” means board of directors consist

of only the sole director or more than one directors if so appointed
under the relevant provisions of the Act;
(c) “member director” means a director who is a member of the

company;
(d) “non-member director” means an individual who is not a member,

but has been nominated under the provisions of the Act
(e) “private company” means a private company having two more

members;
(f) “sole member” means the single member of the company; and
(g) “sole director” means the director of the company who is for the
time being the only director and includes a non-member director of
the company.
2. Unless the context otherwise requires, words or expressions

contained in these regulations shall have the same meaning as in the Act; and words
PRELIMINARY
3. Any provision of the Act or rules and regulations made thereunder

which apply in relation to a private company limited by shares incorporated under
the Act shall, in the absence of any express provision to the contrary, apply in
relation to a single member company as it applies in relation to such a company
which is formed by two or more persons or which has two or more persons as
members and the provisions contained in part I of Table A of First Schedule in the
Act shall be deemed part of these articles of association in so far as these are not
inconsistent with or repugnant to the provisions contained herein below.
296
SINGLE MEMBER COMPANY
4. The company is a single member company and as such being a

private company limited by shares—
(a) it shall not invite the public to subscribe for any shares of the
company;
(b) the company shall not register any share(s) in the name of two or
more persons to hold one or more shares jointly; and
(c) number of the members of the company shall be limited to one.
SHARES
5. The company may alter its share capital in accordance with section
85.
6. Share certificate shall be issued under the seal of the Company and
shall be signed by the member director or the non-member director, as the case may
be.
TRANSFER AND TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
7. The company shall not transfer all of the shares of a single member
to two or more persons or part of shares of single member to other person(s) or allot
further shares to any person other than the single member or, at any time, allow
transfer of shares or allotment of shares or both resulting in number of members to
become two or more, except for change of status from single member company to
private company and to alter its articles accordingly.
8. The single member may transfer all of his shares to a single person
whereby the company shall remain a single member company as it was before such
transfer.
9. The sole member shall nominate a person who, in the event of death
of the sole member, shall be responsible to.—
(a) transfer the shares to the legal heirs of the deceased subject to
succession to be determined under the Islamic law of inheritance and
in case of a non-Muslim members, as per their respective law; and
(b) manage the affairs of the company as a trustee, till such time the title
of shares are transferred:
Provided that where the transfer by virtue of the above provision is made to
more than one legal heir, the company shall cease to be a single member company
and comply with the provisions of section 47 of the Act.
297
CHANGE OF STATUS
10. The company may convert itself from single member private
company to a private company in accordance with the provisions of section 47.
MEETINGS, VOTES AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
11. All the requirements of the Act regarding calling of, holding and
approval in general meeting, board meeting and election of directors in case of a
single member company, shall be deemed complied with; if the decision is recorded
in the relevant minutes book and signed by the sole member or sole director as the
case may be.
DIRECTOR(S)
12. The company shall always have the sole member or in case it is not
a natural person its nominee, as a director but it may have such number of other
director(s) who fulfil the conditions as specified in section 153.
13. The board shall not have the power to remove the member director
provided that where the sole member is not a natural person, it may change its
nominee.
14. The sole member shall have the power to remove any director, chief
executive or secretary through a resolution.
15. The director(s) shall appoint a chief executive in accordance with

the provisions of sections 186 and 187.
16. The directors may hold their meetings through tele or video link
provided that the minutes of such meeting are approved and signed subsequently
by all the directors.
(a) all resolutions and proceedings of the meeting(s) of directors and

Committee(s) of directors, and every director present at any meeting
of directors or Committee of directors shall put his signatures in a
book to be kept for that purpose;
meeting; and
(c) all orders made by the directors and Committee(s) of directors:

298
SECRETARY
18. The company may appoint a secretary who shall be responsible for
discharge of duties and functions normally discharged by a secretary under the
corporate laws and secretarial practice.
CONTRACTS WITH THE SINGLE MEMBER
19. Where a single member company enters into a contract with the
single member of the company, the single member company shall, unless the
contract is in writing, ensure that the terms of the contract are forthwith set out in a
written memorandum or are recorded in the minutes of the first meeting of the
directors of the company following the making of the contract.
DIVIDENDS AND RESERVES
20. The company may declare dividends and pay in accordance with the
provisions of the Act.
ACCOUNTS
21. The director(s) shall cause to keep proper books of account in

accordance with the provisions of section 220.

with the provisions of sections 246 to 249.
THE SEAL
23. The director shall provide for safe custody of the seal and the seal
shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of a resolution of the
board of directors or by a committee of directors authorized in that behalf by the
member director or the non-member director and in the presence of at least member
director or the non-member director and of the secretary or such other person as the
directors may appoint for the purpose and the member director or the non-member
director and the secretary or other person as aforesaid shall sign every instrument
to which the seal of the company is affixed in their presence.
WINDING UP
24. The company shall follow, in case of its winding up, the relevant
provisions of the Act.
INDEMNITY
299
in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal arising out of his dealings
against him, in which judgment is given in his favour or in which he is acquitted,
or in connection with any application under section 487 in which relief is granted
to him by the Court.
I, whose name and address is subscribed below, am desirous of forming a

company in pursuance of these articles of association and agree to take the number
of shares in the capital of the company as set opposite my name:
Name NIC No. Father's/ Nationality Usual Number of

and (in case of Husband's (ies) with residential ad shares taken by
surname foreigner, Name in any former dress in full or the subscriber
(present Passport full Nationality the (in figures and
Occupation
Signature
& No) registered/ words)
former) principal
in full office address
for a
subscriber
other than
natural person
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20____

Signatures
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.
Witness to above signatures: (For the documents submitted online)
Name:
Address:
TABLE B
(See section 41)
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF
300
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
1. The name of the company is “ABC Textile Limited/(Private)

Limited/(SMC-Private) Limited”.
2. The registered office of the company will be situated in the Province

of Sindh.
3. (i) The principal line of business of the company shall be to carry-out

the manufacturing, sale, import and export of textiles.
(ii) Except for the businesses mentioned in sub-clause (iii) hereunder,

the company shall engage in all the lawful businesses and shall be
authorized to take all necessary steps and actions in connection
therewith and ancillary thereto.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing sub-clauses of

this clause nothing contained herein shall be construed as
empowering the Company to undertake or indulge, directly or
indirectly in the business of a Banking Company, Non-banking
Finance Company (Mutual Fund, Leasing, Investment Company,
Investment Advisor, Real Estate Investment Trust management
company, Housing Finance Company, Venture Capital Company,
Discounting Services, Microfinance or Microcredit business),
Insurance Business, Modaraba management company, Stock
Brokerage business, forex, real estate business, managing agency,
business of providing the services of security guards or any other
business restricted under any law for the time being in force or as
may be specified by the Commission.
(iv) It is hereby undertaken that the company shall not:
(a) engage in any of the business mentioned in sub-clause (iii)

above or any unlawful operation;
(b) launch multi-level marketing (MLM), Pyramid and Ponzi

Schemes, or other related activities/businesses or any lottery
business;
(c) engage in any of the permissible business unless the requisite

approval, permission, consent or licence is obtained from
competent authority as may be required under any law for
the time being in force.
4. The liability of the members is limited.
5. The authorized capital of the company is Rs.1,000,000/- (Rupees

one Million only) divided into 100,000 (one hundred thousand) ordinary shares of
Rs.10/- (Rupees ten only) each.
301
are desirous of being formed into a company, in pursuance of this memorandum of
the company as set opposite our respective names:
Name and NIC No. Father's/ Nationality Usual Number of

surname (in case of Husband's (ies) with residential a shares taken by
(present & foreigner, Name in full any former ddress in full each subscriber
former) in Passport Nationality or the (in figures and
full (in No) registered/ words)
Occupation
Signatures
Block principal
Letters) office
address for a
subscriber
other than
natural
person
Total number of shares taken (in figures and

words)
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20___

Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.
Name:
Address:
(Applicable in case of single member company)

company in pursuance of this memorandum of association and agree to take the
number of shares in the capital of the company as set opposite my name:
302
Number of shares
Name NIC No. Father's/ Nationality Usual taken by the
and (in case of Husband's (ies) with residential a subscriber (in figures
surnam foreigner, Name in any former ddress in full and words)
e Passport full Nationality or the
Occupation
(present No) registered/
Signature
& principal
former) office
in full address for a
(in subscriber
Block other than
Letters) natural
person
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______

Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.

Name:
Address:
303
TABLE C
(See section 41)
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY

LIMITED BY GUARANTEE AND NOT HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
1. The name of the company is “The ABC Hospital (Guarantee)

Limited.”
of Baluchistan.
3. (i) The principal line of business of the company shall be to establish,
run and manage hospitals.




business;

304
5. Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets
of the company in the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within
one year afterwards, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the company
contracted before he ceases to be a member, and the costs, charges and expenses of
winding up and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among
themselves, such amount as may be required not exceeding ……………………
rupees.
association:
Name and NIC No. (in Father's/ Nationality(ies) Usual

surname case of Husband's with any former residential address
Occupation
Signatures
(present & foreigner, Name in Nationality in full or the
former) in full Passport No) full registered /
(in Block principal office
Letters) address for a
subscriber other
than natural person
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______

Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.

Name:
Address:
company in pursuance of this memorandum of association:
305
Name NIC No. Father's/ Nationality(ies) Usual
and (in case of Husband's with any former residential address
surname foreigner, Name in Nationality in full or the
Occupation
Signature
(present Passport full registered/ principal
& No) office address for a
former) subscriber other than
in full (in natural person
Block
Letters)
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______

Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.

Name:
Address:
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ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED
BY GUARANTEE AND NOT HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
INTERPRETATION
1. (1) In these articles —
(b) "the Act" means the Companies Act, 2017.
(c) "the seal" means the common seal or official seal of the company as
the case may be.
contained in these articles shall bear the same meaning as in the Act or any statutory
modification thereof in force at the date at which these regulations become binding
on the company.
MEMBERS
2. The number of members with which the company proposes to be
registered is 200, but the directors may, from time to time, whenever the company
or the business of the company requires it, register an increase of members.
3. The subscribers to the memorandum and such other persons as the
directors shall admit to membership shall be members of the company.
GENERAL MEETINGS
4. A general meeting, to be called annual general meeting, shall be held
within sixteen months from the date of incorporation of the company and thereafter
once at least in every year within a period of one hundred and twenty days
following the close of its financial year as may be determined by the directors.
5. All general meetings other than annual general meetings shall be
called extraordinary general meetings.
6. The directors may, whenever they think fit, call an extraordinary general
meeting.
PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS
7. All business shall except the businesses stated in sub-section (2) of
section 134 shall be deemed special that is transacted at a general meeting.
8. (1) No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a
quorum of members is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business.
(2) Save as otherwise provided, three members present in person or
through video-link who represent not less than twenty five per cent of the total
voting power either of their own account or as proxies in person, shall be a quorum.
307
9. (1) If within half an hour from the time appointed for a meeting a
quorum is not present, the meeting, if called upon the requisition of members shall
be dissolved.
(2) In any other case, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day
in the next week, at the same time and place, or to such other day and such other
time and place as the directors may determine.
(3) If at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an
hour from the time appointed for the meeting the members present shall be a
quorum.
10. (1) The Chairman, if any, of the board of directors shall preside as
chairman at every general meeting of the company.
(2) If there is no such chairman, or if he is not present within fifteen
minutes after the time appointed for the meeting or is unwilling to act as chairman
of the meeting, the directors present shall choose one of their number to be
chairman of the meeting.
(3) If at any meeting no director is willing to act as chairman or if no
director is present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for the meeting,
the members present shall choose one of their number to be the chairman of the
meeting.
11. (1) The chairman may, with the consent of any meeting at which a
quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting) adjourn the meeting
from time to time and from place to place.
(2) No business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than
the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.
(3) When a meeting is adjourned for thirty days or more, notice of the
adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting.
(4) Save as aforesaid, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of an
adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting.
12. At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote to the meeting
shall be decided on a show of hands and a declaration by the chairman that a
resolution has been carried or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or
lost and an entry to that effect in the minutes of proceedings shall be conclusive
evidence of the fact without proof of the number of votes recorded in favour or
against the resolution.
13. In the case of an equality of votes, the chairman of the meeting shall
have and exercise a second or casting vote.
VOTES OF MEMBERS
14. Every member shall have one vote.
15. A member of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has
been made by any court having jurisdiction in lunacy, may vote, by his committee
or other legal guardian, and any such committee or guardian may, vote by proxy.
308
16. No member shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless
all moneys presently payable by him to the company have been paid.
17. (1) Votes may be given on any matter by the members either
personally or through video-link or by proxy or by means of postal ballot.
only through postal ballot as may be notified by the Commission.
18. (1) No objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter
except at a meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is given or
tendered, and every vote not disallowed at such meeting shall be valid for all
purposes.
(2) Any such objection made in due time shall be referred to the
chairman of the meeting, whose decision shall be final and conclusive.
19. A vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy
shall be valid, notwithstanding the previous death or insanity of the principal or the
revocation of the proxy or of the authority under which the proxy was executed:
Provided that no intimation in writing of such death, insanity or revocation
shall have been received by the company at its office before the commencement of
the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the proxy is used.
20. An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing and shall be
deposited at the office of the company or the place of meeting at least forty-eight
hours before the meeting at which it is to be used.
DIRECTORS
until the election of directors in the annual general meeting:
1. ab
2. cd
3. ef
4. gh
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
22. (i) The directors of the company shall be elected in accordance with
provisions of sub-sections (1) to (4) of section 159 of the Act, in
the following manner:
(a) the directors of the company shall be elected by the members
of the company in general meeting;
(b) each member shall have votes equal to the number of
directors to be elected;
(c) a member may give all his votes to a single candidate or
divide them, not being in fractions, between more than one
of the candidates in such manner as he may choose; and
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(d) the candidate who gets the highest number of votes shall be
declared elected as director and then the candidate who gets
the next highest number of votes shall be so declared and so
on until the total number of directors to be elected has been
so elected.
(ii) If the number of persons who offer themselves to be elected is not
more than the number of directors fixed by the directors under sub-
section (1) of section 159, all persons who offered themselves
shall be deemed to have been elected as directors.
POWER AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
22. The business of the company shall be managed by the directors, who
may exercise all such powers of the company as are not by the Act required to be
exercised by the company in general meeting.
PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS
23. (1) The Directors may meet for the dispatch of business, adjourn and
otherwise regulate their meetings, as they think fit.
(2) A director may, and the chief executive or secretary on the
requisition of a director shall, at any time, summon a meeting of the directors.
24. (1) Save as otherwise expressly provided in the Act, questions
arising at any meeting of the directors shall be decided by a majority of votes.
(2) In case of any equality of votes, the chairman shall have and exercise
a second or casting vote.
25. The continuing directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy but,
if and so long as their number is reduced below the minimum fixed by the Act, the
continuing directors or director may act for the purpose of increasing the number
of directors to that minimum or for summoning a general meeting of the company,
but for no other purpose.
26. (1) The directors may elect a chairman and determine the period for
which he is to hold office within the limits prescribed by the Act.
(2) If no such chairman is elected, or if at any meeting the Chairman is
not present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for the meeting or is
unwilling to act as chairman, the directors present may choose one of their number
to be chairman of the meeting.
27. All acts done by any meeting of the directors or by any person acting
as director, shall, notwithstanding that it may afterwards be discovered that there
was some defect in the appointment of any such director or of any person acting as
aforesaid, or that they or any of them were disqualified, be as valid as if every such
director or such person had been duly appointed and was qualified to be a director.
310
28. A resolution in writing, signed by all the directors for the time being
entitled to receive notice of a meeting, shall be as valid and effectual as if it had
been passed at a meeting of the directors duly convened and held.
MINUTE BOOKS
meeting(s) of directors and committee(s) of directors, and every
at any meeting of directors or committee of directors shall put his
meeting; and
(c) all orders made by the directors and committee(s) of directors:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
30. Subject to the provisions of the Act, a chief executive shall be
appointed by the directors for such term, at such remuneration and upon such
conditions as they may think fit.
THE SEAL
31. The directors shall provide for the safe custody of the seal and the
seal shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of a resolution of
the board of directors or by a committee of directors authorized in that behalf by
the directors and in the presence of at least two directors and of the secretary or
such other person as the directors may appoint for the purpose; and those two
directors and secretary or other person as aforesaid shall sign every instrument to
which the seal of the company is so affixed in their presence.
association:
311
Name and NIC No. Father's/ Nationality(ies) Usual
surname (in case of Husband's with any former residential address
Occupation
Signatures
(present & foreigner, Name in Nationality in full or the
former) in full Passport full registered
(in Block No) /principal office
Letters) address for a
subscriber other
than natural person
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______
Signature

Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.

