Punjab ends stamp duty for court-approved merger schemes

February 21, 2026 (MLN): The Punjab government has removed stamp duty on property transfers arising from corporate mergers, in a move aimed at facilitating business restructuring and promoting investment in the province.

A formal notification has been issued following the Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench ruling, granting the exemption to merger and amalgamation schemes approved by the court and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

Under the Companies Act, transfers of assets carried out as part of an approved merger will no longer be subject to stamp duty, eliminating a major cost barrier for companies pursuing consolidation and restructuring, according to a press release issued.

The SECP welcomed the development, stating that the decision would support investment, improve ease of doing business, and encourage corporate growth. 

The regulator also thanked the Lahore High Court and the Punjab government for removing a longstanding impediment to restructuring activities.

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