In Pakistan, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is responsible for regulating corporate entities, including companies. The Companies Ordinance, 1984 (now replaced by the Companies Act, 2017), governs the formation and functioning of companies. Here are the common types of companies in Pakistan and a general procedure for company registration with the SECP:

Types of Companies in Pakistan:

1. Private Limited Company:
   • A company with a minimum of two and a maximum of fifty members.
   • Restricts the right to transfer its shares.
   • Prohibits the invitation to the public to subscribe for shares.
2. Single Member Company:
   • A type of private limited company with only one member.
3. Public Limited Company:
   • Allows the public to subscribe to its shares.
   • Minimum seven members, with no maximum limit.
4. Guarantee Limited Company:
   • Members’ liability is limited to the amount they undertake to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up.
5. Unlimited Company:
   • Members’ liability is unlimited. In the event of winding up, members are personally liable for the company’s debts.

Procedure to Register a Company with SECP:

1. Name Reservation:
   • Propose and reserve a unique name for the company. This can be done online through the SECP eServices portal.
2. Preparation of Documents:
   • Draft the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association. These documents define the company’s constitution and regulations.
3. Incorporation Application:
   • Submit the application for incorporation along with the required documents to the SECP through the online portal.
4. Payment of Fee:
   • Pay the prescribed fee for company registration. The fee varies depending on the type of company.
5. Verification of Documents:
   • The SECP reviews the submitted documents for compliance with legal requirements.
6. Certificate of Incorporation:
   • Upon approval, the SECP issues a Certificate of Incorporation, confirming the establishment of the company.
7. Obtain NTN and STRN:
   • Obtain the National Tax Number (NTN) and Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN) from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
8. Opening Bank Account:
   • Open a bank account in the company’s name and deposit the required share capital.
9. Publication of Notice:
   • Publish a notice of incorporation in at least one newspaper.
10. Post-Incorporation Compliance:
    • Fulfill post-incorporation requirements, including filing annual returns, conducting statutory meetings, and maintaining statutory registers.

The above steps provide a general overview, and specific requirements may vary based on the type and nature of the company. It’s advisable to consult with legal professionals or corporate service providers familiar with Pakistani company law for accurate and up-to-date guidance.