Name:
Address:
company in pursuance of these articles of association:
Name and NIC No. (in Father's/ Nationality(ies Usual

surname case of Husband's ) with any residential address
Occupation
Signature
(present & foreigner, Name in full former in full or the

former) in Passport No) Nationality registered/ principal
full (in office address for a
Block subscriber other than
Letters) natural person
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______

312
Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.

Name:
Address:
TABLE D
[See section 41]
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY

LIMITED BY GUARANTEE AND HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
1. The name of the company is “The ABC Hospital (Guarantee)
Limited.”
of Baluchistan.
3. (i) The principal business of the company shall be to establish, run
and manage hospitals.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing sub-clauses

of this clause nothing contained herein shall be construed as
313
a. engage in any of the business mentioned in sub-clause (iii)

b. launch multi-level marketing (MLM), Pyramid and Ponzi

business;
c. engage in any of the permissible business unless the requisite

5. Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets
of the company in the event of its being wound up while he is a member, or within
one year afterwards, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the company
contracted before he ceases to be a member, and the costs, charges and expenses of
winding up and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among
themselves, such amount as may be required not exceeding ___________rupees.
Number
Name NIC No. Father's/ Nationality Usual of shares
and (in case Husband's (ies) with residential address taken by
surname of Name in any former in full or the
Occupation
the
Signatures
(present foreigner, full Nationality registered/principal subscriber
& Passport office address for a (in figures
former) No) subscriber other and
in full (in than natural person words)
Block
Letters)
314
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______
Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.

Name:
Address:

Number of shares
Name and NIC No. Father's/ Nationality( Usual taken by the
surname (in case Husband's ies) with residential a subscriber (in
(present & of Name in any former ddress in full figures and words)
former) in foreigne full Nationality or the
Occupation
full (in r, registered/
Signature
Block Passport principal
Letters) No) office
address for a
subscriber
other than
natural
person
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______

Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.
315
Name:
Address:
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY

GUARANTEE AND HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
PRELIMINARY
1. (1) In these regulations—
as the case may be.
registered is 100, but the directors may from time to time register an increase of
members.
3. All the regulations in Table A of this Schedule shall be deemed to
be incorporated with these articles and shall apply to the company.
Number
Name and NIC No. Father's/ Nationality( Usual of shares
surname (in case Husband's ies) with residential address taken by
(present of Name in any former in full or the the
Occupation
Signatures
& former) foreigner full Nationality registered/ principal subscribe

in full (in , Passport office address for a r (in
Block No) subscriber other than figures
Letters) natural person and
words)
316
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______

Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.
Name:
Address:

Number of
Name NIC No. (in Father's/ Nationality( Usual shares
and case of Husband's ies) with residential add taken by
surname foreigner, Name in any former ress in full or the
Occupation
(present Passport No) full Nationality the

Signature
subscriber
& registered/ (in figures
former) principal office and words)
in full address for a
subscriber
other than
natural person
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______

Signature
Nationality
317
Occupation
NIC No.

Name:
Address:
TABLE E
(See section 41)
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF AN

UNLIMITED COMPANY HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
1. The name of the company is “Khyber Fruit Products Company
Unlimited”.
of Sindh.
3. (i) The principal line of business of the company shall be preservation,
canning and marketing of fruit and fruit products.



318
business;

4. The liability of the members is unlimited.

Number
Name and NIC No. Father's/ Nationality(i Usual of shares
surname (in case Husband' es) with any residential address taken by
(present of s Name former in full or the the
Occupation
Signatures
& former) foreigner, in full Nationality registered/principal subscribe
in full (in Passport office address for a r (in
Block No) subscriber other figures
Letters) than natural person and
words)
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______

Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.
319
Name:
Address:

Number of
Name and NIC No. Father's/ Nationality( Usual shares taken
surname (in case of Husband' ies) with residential by the
(present & foreigner, s Name any former subscriber
former) in Passport in full Nationality address in full or
Occupation
Signature
the (in figures
full (in No) and words)
Block registered/
Letters) principal office
address for a
subscriber other
than natural
person
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______

Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.
Name:
Address:
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF AN UNLIMITED COMPANY

PRILIMINARY
1. (1) In these regulations−
320
as the case may be.
2. All the regulations in Table A of this Schedule shall be deemed to
be incorporated with these articles and shall apply to the company.
Number of
Name and NIC No. Father's/ Nationality(ies Usual shares taken
surname (in case Husband' ) with any residential by the
(present & of s Name former address in full subscriber (in
former) in foreigner, in full Nationality or the
Occupation
figures and
Signatures
full (in Passport registered/ words)
Block No) principal
Letters) office address
for a
subscriber
other than
natural person
Total number of shares taken (in figures and

words)
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______

Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.
321
Name:
Address:

Number of
Name and NIC No. Father's/ Nationality(i Usual residential shares taken
surname (in case Husband' es) with any address in full or by the
Occupation
(present & of s Name former the registered/
Signature
subscriber
former) in foreigner, in full Nationality principal office (in figures
full (in Passport address for a and words)
Block No) subscriber other
Letters) than natural
person
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______

Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.
Name:
Address:
322
TABLE F
(See section 42)
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF

A COMPANY LICENCED UNDER SECTION 42
[A company set up under Section 42 of the Companies Act, 60[2017]]
I. The name of the company is “XYZ Association”.

II. The registered office of the company will be situated in the Province of
Baluchistan.
III. The object for which the company is established, are as follows:
(1) To promote education in the country by establishing, maintaining, assisting,
running and managing schools and colleges for the low income segment in
society in rural and urban areas.
(2) To ……………
(3) To ……………
IV. In order to achieve its object, the company shall exercise the following
powers:
(1) To appeal, solicit or accept contributions, donations, grants and gifts, in cash
or in kind, from lawful sources and to apply the same or income thereof for
the objects of the company.
(2) To open and operate bank accounts in the name of the company and to draw,
make, accept, endorse, execute and issue promissory notes, bills, cheques
and other instruments.
(3) To acquire, alter, improve, charge, take on lease, exchange, hire, sell, let or
otherwise dispose of any movable or immovable property and any rights
and privileges whatsoever for any of the objects or purposes specified herein
above. Provided that the company shall not undertake the business of real
estate or housing schemes.
(4) To borrow or raise money, with or without security, required for the
purposes of the company upon such terms and in such manner as may be
determined by the company for the promotion of its objects.
(5) To mortgage the assets of the company and / or render guarantee for the
performance of any contract made, discharge of any obligation incurred or
repayment of any moneys borrowed by the company.
60
Substituted the expression “2016” vide S.R.O. 732(I)/2018 dated 7th June, 2018
323
(6) To purchase, sell, exchange, take on lease, hire or otherwise acquire lands,
construct, maintain or alter any building and any other moveable or
immovable properties or any right or privileges necessary or convenient for
the use and purposes of the company.
(7) To nominate delegates and advisors to represent the company at
conferences, government bodies and other gatherings.
(8) To co-operate with other charitable trusts, societies, associations,

institutions or companies formed for all or any of these objects and statutory
authorities operating for similar purposes and to exchange information and
advice with them.
(9) To pay out of the funds of the company the costs, charges and expenses of
and incidental to the formation and registration of the company.
(10) To invest the surplus moneys of the company not immediately required, in
such a manner as may from time to time be determined by the company.
(11) To create, establish, administer and manage funds including endowment

fund conducive for the promotion of the objects of the company.
(12) To enter into agreements, contracts and arrangements with organizations,

institutions, bodies and individuals for the purpose of carrying out the
functions and activities of the company.
(13) To take such actions as are considered necessary to raise the status or to
promote the efficiency of the company.
(14) To conduct, hold and arrange symposia, seminars, conferences, lectures,

workshops and dialogue and to print, publish and prepare journals,
magazines, books, circulars, reports, catalogues and other works relating to
any of the objects of or to the work done by the company, subject to the
permission, if required of the relevant authorities
(15) To do all other such lawful acts and things as are incidental or conducive to
the attainment of the above objects or any one of them.
61
V. [The company shall achieve the above said objects subject to the
conditions specified in Associations with Charitable and Not for Profit Objects
Regulations, 2018 and any additional condition mentioned in the license.]
61
Substituted vide S.R.O. 732(I)/2018 dated 7th June, 2018. The substituted paragraph V was read
as under:
V. The company shall achieve the above said objects subject to the following
conditions:—
(1) The company is formed as a public company limited by guarantee.
(2) Payment of remuneration by the company or its subsidiary entity for services or
otherwise to members of the company or to their family members whether
holding an office in the company or its subsidiary or not, shall be prohibited
324
provided that the prohibition shall continue to apply for a period of five years
after a member quits from his membership of the company.
(3) No change in the Memorandum and Articles of Association shall be made except
with the prior approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
(4) Patronage of any government or authority, express or implied, shall not be
claimed unless such government or authority has signified its consent thereto in
writing.
(5) The company shall not itself set up or otherwise engage in industrial and
commercial activities or in any manner function as a trade organization.
(6) The company shall not exploit or offend the religious susceptibilities of the
people.
(7) The company shall not, directly or indirectly, participate in any political campaign
for elective public office or other political activities akin to those of a political
party or contribute any funds or resources to any political party or any individual
or body for any political purpose.
(8) The subscribers to the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company
shall continue to be the members of the company unless allowed by the
Commission on application to quit as members.
(9) The company shall not appoint any person as director or chief executive unless
he meets the fit and proper criteria as specified by the Commission from time to
time.
(10) The company in all its letterheads, documents, sign boards, and other modes of
communication, shall with its name, state the phrase “A company set up under
section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017.”
(11) The income and any profits of the company, shall be applied solely towards the
promotion of objects of the company and no portion thereof shall be distributed,
paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise
by way of profit to the members of the company or their family members.
(12) The company shall not appeal, solicit, receive or accept funds, grants,
contributions, donations or gifts, in cash or in kind, from foreign sources except
with the prior permission, clearance or approval from the relevant public
authorities as may be required under any relevant statutory regulations and
laws. No funds shall be received otherwise than through proper banking channels
i.e., through crossed cheque, pay-order, bank draft.
(13) The company shall close its accounts on 30th of June each year.
(14) The company shall make no investment, whatsoever, in its associated companies
except with the prior approval of the Commission and subject to such conditions
as it may deem fit to impose.
(15) The company shall not undertake any trading activities and shall conform to
relevant statutory regulations and laws.
(16) Notwithstanding anything stated in any object clause, the company shall obtain
such other licences, permissions, or approvals of the relevant public authorities
as may be required under any relevant statutory regulations and laws for the
time being in force, to carry out its specific object.
(17) The company shall comply with such conditions as may be imposed by the
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan from time to time.
325
VI. The territories to which the object of the company shall extend are
declared to include whole of Pakistan.
VII. The liability of the members is limited.
VIII. Every member of the company undertakes that he shall contribute

to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up while he is a member
or within one year afterwards, for payment of the debts or liabilities of the company
contracted before he ceases to be a member and the costs, charges and expenses of
winding up and for adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves
62
[an amount of rupees_________ but not less than one hundred thousand rupees
or such other amount as may be notified by the Commission].
IX. 63
[…]
X. In the case of winding up or dissolution of the company, any surplus
assets or property, after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, shall not be paid
or disbursed among the members, but shall be given or transferred to some other
company established under section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017, preferably
having similar or identical objects to those of the company and with the approval
required under the relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act, 2001 and under
intimation to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
We, the several, persons whose names and addresses are subscribed below
are desirous of being formed into a company in pursuance of this memorandum of
association:—
62
Substituted expression “such amount as may be required but not exceeding Rs.100,000/-
(Rupees One Hundred Thousand Only)” vide S.R.O. 732(I)/2018 dated 7th June, 2018.
63
Omitted vide S.R.O. 732(I)/2018 dated 7th June, 2018. The omitted paragraph IX was read as
under:
IX. On the revocation of licence of a company under section 42 of the
Companies Act, 2017, by the Commission:
(a) the company shall stop all its activities except the recovery of money
owed to it, if any;
(b) the company shall not solicit or receive donations from any source; and
(c) all the assets of the company after the satisfaction of all debts and
liabilities, shall be transferred to another company licenced under
section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017, preferably having similar or
identical objects to those of the company, within ninety days from the
revocation of the licence or such extended period as may be allowed by
the Commission:
Provided that a reasonable amount to meet the expenses of voluntary winding
up or making an application to the registrar for striking the name of the company off the
register may be retained by the company.
326
Name and NIC No. (in Father's/ Nationality(ies) Usual residential
surname case of Husband's with any address in full or the
Occupation
Signatures
(present foreigner, Name in former registered/ principal
& former) Passport No) full Nationality office address for a
in full subscriber other than
natural person
(in Block
Letters)
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______

Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.
64
[…]
[A company set up under Section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017]
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
1. In these Articles, unless the context or the subject matter otherwise

requires:
(a) “the company” means ‘XYZ Association’.
(b) “the office” means the registered office for the time being of the
company.
64
Omitted vide S.R.O. 732(I)/2018 dated 7th June, 2018. The omitted expression was read as
under:
Name:
Address
327
(c) “the directors” mean the directors for the time being of the company.
(d) “the seal” means the common seal or official seal of the company as
the case may be.
(e) “the Act” means the Companies Act, 2017.
(f) “the Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission

of Pakistan.
(g) “the registrar” means the registrar of companies as defined in the

