SECP briefs ABAD members on company registration, corporate reforms

September 23, 2026 (MLN): Following an awareness session by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), members of the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) have started considering converting their businesses into companies and registering Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

The session was held at the ABAD Head Office and was attended by a delegation led by SECP Commissioner Muzaffar Ahmed Mirza. Chairman ABAD Muhammad Hassan Bakshi, Senior Vice Chairman Syed Afzal Hameed, Vice Chairman Tariq Aziz Memon, and members of the builder community were also present.

Commissioner Muzaffar Mirza briefed ABAD officials on SECP reforms aimed at simplifying business registration and encouraging unregistered entities to adopt a corporate structure. He said company registration provides businesses with a separate legal identity and protects the personal assets of shareholders.

On the occasion, Sydney Custodio Pereira, In-charge Karachi Company Registration Office, gave a practical demonstration of the “eZfile” portal and explained that digital integration has made company registration and filing faster.

The briefing highlighted that corporate status facilitates access to financing and local and international markets, while company registration can also help businesses in obtaining financing.

ABAD leadership appreciated the SECP initiative and confirmed its consideration of converting businesses into companies. ABAD members will also consider registration of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

The ABAD leadership agreed to submit proposals related to the real estate sector to the SECP under the Companies Act, 2017.

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