Public or private?
An honest comparison of the structures against your ownership plans.
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We incorporate unlisted public limited companies with SECP for businesses that need wider ownership, larger boards or a path to raising capital, with governance, statutory audit and annual compliance planned from the start.
A public limited company suits ventures that expect many shareholders, need a larger and more formal board, or want a route to raising capital from a wider base. In return, it carries heavier governance and reporting obligations than a private company.
Under SECP's guidance, a public company needs at least three members and, unlike a private company, does not restrict the transfer of its shares or cap the number of members. It needs more directors than a private company, holds annual general meetings, appoints auditors, and files audited financial statements and annual returns with SECP. Public companies are incorporated through eZfile in the same way as other companies, with articles drafted for their governance needs.
Most of our public company clients are unlisted companies: hospitals and schools with community shareholders, joint ventures, larger family groups and projects that need a formal structure for investors. Listing on the Pakistan Stock Exchange is a separate, much larger process. We also handle the statutory audit and corporate secretarial work a public company needs every year.
A fixed-fee incorporation, with annual governance and audit support available.
An honest comparison of the structures against your ownership plans.
Founding members, directors and officers identified and documented.
Board powers, meetings, share issues and transfers set out clearly.
Name reserved and incorporation filed through to certificate.
Initial shares issued and reported on Form-3 within 45 days.
Statutory registers set up and auditors appointed.
FBR profile completed and bank documents prepared.
Board meetings, AGM, audit and annual return diarised.
These are the issues we see most often with public companies formed without planning.
Choosing public status without a real need brings heavier governance and audit costs.
We test whether you need it.Public companies need at least three members and a larger board than private companies.
We plan your membership and board.Articles copied from a template rarely cover board powers, share issues and disputes properly.
We draft for your governance.Public companies must hold annual general meetings and file audited accounts.
We run the annual calendar.Every allotment needs a return of allotment within 45 days.
We file each issue on time.A public company is not listed. Listing on the stock exchange is a separate process.
We explain what each involves.Members and directors can sign online from anywhere.
We understand the venture, the members and why a public company is being considered.
SECP fees based on authorised capital and our fee, listed upfront.
Board, officers and articles agreed with the founders.
Name reserved and incorporation filed on eZfile.
Allotment filed, auditors appointed and the annual calendar set.
Hospitals, schools and projects with many local shareholders.
Partnerships between several businesses or investor groups.
Families with many members holding shares.
Industrial and infrastructure projects raising capital from many investors.
Businesses preparing the ground for a future listing.
Private companies outgrowing the 50-member limit.
A public company needs reliable governance every year. We provide the secretarial, accounting and audit support that keeps it compliant.
We tell you when a private company would serve you better.
ACCA and ICAP Chartered Accountant qualifications, plus an LLB-qualified advocate.
Our Audit & Assurance practice, led by our Head of Audit, handles statutory audits.
Board meetings, AGMs, registers and filings run every year.
Share issues and governance planned with their FBR consequences in mind.
Every fee listed before any work starts.
Have a question that is not here? Send it to us on WhatsApp and we will reply the same day.
Tell us about the venture, the members and how you plan to raise capital. We will tell you honestly whether a public company fits and list every fee before any work begins.
Book your free consultationThis page is general information about our services, not tax, legal or financial advice for your specific situation. Laws, rates and deadlines change with each Finance Act and official notification.