Companies Act, 2017.
(h) “the register” means the register of the members to be kept in

pursuant to section 119 of the Act.
(i) “chief executive” means the chief executive of the company.
(j) “secretary” means the company secretary of the company.
(k) “memorandum” means the memorandum of association of the

company.
(l) “person” includes an individual, company, corporation and body

corporate.
(m) “articles” means the articles of association of the company.
(n) “board” means the board of directors of the company.
(o) “year” used in the context of financial matters shall mean financial
year of the company.
(p) Expressions referring to writing shall be construed as including
references to typewriting, printing, lithography, photography and
other modes of representing or reproducing words in visible form.
(q) Words importing the singular number include the plural number and
vice versa and words importing the masculine gender include the
feminine gender.
(r) Unless the context otherwise requires words or expressions
contained in these Articles shall be of the same meaning as in the
Act or any statutory modification thereof in force at the date at
which these Articles become binding on the company.
MEMBERSHIP

registered is ……, but the minimum number of members shall not be, at any time,
less than three (3). However, the directors may, from time to time, whenever the
company or the business of the company requires, increase the number of members.
328
3. The company in general meeting may from time to time lay down
the qualifications and conditions subject to which any person or class of persons
shall be admitted to membership of the company.
4. The rights and privileges of a member shall not be transferable and
shall cease on his death or otherwise ceasing to be a member.
5. The subscribers to the memorandum and such other persons as the

directors shall admit to membership shall be members of the company.
6. One person shall have the right to hold one membership.
ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP
7. The application for seeking membership of the company shall be

required to be seconded by an existing member whereupon the board of directors
shall decide the matter of his admission as member or otherwise within ninety days
of making of such application. No minor or lunatic shall be admitted as a member
of the company.
8. Every person, upon applying for admission to membership, shall
submit to the company an undertaking on the stamp paper of appropriate value that:
(a) I have not been associated with any money laundering or terrorist
financing activities and neither have approved receipt of nor
received such monies and likewise neither have approved
disbursement of nor disbursed such monies in any manner for
money laundering or terrorist financing purposes; and
(b) I have not been associated with any illegal banking business, deposit
taking or financial dealings or any other illegal activities.
9. The board shall subject to the Articles, accept or reject any
application for admission to membership. The board’s decision shall be final and it
shall not be liable to give any reasons thereof.
CESSATION / EXPULSION FROM MEMBERSHIP
10. A member renders himself liable to expulsion or suspension by the

board if:
(a) he refuses or neglects to give effect to any decision of the board; or
(b) he infringes any of the regulations of the articles; or
(c) he is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to have

committed a fraud, or to be bankrupt, or to be insane or otherwise
incompetent; or
(d) he is held by the Committee of the company to have been guilty of

any act discreditable to a member of the company; or
329
(e) he is acting or is threatening to act in a manner prejudicial to the
objects, interest or functioning of the company or any other institute,
body corporate, society, association or institution in which the
company has an interest.
11. The company in general meeting may, on an appeal of the aggrieved

member and after giving an opportunity of hearing, annul or modify the decision of
the board with regard to expulsion of the member by resolution supported by two-
thirds majority. The person expelled shall be reinstated as a member from the date
of the resolution of the general meeting annulling the decision of the board.
12. Termination of membership shall occur automatically:
(a) in the event of the death of a member; and

(b) in the event a member fails to pay any amount due by him to the
company within three (3) months after such obligation has become
due.
GENERAL MEETINGS AND PROCEEDINGS
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
13. A general meeting to be called annual general meeting, shall be held,

in accordance with the provisions of Section 132, within sixteen months (16)
months from the date of incorporation of the company and thereafter once at least
in every calendar year within a period of four (4) months following the close of its
financial year as may be determined by the directors.
OTHER GENERAL MEETINGS

14. All other meetings of the members of the company other than an
annual general meeting shall be called “extraordinary general meetings”.
EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS

15. The directors may, whenever they think fit, call an extraordinary
general meeting, and extraordinary general meeting shall also be called on such
requisition(s), as is provided by section 133 of the Act.
NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

16. Twenty-one (21) days’ notice at least (exclusive of the day on which
the notice is served or deemed to be served, but inclusive of the day for which notice
is given) specifying the place, the day and the hour of meeting and, in case of special
business, the general nature of that business, shall be given in the manner provided
by the Act for the general meeting, to such persons as are, under the Act or the
Articles of the company, entitled to receive such notices from the company but the
accidental omission to give notice to or the non-receipt of notice by any member
shall not invalidate the proceedings at any general meeting.
SPECIAL BUSINESS
330
17. All business that is transacted at an extra ordinary general meeting
and that is transacted at an annual general meeting with the exception of the
consideration of the financial statements and the reports of the director and auditors,
the election of directors, the appointment of and the fixing of remuneration of the
auditors shall be deemed special business.
QUORUM
18. No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a
quorum of members representing not less than two (2) members or twenty-five
percent of the total number of members of the company, whichever is greater, is
present personally or through video-link at the time when the meeting proceeds to
business—
(a) in the case of a public listed company, unless the articles provide for
a larger number, not less than ten members present personally, or
through video-link who represent not less than twenty-five percent
of the total voting power, either of their own account or as proxies;
(b) in the case of any other company having share capital, unless the
articles provide for a larger number, two members present
personally, or through video-link who represent not less than
twenty-five percent of the total voting power, either of their own
account or as proxies.
EFFECT OF QUORUM NOT BEING PRESENT

19. If within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a
quorum is not present, the meeting, if called upon the requisition of members, shall
be dissolved and in any other case, it shall stand adjourned to the same day in the
next week at the same time and place and if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is
not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, the
members present in person or through video-link, being not less than two, shall be
a quorum.
CHAIRMAN OF MEETING
20. The chairman of the board of directors, shall preside as chairman at

every general meeting of the company, but if he is not present within fifteen minutes
after the time appointed for the meeting, or is unwilling to act as chairman, any of
the directors present may be elected to be the chairman and if none of the directors
present is willing to act as chairman, the members present shall choose one of their
number to be the chairman.
ADJOURNMENT
21. The chairman may, with the consent of any meeting at which a
quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting), adjourn the meeting
from time to time but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other
than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took
place. When a meeting is adjourned for fifteen (15) days or more, notice of the
adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. Save as
331
aforesaid, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the
business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting.
VOTING
22. At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote to the meeting
shall be decided on a show of hands and a declaration by the chairman that a
resolution has been carried, or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or
lost, and an entry to that effect in the book of the proceedings of the company shall
be conclusive evidence of the fact, without proof of the number or proportion of
the votes recorded in favour of or against that resolution.
CASTING VOTE
23. In the case of an equality of votes, the chairman of the meeting shall
have and exercise a second or casting vote.
VOTES OF MEMBERS
24. (1) Votes may be given on any matter by the members either
personally or through video-link or by proxy or by means of postal ballot.
only through postal ballot as may be notified by the Commission.
OBJECTION TO VOTE
25. No objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter except

at the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is given and
tendered, and every vote not disallowed at such meeting shall be valid for all
purposes. Any such objection made in due time shall be referred to the chairman of
the meeting, whose decision shall be final and conclusive.
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
26. There shall be, for the overall management of the company’s affairs,
a board of directors, which will be elected from amongst the members.
27. One term of the board of directors would be for three years.
28. No person shall be appointed as a director if he is ineligible to hold

office of director of a company under section 153 of the Act.
29. No member / person shall hold more than one office in the company,
such as those of Chief Executive / director or company secretary simultaneously.
FIRST DIRECTORS
until the election of directors in the annual general meeting:
332
1. ab
2. cd
3. ef
4. gh
NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
31. The number of directors shall not be less than three (3)65[…]. The
directors of a company shall, subject to section 154, fix the number of elected
directors of the company not later than thirty-five days before the convening of the
general meeting at which directors are to be elected, and the number so fixed shall
not be changed except with the prior approval of a general meeting of the company
such that the minimum number of directors shall not be, at any time, less than three
(3). A retiring director shall be eligible for re-election.
PROCEDURE FOR ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
32. (i) The directors of the company shall be elected in accordance with
provisions of sub-sections (1) to (4) of section 159 of the Act, in the following
manner:
(a) the directors of the company shall be elected by the members
of the company in general meeting;
(b) each member shall have votes equal to the number of
directors to be elected;
(c) a member may give all his votes to a single candidate or
divide them, not being in fractions, between more than one
of the candidates in such manner as he may choose; and
(d) the candidate who gets the highest number of votes shall be
declared elected as director and then the candidate who gets
the next highest number of votes shall be so declared and so
on until the total number of directors to be elected has been
so elected.
(ii) If the number of persons who offer themselves to be elected is not
more than the number of directors fixed by the directors under sub-
section (1) of section 159, all persons who offered themselves shall
be deemed to have been elected as directors.
CASUAL VACANCY AND ALTERNATE OR SUBSTITUTE DIRECTORS

33. (a) Any casual vacancy occurring among the directors may be filled
up by the directors within thirty days of the vacancy and the person
so appointed shall hold office for the remainder of the term of
director in whose place he is appointed.
(b) An existing director may, with the approval of the board of directors,
appoint an alternate director to act for him during his absence from
Pakistan of not less than ninety days. The alternate director so
65
Omitted expression “and not more than nine (9)” vide S.R.O. 732(I)/2018 dated 7th June, 2018.
333
appointed shall ipso facto vacate office if and when the director
appointing him returns to Pakistan.
(c) A person shall be eligible for appointment against casual vacancy or

to act as alternate director only if he is a member and is not already
a director of the company.
REMOVAL OF DIRECTOR
34. The company may remove a director through a resolution passed in
a general meeting of members in accordance with section 163 of the Act.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
35. The directors may elect one of their members as the Chairman of the
board. The Chairman of the board shall preside at all meetings of the board but, if
at any meeting the chairman is not present within ten minutes after the time
appointed for holding the same or is unwilling to act as chairman, the directors
present in person or through video-link may choose one of their member to be
chairman of the meeting.
DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD
36. The board shall conduct and manage all the business affairs of the
company, exercise all the powers, authorities and discretion of the company, obtain
or oppose the application by others for all concessions, grants, charters and
legislative acts and authorization from any government or authority, enter into such
contracts and do all such other things as may be necessary for carrying on the
business of the company, except only such of them as under the statutes and Articles
are expressly directed to be exercised by general meetings and (without in any way
prejudicing or limiting the extent of such general powers) shall have the following
special powers and duties:
(a) To present to the general meeting of the company any matters which
the directors feel are material to the company, its objects or interests
or affecting the interests of members and make suitable
recommendations regarding such matters.
(b) To regulate, through articles, the admission of members.
(c) To appoint, remove or suspend the legal advisors, bankers, or other

officers on such terms and conditions as they shall think fit and as
may be agreed upon.
(d) To determine the remuneration, terms and conditions and powers of

such appointees and from time to time, revoke such appointments
and name another person of similar status to such office except for
the auditor in which case the relevant provisions of the Act shall be
followed.
334
(e) To delegate, from time to time, to any such appointee all or any of
the powers and authority of the board and to reconstitute, restrict or
vary such delegations.
(f) To appoint any qualified person as a first auditor(s) subject to

provisions of the Act;
(g) To agree upon and pay any expenses in connection with the
company’s objects and undertakings and pay all the expenses
incidental to the formation and regulation of the company.
(h) To constitute from time to time committee(s) from among

themselves or co-opt other persons for the purpose and delegate to
them such functions and powers as the board may deem fit to carry
out the objects of the company.
(i) Subject to the provisions of section 183 of the Act, the directors may
exercise all the powers of the company to borrow and mortgage or
charge its undertaking, property and assets (both present and future)
or issue securities, whether outright security for any debt, liability
or obligation of the company.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD

37. The board shall meet at least once in each quarter of every year,
subject thereto meetings of the board shall be held at such time as the directors shall
think fit. All meetings of the board shall be held at the registered office of the
company or at such other place as the board shall from time to time determine. The
meetings of the board shall be called by the chairman on his own accord or at the
request of the chief executive (or any three directors) by giving at least seven (7)
days’ notice to the members of the board.
39. Save as otherwise expressly provided in the Act, every question at

meetings of the board shall be determined by a majority of votes of the directors
present in person or through video-link, each director having one vote. In case of
an equality of votes or tie, the chairman shall have a casting vote in addition to his
original vote as a director.

335
meeting; and

RESOLUTION THROUGH CIRCULATION
41. A resolution in writing signed by all directors for the time being
entitled to receive notice of the meeting of directors or affirmed by them in writing
shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the directors
duly convened and held.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
42. The directors may appoint a person to be the Chief Executive of the
company and vest in him such powers and functions as they deem fit in relation to
the management and administration of the affairs of the company subject to their
general supervision and control. The Chief Executive, if not already a director, shall
be deemed to be a director of the company and be entitled to all the rights and
privileges and subject to all the liabilities of that office.
QUALIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
43. No person who is not eligible to become a director of the company

under section 153 of the Act, shall be appointed or continue as the Chief Executive
of the company.
REMOVAL OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE

44. The directors by passing resolution by not less than three-fourths of
the total number of directors for the time being or the company may by a special
resolution passed in a general meeting remove a chief executive before the expiry
of his term in office.
MINUTE BOOKS
in book or books with regard to−

336
meeting; and
Provided that all records related to proceedings through videolink
shall be maintained in accordance with the relevant regulations specified by
the Commission which shall be appropriately recorded into writing and
made part of the minute books according to the said regulations.
SECRETARY
46. The Secretary shall be appointed (or removed) by the chairman of
the company with the approval of the board.
47. The Secretary shall be responsible for all secretarial functions and
shall ensure compliance with respect to requirements of the Act concerning the
meetings and record of proceedings of the board, committees and the general
meeting of members, review the applications for admission to membership and the
recommendations accompanying the same to ensure that they are in the form
prescribed, ensure that all notices required by these Articles or under the Act are
duly sent and that all returns required under the Act are duly filed with concerned
Company Registration Office.
COMMITTEES
48. The directors may delegate any of their powers to committees
consisting of such member or members of their body as they think fit and they may
from time to time revoke such delegation. Any committee so formed shall, in the
exercise of the powers so delegated, conform to any regulations that may from time
to time be imposed on it by the directors.
CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS
49. A committee may elect a chairman of its meetings, but, if no such

chairman is elected, or if at any meeting the chairman is not present within fifteen
(15) minutes after the time appointed for holding the same or is unwilling to act as
chairman, the members present may choose one of them to be the chairman of the
meeting.
PROCEEDINGS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

50. A committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper. Questions
arising at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members
present. In case of an equality of votes, the chairman shall have and exercise a
second or casting vote.
VALIDITY OF DIRECTORS’ ACTS

