Regulated businesses in Pakistan operate under overlapping supervision from federal and provincial authorities. The firm advises on obtaining and keeping the approvals a business needs, and represents clients when a regulator opens an inquiry.
Anti-money-laundering and know-your-customer obligations have expanded substantially and now reach well beyond banks. We advise on building frameworks that satisfy the regulators without making ordinary business impossible.
What we do
- Licensing, registration and regulatory approvals
- Competition law advice and proceedings before the CCP
- Anti-money-laundering and KYC compliance frameworks
- Regulatory investigations, inquiries and show-cause proceedings
- Sector-specific advice and regulator liaison
- Compliance audits, policies and staff training
- Data and confidentiality obligations
- Appeals against regulatory orders
How we work
Matters in this area are handled by senior counsel from first instruction to final order. We give a candid view of the merits at the outset — including where a claim is not worth running — and agree fees before work begins rather than after.
If your matter touches more than one of our practice areas, it will be dealt with by the same team rather than passed between departments.
Common Questions
Regulatory & Compliance: frequently asked
What should a business do when a regulator opens an inquiry?
Preserve the relevant records, respond within the stated deadlines, and take advice before making any substantive written submission. Early responses tend to define the shape of the whole proceeding.
What should I do after receiving an SECP show cause notice?
Read the provisions it cites and the deadline, gather the relevant records, and file a considered written reply before the hearing. Penalties can often be reduced or avoided with a well-prepared response. Orders can be challenged before SECP's Appellate Bench and then the High Court.
Can an overseas Pakistani register for an NTN?
Yes. Overseas Pakistanis can register with FBR through the IRIS portal using a CNIC or NICOP. Registration and filing returns matter for overseas Pakistanis who own property, hold bank accounts or receive income in Pakistan, because non-filers pay higher withholding taxes on many transactions.
What business licences are needed to operate in Pakistan?
Most businesses need FBR registration, and many also need provincial sales tax registration, a trade licence from the local authority, and sector licences from bodies such as DRAP, PTA, OGRA or food authorities. The combination depends on the activity and the province, so requirements should be mapped before trading starts.
What is the SECP beneficial ownership requirement?
Companies must identify and record their ultimate beneficial owners, the individuals who ultimately own or control them, and report that information to SECP. Failure to maintain and file accurate beneficial ownership details can attract penalties and create problems with banks during account opening and reviews.
Enquiries
Discuss a regulatory & compliance matter.
An initial consultation carries no obligation, and we will tell you plainly whether the firm is the right one for the matter.