51. All acts done by any meeting of the directors or of a committee of
directors, or by any person acting as a director, shall, notwithstanding that it be
afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of such
337
directors or persons acting as aforesaid, or that they or any of them were
disqualified, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed and was
qualified to be a director.
THE SEAL
52. The directors shall provide for the safe custody of the seal, which
shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of a resolution of the
board or by a committee of directors authorized in that behalf by the directors, and
two directors or one director and the Secretary of the company shall sign every
instrument to which the seal shall be affixed.
FINANCES
53. The funds of the company shall be applied in defraying the expenses
and shall be applicable in or towards the acquisition by purchase, lease or otherwise
and furnishing and maintenance of suitable premises and assets for the use of the
company and shall be subject to the general control and direction of the board.
54. No person, except persons duly authorized by the board and acting
within the limits of the authority as conferred, shall have authority to sign any
cheque or to enter into any contract so as thereby to impose any liability on the
company or to pledge the assets of the company.
ACCOUNTS
BOOKS OF ACCOUNT
55. The directors shall cause to be kept proper books of account as
required under Section 220 of the Act so that such books of account shall be kept
at the registered office or at such other place as the directors think fit as provided
in the said section 220 and shall be open to inspection by the directors during
business hours.
INSPECTION BY MEMBERS
56. The directors shall from time to time determine the time and places
for inspection of the accounts and books of the company by the members not being
directors, and no member (not being a director) shall have any right to inspect any
account and book or papers of the company except as conferred by law or
authorized by the directors or by the company in general meeting.
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
57. The directors shall as required by section 223 of the Act cause to be
prepared and to be laid before the company in annual general meeting such financial
statements duly audited and reports of the auditors and the directors as are required
under the Act.
COPY OF ACCOUNTS TO BE SENT TO MEMBERS

58. A copy of financial statements alongwith the reports of directors and
auditors of the company shall, at least twenty-one (21) clear days before the holding
of the general meeting, be sent to all the members and the persons entitled to receive
338
notices of general meetings, in the manner in which notices are to be given as
provided in section 55 of the Act.
AUDIT

with Sections 246 to 249 of the Act.
NOTICE TO MEMBERS
60. Notice shall be given by the company to members and auditors of
the company and other persons entitled to receive notice in accordance with section
55 of the Act.
INDEMNITY
in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, arising out of his dealings
against him in which judgment is given in his favour or in which he is acquitted, or
in connection with any application under section 492 in which relief is granted to
him by the Court.
SECRECY
62. Every director, secretary, auditor, trustee, member of a committee,
officer, servant, agent, accountant, or other person employed in the business of the
company shall observe strict secrecy representing all transactions of the company,
and the state of account with individuals and in matters relating thereto and shall
not reveal any of the matters which may come to his knowledge in the discharge of
his duties except when required so to do by the directors or the company in general
meeting or by a court of law, and except so far as may be necessary in order to
comply with any of the provisions herein contained.
WINDING UP
63. In the case of winding up or dissolution of the company, any surplus
assets or property, after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, shall not be paid
or disbursed among the members, but shall be given or transferred to some other
company established under section 42 of the Act, preferably having similar or
identical objects to those of the company and with the approval required under the
relevant provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 and under intimation to the
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
64. With regard to winding up, the company shall comply with the
relevant provisions of the Act and the conditions of licence granted under section
42 of the Act or any directions contained in a revocation order passed by the
Commission under the said section 42.
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS RELATING TO TAX
339
65. The company shall abide by and adhere to the following rules:
(i) The company shall get its annual accounts audited from a firm of
Chartered Accountants.
(ii) The company shall, in the event of its dissolution, after meeting all
liabilities, transfer all its assets to an Institution, fund, trust, society
or organization, which is an approved non-profit organization, and
intimation of such transfer will be given to Commissioner, Federal
Board of Revenue, within ninety days of the dissolution.
(iii) The company shall utilize its money, property or income or any part
thereof, solely for promoting its objects.
(iv) The company shall not pay or transfer any portion of its money,
property or income, directly by way of dividend, bonus or profit, to
any of its members(s) or the relative or relatives of member or
members.
(v) The company shall maintain its banks accounts with a scheduled
bank or in a post office or national saving organization, National
Bank of Pakistan or national commercialized banks.
(vi) The company shall regularly maintain its books of accounts in

accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and
permit their inspection to the interested members of the public,
without any hindrance, at all reasonable times.
(vii) Without prejudice to the powers conferred on the Commission under

section 42 of the Act, the association shall not change its
memorandum and articles of association without approval of
Commissioner, Income Tax, if it has been approved by him as a non-
profit organization.
(viii) The company shall restrict the surpluses or monies validly set apart,
excluding restricted funds, up to twenty five percent (25%) of the
total income of the year. Provided that such surpluses or monies set
apart are invested in Government Securities, a collective investment
scheme authorized or registered under the Non-Banking Finance
Companies (Establishment and Regulation) Rules, 2003, mutual
funds, a real estate investment trust approved and authorized under
Real Estate Investment Trust Regulations, 2008 or scheduled banks.
We, the several, persons whose names and addresses are subscribed below
are desirous of being formed into a company in pursuance of these articles of
association:-
340
Name and NIC No. (in Father's/ Nationality(i Usual residential
surname case of Husband's es) with any address in full or
Occupation
Signatures
(present & foreigner, Name in former the registered/
former) in full Passport No) full Nationality principal office
(in Block address for a
Letters) subscriber other
than natural
person
Dated the____________ day of_________________, 20______
Signature
Nationality
Occupation
NIC No.
66
[…]
66
Omitted vide S.R.O. 732(I)/2018 dated 7th June, 2018. The omitted expression was read as
under:
Name:
Address:
341
SECOND SCHEDULE
FORM OF STATEMENT IN LIEU OF PROSPECTUS TO BE

DELIVERED TO REGISTRAR BY A COMPANY WHICH DOES NOT
ISSUE A PROSPECTUS
SECTION 1
FORM OF STATEMENT AND PARTICULARS TO BE

CONTAINED THEREIN
(Pursuant to section 19 of the Companies Act, 2017)
1. Name of the company

2. Corporate Universal
Identification No. (CUIN):
3. Registered Office:
4. Telephone No.
5. Fax No.
6. Website Address:
7. E-mail Address:
8. Authorized share capital of the company:—

S. Kind of Class of Face/nominal Number Total Special
No. shares shares value Rs. of shares Amount rights in
(Rs.) case of
other than
ordinary
shares
1.
2.
3.
9. Description of the business to be actually undertaken:—
10. Future prospects of the said business:—
11. Particulars of chief executive, directors, company secretary, chief accountant,

chief financial officer, auditor, legal advisor and managing agent (if any) of the
company:
Name Father’s/ CNIC Occupation Tele. Cell E-mail Residential
* husband’s No. and No. No. Address Address
name directorship ***
in other
company
**
(a) Chief Executive
342
(b) Directors:—
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
(c) Company Secretary:—
(d) Chief Accountant/Chief Financial Officer:—
(e) Auditor(s) of the company:—
(f) Legal advisor:—
(g) Managing agent; if any:—
12. Remuneration payable to the persons referred to in 11 above:—

S. Position in the Remuneration Relevant Relevant
No. Company payable provision clause of
of article, agreement
if any if any
(a) Chief Executive

(b) Directors
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(c) Company Secretary
(d) Chief
Accountant/Chief
Financial Officer
(e) Auditor
(f) Legal Advisor
(g) Managing Agent
13. Number and amount of shares issued, including those agreed to be taken by
virtue of Memorandum of Association for cash:—
S. No. Kind of Class of Face / Number Amount Names

shares shares Nominal of shares of
Value allottee
14. Number and amount of shares agreed to be issued for consideration otherwise
than in cash:—
343
Number of Face / Amount Details of Date for To whom
shares nominal consideration exercising option
Value otherwise the option offered
than in cash
15. Commission agreed to be paid for arranging the subscribers of shares:—
Nature of Number of Rate of the Amount Amount of Direct or

the shares commission of the the indirect
commission agreed to be commission commission interest
subscribed paid payable if any, of
against the the
commission persons,
stated in
clause 11
16. Number and amount of debentures agreed to be issued for cash:—
Number of Face/ Amount Date for To whom Whether

debentures Nominal exercising option offer
Value the option offered accepted
Yes / No
17. Number and amount of debentures agreed to be issued for consideration

otherwise than in cash:—
Number of Face Amount Details of Date for To whom

debentures Value consideration exercising option
the option offered
18. Commission agreed to be paid for arranging the subscribers of debentures:—
Nature of Number of Rate of the Amount Amount Direct or

the debentures commission of the of the indirect
commission agreed to be commission commission interest
subscribed paid payable if any, of
against the the
commission persons,
stated in
clause 11
19. Details of the every agreement entered into since the date of incorporation
relating to property or other intangible assets of the value exceeding Rs.100,000/- :—
344
Name(s) & Particulars of Amount Consideration Direct or
address(es) of the property intended to indirect
the or other be interest if
vendor/purchaser intangible paid or any, of the
assets received in persons,
intended to be cash stated in
purchased or clause 11
sold
20. Details of all other material contracts executed or intended to be executed by

the company:⎯
S. Nature of Dates and Time and Name of Important Direct or

No. contract places of place for the terms & indirect
execution inspection parties to conditions interest if
of of contracts of any, of
contracts contracts contracts the
persons,
narrated
in clause
11
1.
2.
3.
(Copies of contracts to be enclosed. If a contract is not reduced in writing, a
memorandum giving full particulars and if not in English, its translation in English
or Urdu shall be enclosed)
21. In case it is proposed to acquire a running business, net profit / loss of that
business as certified by the auditor for the last 5 years:—
Year ended Amount of net Business Direct or indirect

profit / loss carried on since (date) interest, if any, of the
persons, stated in clause
11
22. Details of preliminary expenses:-
S. Particulars Amount of Paid / Paid Payable Consideration

No. of preliminary Payable by by (in cash or
payment expenses to kind to be
specified
1.
2.
3.
4.
345
23. Minimum subscription and its proposed utilization
Amount of minimum subscription

Proposed utilization of minimum
subscription:—
(i) Price of any property purchased or to be
purchased.
(ii) Preliminary expenses payable by the
company.
(iii) Commission payable to any person in
consideration of his agreeing to subscribe
or procure any shares in the company
(iv) Repayment of any moneys borrowed by
the company in respect of any of the
foregoing matters.
(v) Working capital.
(vi) Other expenditures.
24. Amount to be provided in respect of the matters aforesaid otherwise than out
of the proceeds of minimum subscription and the sources out of which those amount
to be provided.
S. Amount Source of funds
No.
25. Signatures of the Directors or their agents authorized in writing.
S. Name Signature
No.
Date: --------------
Note: *—In case of Auditor and Legal Advisor, being a firm the name of firm shall be
mentioned.
**— The occupation of the individual and the name(s) of the company(s) in which he
holds the office of Chief Executive/Director shall be mentioned.
***— In case of Auditor and Legal Advisor, the address of his/its office shall be
mentioned.
SECTION 2
REPORTS TO BE SET OUT
1. Where it is proposed to acquire a business, a report made by auditors

(who are named in the statement) upon:—
346
(a) the profits or losses of the business in respect of each of the five
financial years immediately preceding the delivery of the statement
to the registrar; and
(b) the assets and liabilities of the business as at the last date to which
the accounts of the business were made up.
2. (1) where it is proposed to acquire shares in a body corporate, which

by reason of the acquisition or anything to be done in consequence thereof or in
connection therewith will become a subsidiary of the company, a report made by
auditors (who shall be named in the statement) with respect to the profits and losses
and assets and liabilities of the other body corporate in respect of each of the five
financial years immediately preceding the delivery of the statement to the registrar;
(2) If the other body corporate has no subsidiaries, the report referred to
in sub-clause (1) shall⎯
(a) so far as regards profits and losses, deal with the profits or losses of
the body corporate in respect of each of the five financial years
immediately preceding the delivery of the statement to the registrar;
and
(b) so far as regards assets and liabilities, deal with the assets and
liabilities of the body corporate as at the last date to which the
accounts of the body corporate were made up.
(3) If the other body corporate has subsidiaries the report referred to in
sub-clause(1) shall⎯
(a) so far as regards profits and losses, deal separately with other body
corporate’s profits or losses as provided by sub-clause (2), and in
addition either⎯
(i) as a whole with the combined profits or losses of its

subsidiaries so far as they concern members of the other
body corporate; or
(ii) individual with the profits or losses of each subsidiary, so far

as they concern member of the other body corporate; or
instead of dealing separately with the other body corporate’s
profits or losses, deal as a whole with the profits or losses of
the other body corporate and, so far as they concern
members of the other body corporate, with the combined
profits or losses of its subsidiaries; and
(b) so far as regards assets and liabilities deal separately with the other
body corporate’s assets and liabilities as provided by sub-clause (2)
and, in addition, deal either⎯
347
(i) as a whole with the combined assets and liabilities of its
subsidiaries, with or without the other body corporate's
assets and liabilities; or
(ii) individually with the assets and liabilities of each subsidiary;

and shall indicate, as respects the assets and liabilities of the
subsidiaries, the allowance to be made for persons other than
members of the company.
SECTION 3
PROVISIONS APPLYING TO SECTIONS 1 AND 2 OF THIS STATEMNT
3. (1) Every person shall, for the purposes of the statement, be deemed
to be a vendor who has entered into any contract, absolute or conditional, for the
sale or purchase, or for any option of purchase, of any property to be acquired by
the company, in any case where-
(a) the purchase money is not fully paid at the date of the issue of the
statement;
(b) the purchase money is to be paid or satisfied, wholly or in part, out

of the proceeds of the issue offered for subscription; or
(c) the contract depends for its validity or fulfilment on the result of
that issue.
(2) In case the company was incorporated or the body corporate referred
above was established less than five years before the making of the statement,
reference to five financial years in sections 1 and 2 shall be deemed replaced for
the actual period.
4. Any report required by section 2 of the statement shall either⎯
(a) indicate by way of note any adjustments as respects and figures of

any profits or losses or assets and liabilities dealt with by the report
which appears to the person making the report necessary; or
(b) make those adjustments and indicate that adjustments have been
made.
5. Any report by auditors required by section 2 of the statement, shall

be made by auditors qualified under the Act for appointment as auditors of a
company.
348
THIRD SCHEDULE
(Section 224 67and 225 of the Act)
Classification of Companies
S. Classification Criteria of Company Applicable Relevant
No. Accounting Schedule
Framework of
Companies
Act
1. Public Interest Company (PIC)
Sub-categories of PIC:
a) Listed Company International Fourth
Financial Schedule
Reporting
Standards
68
[b) Non-listed Company which is:
(i) a public sector company as
defined in the Act; or
(ii) registered and/or licensed

under the Administered
Legislation or Rules, or
regulations made
thereunder, as follows, - International
Financial Fifth
a) Non-banking Finance Reporting Schedule
Companies which are Standards
Asset Management
Companies, Pension
Fund Managers, REIT
Management
Companies or Deposit
Taking NBFCs;
b) Modaraba Company
67
Inserted vide SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November, 2017.
68
Substituted the following clause (b) vide SRO 1195(I)/2019 dated 3rd October, 2019:
“b) Non-listed Company which is:
(i) a public sector company as defined in the Act; or
(ii) a public utility or similar company carrying on the business of essential public service;
or
(iii) holding assets in a fiduciary capacity for a broad group of outsiders, such as a bank,
insurance company, securities broker/dealer, pension fund, mutual fund or
investment banking entity.
(iv) having such number of members holding ordinary shares as may be notified; or
(v) holding assets exceeding such value as may be notified.”
349
c) Insurer
d) Securities Exchange
e) Commodity Exchange
f) Central Depository
g) Clearing House; or
(iii) Registered, notified and/or

licensed under the Banking
Companies Ordinance,
1962 (LVII of 1962) or
Microfinance Institutions
Ordinance, 2001 (LV of
2001), as follows:
a) Banking Company
including Foreign
Banking Company
b) Microfinance Bank]
c) Development Finance
Institution (DFI)69[; or
(iva) all companies engaged
in production and sale
of sugar.]
2. Large Sized Company (LSC)
Sub-categories of LSC
a) Non-listed Company with:
(i) paid-up capital of Rs.200
million or more; or
International
(ii) 70 Fifth
[turnover greater than Financial
Rs.800 Million]; or Reporting Schedule
Standards
(iii) Employees 71[750 or more].
b) A Foreign Company with turnover
of Rs. 1 billion or more.
c) Non-listed Company licenced/ International Fifth
formed under Section 42 / Section Financial Schedule
69
Substituted full stop by semi colon and inserted new clause vide SRO No. 614(I)/2020 dated 6th
July, 2020
70
Substituted the expression “turnover of Rs. 1 billion or more” vide SRO No. 602(I)/2022 dated 14th
May, 2022.
This sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) was previously amended vide SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7 th
November, 2017 whereby the original clause “turnover or Rs. 1 billion or more” was
corrected as “turnover of Rs. 1 billion or more” by substituting word “or” by “of”.
71
Substituted the expression “more than 750” vide SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November, 2017.
350
45 of the Act having annual gross Reporting
revenue (grants/ income/ subsidies/ Standards
donations) including other income and
72
/ revenue of Rs.200 million [or Accounting
more]. Standards for
NPOs
3. Medium Sized Company (MSC)
Sub-categories of MSC:
a) Non-listed Public Company with:
(i) paid-up capital less than
Rs.200 million;
74
(ii) [turnover upto Rs.800
million]; 75[and]
(iii) Employees 76[…] less than
750.
b) Private Company with:
73
[Internation
(i) paid-up capital of greater
al Financial
than Rs. 10 million but Fifth
77 Reporting
[less than] Rs. 200 million; Schedule
Standards for
78
(ii) [turnover greater than SMEs]
Rs.150 million but not
exceeding Rs.800 million];
79
[or]
(iii) Employees more than 250
but less than 750.
c) A Foreign Company which have
turnover less than Rs. 1 billion.
72
Substituted the words “and above” vide SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7 th November, 2017.
73
Substituted the words “Revised AFRS for SSEs” vide SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November, 2017.
74
Substituted expression “turnover less than Rs. 1 billion” vide SRO No. 602(I)/2022 dated 14th
May, 2022
75
Inserted vide SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November, 2017
76
Omitted the expression “more than 250 but” vide SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November, 2017.
77
Substituted the words “not exceeding” vide SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7 th November, 2017.
78
Substituted expression “turnover greater than Rs. 100 million but less than Rs. 1 billion” vide SRO
No. 602(I)/2022 dated 14th May, 2022.
This sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) was previously amended vide SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7 th
November, 2017 whereby the original clause “turnover greater than Rs. 100 million but
not exceeding Rs. 1 billion” was amended as “turnover greater than Rs. 100 million but
less than Rs. 1 billion” by substituting words “not exceeding” by “less than”.
79
Inserted vide SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November, 2017.
351
d) Non-listed Company licenced/ 80[Internation
formed under Section 42 or Section al Financial
45 of the Act Which has annual Reporting
gross revenue (grants/ income/ Standards for Fifth
subsidies/ donations) including SMEs and Schedule
other income or revenue less than Accounting
Rs.200 million. Standards for
NPOs]
81
[4]. Small Sized Company (SSC)
A private company having:
(i) paid-up capital up to Rs.
10 million; Revised
(ii) Fifth
82
[turnover not exceeding AFRS for
Schedule
Rs.150 million]; 83[and] SSEs
(iii) Employees not more than
250.
NOTE:
1. The classification of a company shall be based on the previous
year’s audited financial statements.
2. The classification of a company can be changed where it does not
fall under the previous criteria for two consecutive years.
3. The number of employees means the average number of persons
employed by a company in that financial year calculated on monthly basis.
84
[4. Subsidiary companies of a listed company shall follow the
requirements of the Fourth Schedule.]
85
[5. The Medium Sized Companies that are otherwise required to follow
IFRS for SMEs and Accounting Standards for NPOs, may opt to follow the IFRS
notified by the Commission for the preparation of financial statements.]
86
[6. The Small Sized Companies that are otherwise required to follow
revised AFRS for SSEs may opt to follow IFRS notified by the Commission or
IFRS for SMEs.]
80
Substituted the words “Accounting Standards of NPOs” vide SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7 th
November, 2017.
81
Substituted serial number “3” vide SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November, 2017.
82
Substituted expression “turnover not exceeding Rs.100 million” vide SRO No. 602(I)/2022 dated
14th May, 2022
83
84
85
Inserted vide SRO 1092(I)/2018 dated 3rd September, 2018
86
Inserted vide SRO 1092(I)/2018 dated 3rd September, 2018
352
FOURTH SCHEDULE
(See Section 225)
DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS AS TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

LISTED COMPANIES AND THEIR SUBSIDIARIES
PART I
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
I. All listed companies and their subsidiaries shall follow the

International Financial Reporting Standards in regard to financial statements as are
notified for the purpose in the official Gazette by the Commission, under section
225 of the Companies Act, 2017 (Act);
II. The disclosure requirements, as provided in this schedule,87[ are

applicable to the annual financial statements and] are in addition to the disclosure
requirements prescribed in International Financial Reporting Standards88[…] and
shall be made in the notes to the accounts unless specifically required otherwise;
III. In addition to the information expressly required to be disclosed

under the Act and this schedule, there shall be added such other information as may
be considered necessary to ensure that required disclosure is not misleading.
IV. In this schedule, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or

context—
A. "capital reserve" includes:
(i) share premium account;
(ii) reserve created under any other law for the time being in
force;
(iii) reserve arising as a consequences of scheme of arrangement;
(iv) profit prior to incorporation; and
(v) any other reserve not regarded free for distribution by way
of dividend
87
Inserted vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017.
88
Omitted expression “notified by the Commission” vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November
2017.
353
B. "executive" means an employee, other than the chief executive and
directors, whose basic salary exceeds twelve hundred thousand
rupees in a financial year;
C. "revenue reserve" means reserve that is normally regarded as

available for distribution through the profit and loss account,
including general reserves and other specific reserves created out of
profit and un-appropriated or accumulated profits of previous years;
V. Any word or expression used herein but not defined in the Act shall
have the same meaning as under the International Financial Reporting Standards;
VI. The following shall be disclosed in the financial statements,

namely:__
1. General information about the company comprising the following:
(i) Geographical location and address of all business units

including Mills/plant;
(ii) Particulars of company’s immovable fixed assets, including

location and area of land;
(iii) The capacity of an industrial unit, actual production and the

reasons for shortfall;
(iv) Number of persons employed as on the date of financial

statements and average number of employees during the
year89[…];
90
[(v) Name of associated companies or related parties or
undertakings, with whom the company had entered into
transactions or had agreements and / or arrangements in
place during the financial year, along with the basis of
relationship describing common directorship and percentage
of shareholding;]
91
[Explanation: Definition of related party as per
International Financial Reporting Standards shall be
considered for the disclosure requirements;]
89
Omitted expressions “, separately disclosing factory employees” vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated
29th July 2019.
90
Substituted vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017. The substituted paragraph (v)
was read as under:
“(v) Name of associated companies or related parties or undertakings along with the
basis of relationship describing common directorship and percentage of
shareholding.”
91
354
2. In respect of associated companies, subsidiaries, joint ventures or
holding companies incorporated outside Pakistan,92[ with whom the
company had entered into transactions or had agreements and / or
arrangements in place during the financial year,] following shall be
separately disclosed;
(i) Name of undertaking93[…] and country of incorporation;
(ii) Basis of association; 94[and]
(iii) Aggregate Percentage of shareholding, including

shareholding through other companies or entities;
(iv) 95
[…]
(v) 96
[…]
(vi) 97
[…]
3. General nature of any credit facilities available to the company

under any contract, other than trade credit available in the ordinary
course of business, and not availed of at the date of the statement of
financial position;
4. 98
[…]
5. 99
[…]
92
93
Omitted expression “, registered address” vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July 2019.
94
Added vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July 2019.
95
Omitted vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July 2019. The omitted paragraph (iv) was read as
under:
“(iv) Name of Chief Executive Officer or Principal Officer or Authorized Agent;”
96
Omitted vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July 2019. The omitted paragraph (v) was read as
under:
“(v) Operational status; and”
97
Omitted vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July 2019. The omitted paragraph (vi) was read as
under:
“(vi) Auditor‘s opinion on latest available financial statements.”
98
Omitted vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July 2019. The omitted sub-clause (4) was read as
under:
“4. Any penalty in terms of money or otherwise imposed under any law by any
authority, on the Company shall be disclosed in the first annual report furnished
after the imposition of the penalty. If, as a result of any appeal, revision petition, or
review application, such penalty is reduced enhanced or waived, the original penalty
imposed shall nevertheless be disclosed, and the fact of any reduction, enhancement
or waiver shall be disclosed, in the first annual report furnished after such reduction,
enhancement or waiver;”
99
Omitted vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July 2019. The omitted sub-clause (5) was read as
under:
“5. Summary of significant transactions and events that have affected the company‘s
financial position and performance during the year;”
355
6. In financial statements issued after initial or secondary public
offering(s) of securities or issuance of debt instrument(s)
implementation of plans as disclosed in the prospectus/offering
document with regards to utilization of proceeds raised shall be
disclosed till full implementation of such plans;
7. 100
[…]
8. In cases where company has given loans or advances or has made

investments (both short term and long term) in foreign companies or
undertakings following disclosures are required to be made:
(i) Name of the company or undertaking along with jurisdiction

where it is located;
(ii) Name and address of beneficial owner of investee company,

if any;
(iii) Amount of loan/investment (both in local and foreign

currency);
(iv) Terms and conditions and period for which loans or

advances or investments has been made;
(v) Amount of return received;
(vi) Details of all litigations against the Investee company in the

foreign jurisdictions;
(vii) Any default/breach relating to foreign loan or investment;

and
(viii) Gain or loss in case of disposals of foreign investments.
9. In cases where company has made export sales following

disclosures are required to be made in respect of outstanding trade
debts:
100
Omitted vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017. The omitted sub-clause (7) was
read as under:
“7. Particulars of major foreign shareholders, other than natural person, holding more
than 5% of paid up capital in the company:
(i) Names and address of beneficial owners and legal status along with the name of
Chief Executive or Principal Officer or Authorized Agent;
(ii) Name and particulars of Pakistani resident associated with such shareholder or
entity, if any; and
(iii) Detail of conditions and compliance status thereof, imposed by regulatory
authorities in Pakistan/foreign jurisdiction for foreign investments, if any.”
356
(i) 101
[…]
(ii) Name of company or undertaking in case of related party;

102
[and]
(iii) Name of defaulting parties, relationship if any, and the

default amount; 103[…]
(iv) 104
[…]
105
10. [Shariah compliant] companies and the companies listed on
Islamic index shall disclose:
(i) Loans/advances obtained as per Islamic mode;
(ii) Shariah compliant bank deposits/bank balances;
(iii) Profit earned from shariah compliant bank deposits/bank

balances;
(iv) Revenue earned from a shariah compliant business segment;
(v) Gain/loss or dividend earned from shariah compliant

investments;
(vi) Exchange gain earned 106[…];
(vii) Mark up paid on Islamic mode of financing;
(viii) Relationship with shariah compliant banks; and
(ix) Profits earned or interest paid on any conventional loan or

advance.
PART II
REQUIREMENTS AS TO STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
101
Omitted vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July 2019. The omitted paragraph (i) was read as
under:
“(i) Amount of export sales made in each foreign jurisdiction along with break up into
confirmed LC, contract or other significant categories;”
102
Added vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July, 2019.
103
Omitted the word “and” vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July, 2019.
104
Omitted vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July, 2019. The omitted paragraph (iv) was read
as under:
“(iv) Brief description of any legal action taken against the defaulting parties;
105
Substituted words “Sharia complaint” vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017.
106
Omitted expressions “from actual currency” vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November
2017.
357
11. Following items shall be disclosed as separate line items on the face
of the 107[statement of financial position];
(i) Revaluation surplus on property, plant and equipment;
(ii) Long term deposits and prepayments;
(iii) Unpaid dividend;
(iv) Unclaimed dividend; and
(v) Cash and bank balances.
Fixed Assets
12. Where any property or asset acquired with the funds of the company
and is not held in the name of the company or is not in the possession
and control of the company, this fact along with reasons for the
property or asset not being in the name of or possession or control
of the company shall be stated; and the description and value of the
property or asset, the person in whose name and possession or
control it is held shall be disclosed;
13. Land and building shall be distinguished between free-hold and

leasehold;
14. Forced sale value shall be disclosed separately in case of revaluation
of Property, Plant and Equipment or investment property.
15. In the case of sale of fixed assets, if the aggregate book value of
assets exceeds 108[five million rupees, following particulars of each
asset, which has book value of five hundred thousand rupees or
more] shall be disclosed,__
(i) cost or revalued amount, as the case may be;
(ii) the book value;
(iii) the sale price and the mode of disposal (e.g. by tender or
negotiation);
(iv) the particulars of the purchaser;
(v) gain or loss; and
(vi) relationship, if any of purchaser with Company or any of its

directors.
107
Substituted words “financial statements” vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017.
108
Substituted expression “five hundred thousand rupees, following particulars of each assets”
through SRO 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July, 2019.
358
Long Term Investments
109
16. […]
Long Term Loans And Advances

17. With regards to loans and advances to directors following shall be
disclosed:
(i) 110
[…]
(ii) the purposes for which loans or advances were made; and
(iii) reconciliation of the carrying amount at the beginning and

end of the period, showing disbursements and repayments;
18. In case of any loans or advances obtained/provided, at terms other

than arm’s length basis, reasons thereof shall be disclosed;
19. In respect of loans and advances to associates and related parties

there shall be disclosed,__
(i) the name of each associate and related party;
(ii) the terms of loans and advances;
(iii) the particulars of collateral security held, if any;
(iv) the maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time

during the year calculated by reference to month-end
balances;
(v) provisions for doubtful loans and advances; and
(vi) loans and advances written off, if any.
Current Assets
20. In respect of debts/receivables from associates and related parties

there shall be disclosed,__
109
Omitted vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July, 2019. The omitted clause (16) was read as
under:
“16. A statement as to whether the Investments in associated companies or undertakings
have been made in accordance with the requirements under the Act;”
Before omission, this clause (16) was amended vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated
7th November 2017.
110
Omitted vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July, 2019. The omitted sub-clause (i) was read as
under:
“(i) that the loans and advances have been made in compliance with the requirements of
the Act;”
359
(ii) the maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time

balances;
(iii) receivables, that are either past due or impaired, along with
age analysis distinguishing between trade debts, loans,
advances and other receivables;
(iv) debts written off as irrecoverable, distinguishing between

trade debts and other receivables;
(v) provisions for doubtful or bad debts distinguishing between

trade debts, loans, advances and other receivables; and
(vi) justification for reversal of provisions of doubtful debts, if

any
21. In respect of loans and advances, other than those to 111[employees

as per company’s human resource policy or to] the suppliers of
goods or services, the name of the borrower and terms of repayment
if the loan or advance exceeds rupees one million, together with the
particulars of collateral security, if any, shall be disclosed
separately;
22. Provision, if any, made for bad or doubtful loans and advances or
for diminution in the value of or loss in respect of any asset shall be
shown as a deduction from the gross amounts;
Share Capital And Reserves
23. Capital and Revenue reserves shall be clearly distinguished. Any

reserve required to be maintained under the Act shall be separately
disclosed. Any legal or other restrictions, on the ability of the
company to distribute or otherwise, shall be disclosed for all kind of
reserves maintained by the company;
24. In respect of issued share capital of a company following shall be

disclosed separately;
(i) shares allotted for consideration paid in cash;
(ii) shares allotted for consideration other than cash, showing

separately shares issued against property and others (to be
specified);
111
Added vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July, 2019.
360
(iii) shares allotted as bonus shares; 112[and]
(iv) treasury shares

113
[24A. Discount on issue of shares shall be shown separately as a deduction
from share capital in the statement of financial position and the
statement of changes in equity;]
25. Shareholder agreements for voting rights, board selection, rights of

first refusal, and block voting shall be disclosed.
Non-Current Liabilities
26. Amount due to associated companies and related parties shall be

disclosed separately.
Current Liabilities
27. Following items shall be disclosed as separate line items;
(i) Payable to provident fund 114[, contributory pension fund or

any other contributory retirement fund];
(ii) Deposits, accrued liabilities and advances;
(iii) Loans from banking companies and other financial

institutions, other than related parties;
(iv) Loans and advances from related parties including sponsors

and directors along with purpose and utilization of amounts;
and
(v) Loans and advances shall be classified as secured and

unsecured.
115
[28. In the case of provident fund, contributory pension fund or any other
contributory retirement fund, maintained by the company a
statement that, investments in collective investment schemes, listed
equity and listed debt securities out of aforementioned funds have
been made in accordance with the provisions of section 218 of the
Act and the conditions specified thereunder;]
112
Inserted through SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7 th November 2017.
113
114
Added vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017.
115
Substituted vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017. The substituted clause (28)
was read as under:
“28. In the case of provident fund/provident fund trust, maintained by the company a
statement that, investments in collective investment schemes, listed equity and listed
debt securities out of provident fund/trust have been made in accordance with the
provisions of section 218 of the Act and the Rules formulated for this purpose”
361
29. In respect of security deposit payable, following shall be disclosed:
(i) Bifurcation of amount received as security deposits for
goods/services to be delivered/provided, into amounts
utilizable for company business and others;
(ii) Amount utilized for the purpose of the business from the
security deposit in accordance with requirements of written
agreements, in terms of section 217 of the Act; and
(iii) Amount kept in separate bank account.
Contingencies And Commitments
30. In describing legal proceedings, under any court, agency or

government authority, whether local or foreign, include name of the
court, agency or authority in which the proceedings are pending, the
date instituted, the principal parties thereto, a description of the
factual basis of the proceeding and the relief sought;
PART III
116
[REQUIREMENTS AS TO STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS
ACCOUNT]
31. Following items shall be disclosed as deduction from turnover as

separate line items;
(i) trade discount; and
(ii) sales and other taxes directly attributed to sales.
32. The aggregate amount of auditors’ remuneration, showing

separately fees, expenses and other remuneration for services
rendered as auditors and for services rendered in any other capacity
and stating the nature of such other services. In the case of joint
auditors, the aforesaid information shall be shown separately for
each of the joint auditors;
33. In case, donation to a single party exceeds 117[10 per cent of

company’s total amount of donation or Rs. 1 million, whichever is
higher], name of donee(s) shall be disclosed and where any director
or his spouse has interest in the donee(s), irrespective of the amount,
names of such directors along with their interest shall be disclosed;
116
Substituted heading “REQUIREMENTS AS TO PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT” vide n SRO No.
888(I)/2019 dated 29th July, 2019.
117
Substituted expression “Rs.500,000” vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July, 2019.
362
118
34. […]
35. Complete particulars of the aggregate amount charged by the

company shall be disclosed separately for the directors, chief
executive and executives together with the number of such directors
and executives such as:
(i) fees;
(ii) managerial remuneration;
(iii) commission or bonus, indicating the nature thereof;
(iv) reimbursable expenses which are in the nature of a perquisite

or benefit;
(v) pension, gratuities, company's contribution to provident,

superannuation and other staff funds, compensation for loss
of office and in connection with retirement from office;
(v) other perquisites and benefits in cash or in kind stating their

nature and, where practicable, their approximate money
values; and
(vi) amount for any other services rendered.
36. In case of royalties paid to companies/entities/individuals, following

shall be disclosed:
(i) Name and registered address; and;
(ii) Relationship with company or directors, if any.
118
under:
“34. Management assessment of sufficiency of tax provision made in the company‘s
financial statements shall be clearly stated along with comparisons of tax provision
as per accounts viz a viz tax assessment for last three years;”
363
FIFTH SCHEDULE
(See section 225)
DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS AS TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

NON-LISTED COMPANIES AND THEIR SUBSIDIARIES
PART I
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
I. The Companies other than listed companies and their subsidiaries

shall follow the applicable Financial Reporting Framework as defined in Third
Schedule, in regards to financial statements as are notified for the purpose in the
official Gazette by the Commission, under Section 225 of the Companies Act,
2017;
II. The disclosure requirements, as provided in this schedule, are in

addition to the disclosure requirements prescribed in applicable Financial
Reporting Framework 119[…] and shall be made in the notes to the accounts unless
specifically required otherwise;
III. In addition to the information expressly required to be disclosed

under the Act and this schedule, there shall be added such other information as may
be necessary to ensure that required disclosure is not misleading;
IV. Any word or expression used herein but not defined in the Act
and/or Fourth Schedule shall have the same meaning as under the applicable
Accounting Framework.
V. The following shall be disclosed in the financial statements namely:
1. General information about the company comprising the following:
(i) geographical location of all business units including

mills/plant;
(ii) the capacity of an industrial unit, actual production and the

reasons for shortfall;
(iii) number of persons employed as on the date of financial

statements and average number of employees during the
year120[…]; and
119
Omitted expression “notified by the Commission” vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th
November 2017.
120
Omitted expression “separately disclosing factory employees” through SRO 888(I)/2019 dated
29th July, 2019.
364
121
(iv) [Names of associated companies or related parties or
undertakings, with whom the company had entered into
transactions or had agreements and / or arrangements in
place during the financial year, along with the basis of
relationship describing common directorship and percentage
of shareholding;]
122
[Explanation: Definition of related party as per Financial
Reporting Framework shall be considered for the disclosure
requirements;]
2. In respect of associated companies, subsidiaries, joint ventures or

holding companies incorporated outside Pakistan, 123[with whom
the company had entered into transactions or had agreements and /
or arrangements in place during the financial year,] name of
undertaking, registered address and country of incorporation shall
be disclosed;
124
3. […]
125
4. […]
5. In cases, where company has given loans or advances or has made

investments (both short term and long term) in foreign companies or
undertakings, name of the company or undertaking along with
jurisdiction where it is located shall be disclosed.
121
Substituted vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017. The substituted paragraph
(iv) was read as under:
“(iv) name of associated companies or related parties or undertakings along with the basis
of relationship describing common directorship and/or percentage of shareholding;”
122
123
124
Omitted vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July, 2019. The omitted sub-clause (3) was read
as under:
“3. Summary of significant transactions and events that have affected the company‘s
financial position and performance during the year;”
125
Omitted vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017. The omitted sub-clause (4) was
read as under:
“4. Particulars of major foreign shareholders, other than natural person, holding more
than 5% of paid up capital of the company:
(i) names and address of beneficial owners and legal status along with the name of
Chief Executive or Principal Officer or Authorized Agent;
(ii) name and particulars of Pakistani resident associated with such shareholder or
entity, if any; and
(iii) detail of conditions and compliance status thereof, imposed by regulatory
authorities in Pakistan/foreign jurisdiction for foreign investments, if any.
365
PART II
REQUIREMENTS AS TO STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
6. Following items shall be disclosed as separate line items on the face

of the 126[statement of financial position];
(i) revaluation surplus on property, plant & equipment;
(ii) long Term deposits and prepayment;
(iii) unpaid dividend;
(iv) unclaimed dividend; and
(v) cash and bank balances.
Fixed Assets
7. Where any property or asset acquired with the funds of the company,
is not held in the name of the company or is not in the possession
and control of the company, this fact along with reasons for the
property or asset not being in the name of or possession or control
of the company shall be stated; and the description and value of the
property or asset, the person in whose name and possession or
control it is held shall be disclosed;
8. Land and building shall be distinguished between freehold and

leasehold.
9. Forced sale value shall be disclosed separately in case of revaluation of

property, plant and equipment or investment property;
10. In the case of sale of fixed assets, if the aggregate book value of
assets exceeds 127[five million rupees, following particulars of each
asset, which has book value of five hundred thousand rupees or
more] shall be disclosed,⎯
(i) cost or revalued amount, as the case may be;
(ii) the book value;
(iii) the sale price and the mode of disposal (e.g. by tender or
negotiation);
(iv) the particulars of the purchaser;
126
Substituted words “financial statements” vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017.
127
Substituted words “five hundred thousand rupees, following particulars of each asset” vide SRO
No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July, 2019.
366
(v) gain or loss; and
(vi) relationship, if any of purchaser with company or any of its

directors.
Long Term Investments

128
11. […]
Long Term Loans And Advances
12. With regards to loans and advances to directors, following shall be

disclosed:
(i) the purposes for which loans or advances were made; and
(ii) reconciliation of the carrying amount at the beginning and

end of the period, showing disbursements and repayments;
13. In case of any loans or advances obtained/provided, at terms other

than arm’s length basis, reasons thereof shall be disclosed;
14. In respect of loans, advances to associates there shall be disclosed:
(i) the name of each associate and related parties;
(ii) the terms of loans and advances;
(iii) the particulars of collateral security held, if any;
(iv) the maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time

balances;
(v) provisions for doubtful loans and advances; and
(vi) loans or advances written off, if any.
Current Assets
15. In respect of debts/receivables from associates there shall be

disclosed:
128
under:
“11. A statement as to whether the Investments in associated companies or undertakings
have been made in accordance with the requirements under the Act;”
Before omission, this clause (11) was amended vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated
7th November 2017.
367
(ii) the maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time

balances;
(iii) receivables, that are either past due or impaired, along with
age analysis distinguishing between trade debts, loans,
advances and other receivables;
(iv) debts written off as irrecoverable distinguishing between

trade debts and other receivables;
(v) provisions for doubtful or bad debts distinguishing between

trade debts, loans, advances and other receivables; and
(vi) justification for reversal of provisions of doubtful debts, if

any;
16. Provision, if any, made for bad or doubtful loans and advances or
for diminution in the value of or loss in respect of any asset shall be
shown as a deduction from the gross amounts;
Share Capital And Reserves
17. Capital and revenue reserves shall be clearly distinguished. Any

reserve required to be maintained under the Act shall be separately
disclosed. Any legal or other restrictions on the ability of the
company to distribute or otherwise apply its reserves shall also be
disclosed for all kind of reserves maintained by the company;
18. In respect of issued share capital of a company following shall be

disclosed separately;
(i) shares allotted for consideration paid in cash;
(ii) shares allotted for consideration other than cash, showing

separately shares issued against property and others (to be
specified);
(iii) shares allotted as bonus shares; 129[and]
(iv) treasury shares.

130
[18 A. Discount on issue of shares shall be shown separately as a deduction
from share capital in the statement of financial position and the
statement of changes in equity (if applicable);]
129
Inserted through SRO 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017.
130
368
19. Shareholder agreements for voting rights, board selection, rights of
first refusal, and block voting shall be disclosed.
Non-Current Liabilities
20. Amount due to associated company shall be disclosed separately;
Current Liabilities
21. Following items shall be disclosed as separate line items;
(i) payable to provident fund 131[, contributory pension fund or

any other contributory retirement fund];
(ii) deposits, accrued liabilities and advances;
(iii) loans from banking companies and other financial

institutions other than associated company;
(iv) loans and advances from associated company, sponsors and

directors along with purpose and utilization of amounts; and
(v) loans and advances shall be classified as secured and

unsecured.
132
[22. In the case of provident fund, contributory pension fund or any other
contributory retirement fund, maintained by the company a
statement that, investments in collective investment schemes, listed
equity and listed debt securities out of aforementioned funds have
been made in accordance with the provisions of section 218 of the
Act and the conditions specified thereunder;]
23. In respect of security deposit payable, following shall be disclosed:

(i) bifurcation of amount received as security deposits for
goods/services to be delivered/provided, into amounts
utilizable for company business and others;
(ii) amount utilized for the purpose of the business from the
security deposit in accordance with requirements of written
agreements, in terms of section 217 of the Act; and
(iii) amount kept in separate bank account;
131
Added vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017.
132
Substituted vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017. The substituted clause (22)
was read as under:
“22. In the case of provident fund/provident fund trust, maintained by the company, a
statement that, the investments in collective investment schemes, listed equity and
listed debt securities out of provident fund/trust have been made in accordance with
the provisions of section 218 of the Act and the Rules formulated for this purpose;”
369
Contingencies And Commitments
24. In describing legal proceedings, under any court, agency or

government authority, whether local or foreign include name of the
court, agency or authority in which the proceedings are pending, the
date instituted, the principal parties thereto, a description of the
factual basis of the proceeding and the relief sought.
PART III
133
[REQUIREMENTS AS TO STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS]
25. Following items shall be disclosed as deduction from turnover as

separate line items;
(i) trade discount; and
(ii) sales and other taxes directly attributable to sales.
26. The aggregate amount of auditors’ remuneration, showing

separately fees, expenses and other remuneration for services
rendered as auditors and for services rendered in any other capacity
and stating the nature of such other services. In the case of joint
auditors, the aforesaid information shall be shown separately for
each of the joint auditors;
27. In case, donation to a single party exceeds 134[10 per cent of

company’s total amount of donation or Rs. 1 million, whichever is
higher] name of donee(s) shall be disclosed and where any director
or his spouse has interest in the donee(s) irrespective of the amount,
names of such directors along with their interest shall be disclosed;
28. 135
[…]
29. Complete particulars of the aggregate amount charged by the

company shall be disclosed separately for the directors, chief
executive and executives together with the number of such directors
and executives such as:
(i) fees;
(ii) managerial remuneration;
(iii) commission or bonus, indicating the nature thereof;
133
Substituted heading “REQUIREMENTS AS TO PROFIT AND LOSS” vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated
29th July, 2019.
134
Substituted expression “Rs.500,000” vide SRO No. 888(I)/2019 dated 29th July, 2019.
135
Omitted vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017. The omitted clause (28) was
read as under:
“28. Management assessment of sufficiency of tax provision made in the company‘s
financial statements along with comparisons of tax provision as per accounts viz a viz
tax assessment for last three years;”
370
(iv) reimbursable expenses which are in the nature of a perquisite
or benefit;
(v) pension, gratuities, company's contribution to provident,
superannuation and other staff funds, compensation for loss
of office and in connection with retirement from office;
(vi) other perquisites and benefits136[…] stating their nature and,
where practicable, their approximate money values; and
(vii) amount for any other services rendered.
30. In case of royalties paid to companies/entities/individuals following

shall be disclosed:
(i) Name and registered address; and
(ii) Relationship with company or directors, if any.
136
Omitted expression “ in cash or in kind” vide SRO No. 1169(I)/2017 dated 7th November 2017.
371
SIXTH SCHEDULE
(See section 258)
OFFENCES PUNISHABLE UNDER SECTION 258

(SERIOUS FRAUD)
1. Offences punishable under section 496.
372
SEVENTH SCHEDULE
(See section 462 and 469)
TABLE OF FEES TO BE PAID TO THE REGISTRAR AND THE COMMISSION
Item For For

submission of submission
documents of
electronically documents
Rs. in physical
form
Rs.
I. By a company having a share capital:-
137
[(1) For registration of a company whose nominal 1,100 2,200
share capital does not exceed 100,000 rupees, a fee
of ….
137
Substituted vide SRO No. 808(I)/2021 dated 28th June, 2021. The substituted sub-item (1)
and (2) were read as under:
(1) For registration of a company whose 1,000 2,000
nominal share capital does not exceed 100,000
rupees, a fee of ….
(2) For registration of a company whose

nominal share capital exceeds 100,000 rupees, the
additional fee to be determined according to the
amount of nominal share capital as follows, namely—
(i) For every 100,000 rupees of nominal share 500 1,000
capital or part of 100,000 rupees, up to 10,000,000
rupees, a fees of ….
(ii) For every 100,000 rupees of nominal share 400 750

capital or part of 100,000 rupees, after the first
10,000,000 rupees, up to 5,000,000,000 a fee of …
(iii) For every 100,000 rupees of nominal share 150 250
capital or part of 100,000 rupees after the first
5,000,000,000 rupees, up to any amount of fee
of …:
Provided that a company which is wholly

owned by the Federal Government and has been
notified by the Federal Government in the official
Gazette for exemption from paying fee shall be
charged a fee of Rs. 10,000:
Provided further that the fee payable at

the time of registration of company shall not
exceed forty million rupees in case of electronic
submission and fifty million rupees in case of
physical submission.
373
(2) For registration of a company whose nominal
share capital exceeds 100,000 rupees, the additional
fee to be determined according to the amount of
nominal share capital as follows, namely—
(i) For every 100,000 rupees of nominal share 550 1,100
capital or part of 100,000 rupees, up to 10,000,000
rupees, a fees of ….
(ii) For every 100,000 rupees of nominal share 440 825

capital or part of 100,000 rupees, after the first
10,000,000 rupees, up to 5,000,000,000 rupees, a fee
of …
(iii) For every 100,000 rupees of nominal share 165 275

capital or part of 100,000 rupees after the first
5,000,000,000 rupees, up to any amount of fee of …:
Provided that a company which is wholly

owned by the Federal Government and has been
notified by the Federal Government in the official
Gazette for exemption from paying fee shall be
charged a fee of Rs. 10,000:
Provided further that the fee payable at the

time of registration of company shall not exceed forty
million rupees in case of electronic submission and
fifty million rupees in case of physical submission.]
(3) For registration of an increase in the share

capital made after the first registration of the
company, an amount equal to the difference between
the amount which would have been payable on
registration of the company by reference to its capital
as increased and the amount which would have been
payable by reference to its capital immediately before
the increase, calculated at the rates given under sub-
item (2):
Provided that no such fee shall be applicable

on registration of an increase in authorized share
capital of a transferee company after merger
consequent to sanction of application for
compromises, arrangements or reconstruction for
merger of companies by the Commission pursuant to
Section 279 to 282 or section 284 of the Act, to the
extent of aggregate of authorized capital of the
transferor and transferee companies.
374
Explanation.–For the purpose of calculation
of fee for registration of an increase in the share
capital of the company which has shifted from
physical mode of filing to electronic mode of filing,
the difference of fee shall be calculated on the basis
of the rates applicable for electronic submission on
the amount of capital before and after such increase:
Provided further that where a company to be

formed has been notified by the Federal Government
in the official Gazette to be wholly owned by it, a fee
of Rs.10,000/- shall be charged irrespective of amount
of share capital.
(4) For conversion of any existing company not

having share capital into a company having a share
capital, the same fee as is charged for registration of a
new company having share capital.
138
[(5) For
filing, registering or recording any 5,500 8,250
document notifying particulars relating to a mortgage
138
Substituted vide SRO No. 808(I/2021 dated 28th June, 2021. The substituted sub-items (5), (6),
(7) and (8) were read as under:
(5) For filing, registering or recording any 5,000 7,500

document notifying particulars relating to a
mortgage or charge or pledge or other interest
created by a company, or any modification therein or
satisfaction thereof, a fee of….
(6) For filing, registering or recording the 10,000 15,000
particulars relating to satisfaction of mortgage or
charge or pledge beyond the period prescribed under
section 109 but not exceeding one year, a fee of ….

charge or pledge beyond one year of the period
prescribed under section 109, a fee of …
(8) For filing, registering or recording any

document other than that at sub-items (5), (6) and (7)
above, required to be filed, registered or recorded
under the Act or making a record of any fact under the
Act, a fee to be determined according to the amount
of nominal share capital as follows, namely-
(i) For company having a nominal share 250 500

capital of up to. 100,000 rupees, a fee of ….
(ii) For company having a nominal share 300 600

capital of more than 100,000 rupees but not more
than 1,000,000 rupees, a fee of ….
375
or charge or pledge or other interest created by a
company, or any modification therein or satisfaction
thereof, a fee of….
section 109 but not exceeding one year, a fee of ….
139
[(7A) For filing, registering or recording any
document notifying particulars relating to a scheme of
amalgamation and allied documents prescribed under
section 284, the following fee to be determined in
accordance with the classification of the transferee
company given in the Third Schedule to this Act
namely:-
Small Sized Company 100,000 200,000
Public Sector Company, as defined in the Act, directly 50,000 100,000

or indirectly wholly owned by Federal Government
Any other Public Sector Company 100,000 200,000
Medium Sized Company 250,000 500,000
Large Sized Company 350,000 700,000
Public Interest Company, excluding Public Sector 500,000 1,000,000]

Company
(8) For filing, registering or recording any
document other than that at sub-items (5), (6) 140[(7)
and (7A)] above, required to be filed, registered or
recorded under the Act or making a record of any fact
(iii) For company having a nominal share 400 800

capital of more than 1,000,000 rupees but not
more than 10,000,000 rupees, a fee of ….
(iv) For company having a nominal share 500 1000

capital of more than 10,000,000 rupees but not
more than 100,000,000 rupees, a fee of ….
(v) For company having a nominal share 600 1200

capital of more than 100,000,000 rupees, a fee of
….
139
Inserted vide SRO No. 980(I)/2022 dated 4th July, 2022
140
Substituted expression “and (7)” vide SRO No. 980(I)/2022 dated 4th July, 2022
376
under the Act, a fee to be determined according to the
amount of nominal share capital as follows, namely-
(i) For company having a nominal share capital 275 550

of up to. 100,000 rupees, a fee of ….
(ii) For company having a nominal share capital 330 660

of more than 100,000 rupees but not more than
1,000,000 rupees, a fee of ….
(iii) For company having a nominal share capital 440 880

of more than 1,000,000 rupees but not more than
10,000,000 rupees, a fee of ….
(iv) For company having a nominal share capital 550 1,100

of more than 10,000,000 rupees but not more than
100,000,000 rupees, a fee of ….
(v) For company having a nominal share capital 660 1,320]

of more than 100,000,000 rupees, a fee of ….
II. By a company limited by guarantee and not

having a share capital, other than a company
registered under a licence granted under section
42.
141
[(1) For registration of a new company, a fee of 22,000 33,000]
….
(2) For conversion of any existing company

having a share capital into a company limited by
guarantee, the same fee as is charged for registration
a new company in terms of sub-item (1).
(3) Companies limited by guarantee and having

share capital shall be charged registration fee as
mentioned at item I above.
142
[(4) For
141
Substituted vide SRO No. 808(I/2021 dated 28th June, 2021. The substituted sub-items (1) was
read as under:
(1) For registration of a new company, a fee of 20,000 30,000
….
142
(6) & (7) were read as under:
377
thereof, a fee of ….

section 109 but not exceeding one year, a fee of…

143
section 284, the following fee to be determined
according to the classification of the transferee
company, given in the Third Schedule, namely:-

satisfaction thereof, a fee of ….


particulars relating to satisfaction of mortgage
or charge or pledge beyond one year of the
period prescribed under section 109, a fee of …
(7) For filing, registering or recording any 600 1,200

document other than that at Sr. No. (4), (5) and
(6) above, required to be filed, registered or
recorded under the Act or making a record of any
fact under the Act, a fee of…
143
378
Company
(7) For filing, registering or recording any 660 1,320]
document other than that at Sr. No. (4), (5) 144[(6) and
(6A)] above, required to be filed, registered or
under the Act, a fee of…
III. By a company registered under a licence

granted under section 42 and not having a share
capital:-
(1) For an application seeking grant of licence 15,000 25,000

145
[…], a non-refundable processing fee of …
146
[(2) For registration, a fee of ….. 27,500 55,000]
(3) Companies limited by guarantee and having

share capital shall be charged registration fee as
mentioned at item I above.
147
[(4) For
144
145
Omitted the words “or its renewal” vide SRO No. 812(I)/2019 dated 11 th July, 2019
146
Substituted vide SRO No. 808(I/2021 dated 28th June, 2021. The substituted sub-item (2) was
read as under:
(2) For registration, a fee of ….. 25,000 50,000
147
(6) & (7) were read as under:
satisfaction thereof, a fee of….

(7) For filing, registering or recording any 250 500
document other than that at Sr. No. (4), (5) and (6)
above, required to be filed, registered or recorded
379


148
section 284, the following fee to be determined
according to the classification of the transferee
company, given in the Third Schedule, namely: -
Company
(7) For filing, registering or recording any 275 550]
document other than that at Sr. No. (4), (5) 149[(6) and
(6A)] above, required to be filed, registered or
under the Act, a fee of …..
IV. By a company established outside Pakistan

which has a place of business in Pakistan:-
150
[(1) For filing, registering or recording a document 11,000 22,000]
containing charter/ statute/ memorandum and articles,

Act, a fee of …..
148
149
150
Substituted vide SRO No. 808(I)/2021 dated 28th June, 2021. The substituted sub-item (1) was
read as under:
380
etc. for registration by a foreign company under the
Act required or authorized to be filed, registered or
recorded a fee of …..
151
[(2) Forfiling, registering or recording any 5,500 8,250
(1) For filing, registering or recording a 10,000 20,000

document containing charter/ statute/ memorandum
and articles, etc. for registration by a foreign company
under the Act required or authorized to be filed,
registered or recorded a fee of …..
The above substituted sub-item (1) was previously inserted vide SRO No. 812(I)/2019
dated 11th July, 2019 in place of following:
(1) For filing, registering or recording a 25,000 50,000
document containing charter/statute/ memorandum
and articles, etc. for registration by a foreign company
under the Act required or authorized to be filed,
registered or recorded a fee of …..
151
Substituted vide SRO No. 808(I)/2021 dated 28 th June, 2021. The substituted sub-item
(2), (3), (4) & (5) were read as under:
created by a company, or any modification
therein or satisfaction thereof, a fee of….

or charge or pledge beyond the period
prescribed under section 109 but not exceeding
one year, a fee of…

or charge or pledge beyond one year of the
period prescribed under section 109, a fee of …
(5) For filing, registering or recording any 600 1,200

document other than that at Sr. No. (2), (3) and
(4) above, required to be filed registered or
recorded under the Act or making a record of
any fact under the Act, a fee of ….
381
(5) For filing, registering or recording any 660 1,320]

document other than that at Sr. No. (2), (3) and (4)
above, required to be filed registered or recorded
Act, a fee of ….
V. For inspection of documents and register 200 500

kept by the registrar in respect of a company, a
fee of …..
VI.
152
[(1) For
a certified copy of the certificate of 100 600
incorporation or a certificate of commencement of
business or a certificate of registration of mortgage or
charge or any other certificate or licence issued under
the Act, a fee of….
152
Substituted vide SRO No. 1373(I)/2022 dated 2nd August, 2022. The substituted items (1) to (5)
were read as under:
VI. 100 200
(1) For a certified copy of the certificate of

incorporation or a certificate of commencement of
business or a certificate of registration of mortgage or
charge or any other certificate or licence issued under
the Act, a fee of….
(2) For a certified copy of the Memorandum and 250 500

Articles of Association of private limited company, a fee
of .…
(3) For a certified copy of the Memorandum and 500 1,000

Articles of Association of other than a private limited
company, a fee ….
(4) For a certified copy of any return excepting 100 200

financial statements, of private limited company, a fee
of…

financial statements, of other than a private limited
company, a fee of ….
382
Articles of Association of private limited company, a
fee of .…

Articles of Association of other than a private limited
company, a fee ….

financial statements, of private limited company, a fee
of…
(5) For a certified copy of any return excepting 200 900]

financial statements, of other than a private limited
(6) For a certified copy or extract of any other 20 20

document, financial statements or register, calculated
at the rate, per page or fractional part thereof required
to be copied, subject to a minimum fee of one hundred
rupees, a fee of ….
153
[…]
154
[…]
155
[(7) For
electronic certified copy of following
system generated reports/data:
(i) System generated company profile of a 1,000

company, a fee of….
(ii) System generated register/report of 2,000

outstanding charges/ mortgages of a
Company, a fee of….
153
Omitted vide SRO No. 448(I)/2021 dated 5th April, 2021. The omitted first proviso was read as
under:
“Provided that fee prescribed under this item shall not be charged for certified copies of
one set of incorporation documents consisting of Certificate of Incorporation,
Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the relevant forms, to be issued one time
only at the time of registration of company:”
154
Omitted vide SRO No. 448(I)/2021 dated 5th April, 2021. The omitted second proviso was read
as under:
Provided further that upon registration of any return (i.e. statutory forms) one certified
copy of the said return shall be issued along with the acknowledgement of filing without
charging any copying fee.
155
Inserted vide SRO No. 448(I)/2021 dated 5th April, 2021.
383
(iii) System generated detail of officers of a 200
Company, a fee of….
(iv) System generated detail (name, address, 200]

capital) of a company, a fee of….
VII. System generated reports:-
(1) For providing a system generated list of Rs. 2 per data Rs. 2 per
companies registered with the Commission, a fee field data field
calculated at the rate per data field, subject to a
minimum fee of five hundred rupees, a fee of …
(2) For a system generated company profile, per 200 200

company, a fee of …
VIII. Annual fee payable by an inactive company

under section 424 of the Act, payable on 1st
January each year after obtaining the status of an
inactive company-
(1) not having any capital 1,000 2,000
(2) having an authorized share capital of-
(i) up to Rs. 5.0 million, a fee of …. 1,000 2,000
(ii) more than Rs. 5.0 million and up to Rs. 10.0 2,000 4,000
million, a fee of ….
(iii) more than Rs. 10.0 million, a fee of …. 5,000 10,000
IX. 156
[…]
X. For seeking approval, sanction, permission,
exemption, direction or confirmation of the
Commission or the registrar in the following
matters, as the case may be, a non-refundable
application processing fee in respect of application
for-
(1) Reservation of any proposed name for 200 500
registration of a company from the registrar under
section 10, a fee of….:
156
Omitted vide SRO No. 812(I)/2019 dated 11th July, 2019. The omitted item No. IX was read as
under:
IX. Annual renewal fee for companies 100,000
incorporated as Free Zone Company under section
454 of the Act.
384
157
[…]
(2) approval for change of name of a company 2,500 5,000

under section 11 and 12, a fee of ….
(3) alteration in memorandum of association 5,000 10,000

under section 32, a fee of ….
(4) conversion of status of company from a public 2,500 5,000

company to a private company under section 46, a fee
of ….
(5) conversion of status of a company from a 2,500 5,000

private company to a single member company under
section 47, a fee of ….
(6) conversion of status from an unlimited 2,500 5,000

company to a limited company under section 48, a fee
of ….
(7) conversion of status of a company limited by 2,500 5,000

guarantee to a company limited by shares under
(8) issuance of shares at discount under section 5,000 10,000

82, a fee of ….
158
[(9)
(i) issuance of further share capital, otherwise 25,000 50,000
than right under section 83, a fee of ….
(ii) for approval of Employee Stock Option 25,000 50,000

Scheme under section 83, a fee of ….
25,000 50,000]
157
Omitted vide SRO No. 794(I)/2017 dated 10th August, 2017. The omitted proviso was read as
under:
“Provided that no fee for reservation of proposed name shall be charged in case the same
is applied for with three name choices in priority, along with submission of related
incorporation of company‘s documents.”
158
Substituted vide SRO No. 812(I)/2019 dated 11th July, 2019. The substituted item No. X was
read as under:
385
(iii) issuance of shares with different rights and
privileges, a fee of ….
(10) rectification in the particulars of mortgages or 5,000 7,500

charges or pledge or extension in time for filling the
particulars of mortgages or charges or pledge under
159
[(10A)
approval to extend period under section 5,000 10,000]
125, a fee of …..
(11) extension in the prescribed period for holding
annual general meeting under section 132, a fee of …
(i) by a public company, a fee of …. 10,000 15,000

(ii) by a private company, a fee of …. 3,000 5,000
(9)
(i) issuance of further share capital, Rs.25,000 or 0.1% of Rs.50,000 or 0.1%
otherwise than right under section 83, a the proposed further of the proposed
fee of …. issue of share capital further issue of
whichever is higher share capital
whichever is
higher
(ii) for approval of Employee Stock Rs.25,000/- or 0.1% of Rs.50,000/- or

Option Scheme under section 83, a fee of the proposed further 0.1% of the
…. issue of share capital proposed further
whichever is higher issue of share
capital whichever
is higher
(iii) issuance of shares with different 25,000 or 0.1% of the 50,000 or 0.1% of
rights and privileges, a fee of …. proposed capital the proposed
increase whichever capital increase
is higher whichever
is higher
Provided that in case of a financial
institution in which the Federal Government
owns not less than 90% shares, only a fixed
amount of Rs.25,000 in case of application
submitted electronically and Rs.50,000 in
case of physical submission shall be charged
as application processing fee.
159
Inserted vide SRO No. 794(I)/2017 dated 10th August, 2017
386
(12) direction for holding annual general meeting/
Extra Ordinary General Meeting under section 147-
(i) by a public company, a fee of …. 10,000 15,000

(ii) by a private company, a fee of .... 3,000 5,000
160
[(12A) relaxation from any of the 100,000 100,000]
requirements of Listed Companies (Code of
Corporate Governance) Regulations, 2017, a fee of
………
(13) fresh election of directors by 161[…] company 5,000 10,000

(14) approval of loan to director under section 182, 5,000 10,000

a fee of….
162
[(14A)
approval to appoint sole purchase, sales 5,000 10,000]
agent under section 196, a fee of ….
(15) approval for preparation of accounts of more 2,500 5,000
than one year under section 223, a fee of ….
(16) seeking modification under section 225, in 2,500 5,000

respect of requirements of the relevant Schedule, a fee
of ….
(17) exemption under section 225 from the 2,500 5,000

applicability of fourth schedule or fifth schedule, a fee
of ….
(18) exemption from the applicability of section 2,500 5,000

228, a fee of....
163
[(18A)
approval for extension of financial year 2,500 5,000
under 229, a fee of ….
(18B) approval to withhold or defer payment under 5,000 10,000]
160
Substituted vide SRO No. 1476(I)/2018 dated 6th December, 2018. The substituted sub-item
was read as under:
“(12A) Approval, exemption or relaxation (as applicable from any of the requirements of
Listed Companies (Code of Corporate Governance) Regulations, 2017, a fee of … 500,000
500,000”
This sub-item (12A) was initially inserted in 7th Schedule vide SRO No. 228(I)/2018 dated
8th February, 2018 and then amended slightly vide SRO No. 766(I)/2018 dated 13 th June,
2018
161
Omitted the word “an unlisted” vide SRO No. 794(I)/2017 dated 10 th August, 2017
162
163
387
(19) appointment of auditor under section 246, a 2,500 5,000
fee of….
(20) investigation into the affairs of a company 10,000 20,000

(21) approval of the Commission to refer the 5,000 10,000

matter to the Mediation and Conciliation Panel under
164
[(21A) Approval for empanelment on 50,000 50,000]
Mediation and Conciliation Panel, a fee of ….
165
[(22) sanctioning compromise or arrangement
including reconstruction, amalgamation or division
under section 279 to 282, the following fee to be
determined according to the classification of the
transferee company, given in the Third Schedule,
namely:-
Small Sized Company 250,000 500,000
Public Sector Company, as defined in the Act, directly 200,000 400,000]
(23) appointment of Administrator under section 10,000 20,000
291, a fee of ….
(24) obtaining the status of an inactive company 5,000 10,000

(25) for an application by an inactive company for 5,000 10,000

obtaining the status of an active company under
(26) restoration of name of a company, struck off 5,000 10,000

by the registrar under section 425 ….
(27) easy exit of a company by striking its name off 5,000 10,000
the register under section 426, a fee of ....
166
[(28) registration as intermediary under
164
Inserted vide SRO No. 228(I)/2018 dated 8th February, 2018
165
Substituted vide SRO No. 980(I)/2021 dated 4th July, 2022. The substituted sub-item (22) was
read as under:
(22) sanctioning compromise or arrangement 50,000 100,000
including reconstruction, amalgamation or division
under section 279 to 282, a fee of ….
166
Substituted vide S.R.O. 812(I)/2019 dated 11th July, 2019. The substituted sub-item (28) was
read as under:
388
(i) for individuals: 10,000 10,000
Registration Fee 2,000 2,000
Correction/ Update Fee
500 500
Filing Fee
(ii) for Firms/Companies/Limited Liability 10,000 10,000
Partnerships: 5,000 5,000
Registration processing Fee
Correction/ Update Processing Fee 500 500]
Filing Fee
(29) approval by the Commission sought by a real 25,000 50,000

estate company under section 456, a fee of ….
(30) registration as valuer under section 460, a fee 10,000 20,000

of …
(31) licence as transfer agent under section 467, a 10,000 20,000

fee of ….
(32) issuance of duplicate of any certificate issued 1,000 2,000

under the provisions of the Act or the rules or
regulations framed thereunder, a fee of ….
(33) for an application other than those specified in 500 1,000

this item or an appeal submitted to the registrar or the
Commission under the Act by or on behalf of a
(28) registration as intermediary under section

455, a fee of ….
10,000 10,000
(i) for individuals: 2,000 2,000
registration fee 5,000 5,000
correction/ update fee 500 500
renewal fee
filing Fee
(ii) for Firms/Companies/Limited Liability 50,000 50,000

Partnerships: 5,000 5,000
registration fee 25,000 25,000
correction/ update fee 500 500
renewal fee
filing Fee
The above substituted item (28) was initially inserted vide S.R.O. 794(I)/2017 dated 10th
August, 2017 in place of following item:
(28) registration as intermediary 10,000 20,000
389
(34) for an application/appeal /complaint
submitted to the registrar or the Commission under
the Act-
500 500
(i) by a member of the company or any other
person having dealing with the company, a fee of …
500 1,000
(ii) by any creditor of the company, a fee of…
(35) for processing under Fast Track Registration

Services (FTRS), the FTRS fee shall be in addition to
normal fee and charged as given be below:-
(i) for incorporation of a company… Equal to Equal to

normal fee normal fee
but subject to but subject
maximum of to
Rs. 10,000 maximum
of
Rs. 20,000
(ii) for reservation of any proposed name for 500 1000
registration of company…
(iii) for seeking approval of change of name… 2,500 5,000
(iv) for filing, registering or recording any 5,000 7,500

documents notifying particulars relating to a
mortgage or charge or pledge or other interest created
by a company, or any modification therein or
satisfaction thereof…
Notes:
(i) The fee for submission of documents electronically shall be applicable only for the
documents for which the facility of filing or lodging the documents electronically
has been provided by the Commission.
(ii) Where no fee has been prescribed for submission of documents electronically, the
documents can only be submitted in physical form.
390
EIGHTH SCHEDULE
(See section 477)
DIRECT COMPLAINT TO THE COURT BY THE COMMISSION,

REGISTRAR, MEMBER OR CREDITOR
IN CASE OF CERTAIN OFFENCES
1. Sub-section (5) of section 73.

2. Section 95.
3. Section 177.
6. Section 404.
8. Proviso to sub-section (4) of section 460.
391
STATEMENT OF OBJECT AND REASONS
The Companies Bill, 2017 intends to replace the Companies Ordinance, 1984
(XLII of 1984) in order to consolidate and amend the laws relating to companies so as
to encourage and promote corporatization in Pakistan based on best international
practices. Earlier, amendments in Companies Ordinance, 1984 were made in piecemeal
and were narrowly focused, resulting in disconnect and overlap in regulatory
framework and there is a dire need to review and revamp the thirty-two years old
legislation to provide competitive legal framework for the corporate sector in Pakistan.
The said Bill will ensure maximum participations of members in decision

making process of the company through use of modern electronic means of
communication and aim to address the issues relating to protection of interest of
minority shareholders and creditors. It will facilitate the growth of economy in general
and the corporate sector in particular by providing simplified procedure for ease of
starting and doing business, greater protection investors and augment corporatization
in the country.
The Bill provides adequate manners against fraud, money laundering and
terrorist finances and necessary provisions have been proposed regarding powers of
the commission including joint investigation and provision requiring officers of a
company to take adequate measures to curb such violations.
In order to give immediate impetus to the economy and to stimulate economic

growth there is an emergent need to promulgate the proposed Companies Bill, 2017 to
provide relief and incentives to corporate sectors especially small medium size
companies. The market experts and business community were at unison during various
stakeholders’ consultations on the company law that it should enacted at earliest as it
will elevate Pakistan’s economy and address long standing demands of the business
community unless emergent legislative steps are taken, Pakistan’s corporate sector will
not be able to compete with the international market players without reduction in cost
of incorporating and doing business. The encouragement of use of modern
communication technology coupled with simplified regulatory procedure as envisaged
in the new company law will provide much needed relief to corporate sector. Moreover,
Pakistan has recently been upgraded to emerging market status and there is huge
international interest to invest in Pakistan due various policy initiatives of the
government. The expeditious merger and acquisition mechanism is also necessary to
address corporate solvency and growth in Pakistan.
SENATOR MOHAMMAD ISHAQ DAR

Minister for Finance, Revenue,
Economic Affairs, Statistics
and Privatization
392

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THE COMPANIES ACT, 2017

1. Short title, extent and commencement.— .................................................................... 1

3. Application of Act to non-trading companies with purely provincial objects.— .......... 12

4. Act to override.— ....................................................................................................... 12

5. Jurisdiction of the Court and creation of Benches.— .................................................. 13

6. Procedure of the Court and appeal.— ......................................................................... 13

PART III ......................................................................................................................... 16

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE

7. Powers and functions of the Commission.— ............................................................... 16

8. Reference by the Federal Government or Commission to the Court.— ....................... 17

INCORPORATION OF COMPANIES AND MATTERS INCIDENTAL

9. Obligation to register certain associations, partnerships as companies.— .................. 17

PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO NAMES OF COMPANIES ............................ 17

10. Prohibition of certain names.— .................................................................................. 18

11. Rectification of name of a company.— ....................................................................... 19

13. Registration of change of name and effect thereof.— ................................................ 19

14. Mode of forming a company.— .................................................................................. 20

GENERAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO REGISTRATION OF

16. Registration of memorandum and articles.— ............................................................. 21

17. Effect of memorandum and articles.— ....................................................................... 22

18. Effect of registration.—............................................................................................... 23

COMMENCEMENT OF BUSINESS BY A PUBLIC COMPANY ............................ 23

19. Commencement of business by a public company.— ................................................. 23

20. Consequences of non-compliance of section 19.— ..................................................... 24

REGISTERED OFFICE AND PUBLICATION OF NAME ...................................... 24

21. Registered office of company.— ................................................................................. 24

22. Publication of name by a company.— ......................................................................... 25

23. […] .............................................................................................................................. 25

24. Penalties for non-publication of name.— ................................................................... 26

25. Publication of authorised as well as paid-up capital.— ............................................... 26

26. Business and objects of a company.— ........................................................................ 26

MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION ......................................... 27

27. Memorandum of company limited by shares.— ......................................................... 27

28. Memorandum of company limited by guarantee.— ................................................... 28

29. Memorandum of unlimited company.— ..................................................................... 29

30. Borrowing powers to be part of memorandum.— ...................................................... 30

31. Memorandum to be printed, signed and dated.— ...................................................... 30

33. Powers of Commission when confirming alteration.— ............................................... 31

34. Exercise of discretion by Commission.— ..................................................................... 31

35. Effect of alteration in memorandum or articles.— ...................................................... 31

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION ................................................................................... 31

36. Registration of articles.— ........................................................................................... 32

37. Articles to be printed, signed and dated.— ................................................................. 32

38. Alteration of articles.—............................................................................................... 32

39. Copies of memorandum and articles to be given to members.— ................................ 33

40. Alteration of memorandum or articles to be noted in every copy.— .......................... 33

41. Form of memorandum and articles.— ........................................................................ 33

43. Effect of revocation of licence.— ................................................................................ 35

44. Penalty.— ................................................................................................................... 36

45. Provision as to companies limited by guarantee.— .................................................... 37

CONVERSION OF A COMPANY OF ANY CLASS INTO A COMPANY OF

46. Conversion of public company into private company and vice-versa.—...................... 37

49. Conversion of a company limited by guarantee to a company limited by shares and

50. Issue of certificate and effects of conversion.— .......................................................... 40

52. Consequence of default in complying with conditions constituting a company a private

53. Service of documents on a company.— ...................................................................... 41

54. Service of documents on Commission or the registrar.— ............................................ 41

55. Service of notice on a member.— ............................................................................... 41

56. Authentication of documents and proceedings.— ...................................................... 41

PROSPECTUS, ALLOTMENT, ISSUE AND TRANSFER OF SHARES AND