Securities and Exchange Ordinance, 1969

[As Amended Up-to-Date Till 2012]
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ORDINANCE, 1969
ORDINANCE NO. XVII OF 1969
(28th June, 1969)
AN
ORDINANCE
To provide for the protection of investors, regulation of markets and dealings in
securities
WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the protection of investors, regulation of
markets and dealings in securities and for matters ancillary thereto;
AND WHEREAS the national interest of Pakistan in relation to the achievement of
uniformity requires 1[Federal] legislation in the matter;
NOW, THEREFORE , in pursuance of the Proclamation of the 25th day of March
1969, read with the Provisional Constitution Order, and in exercise of all powers enabling
him in that behalf, the President is pleased to make and promulgate the following
Ordinance:-
CHAPTER – I
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title, extent and commencement.-(1) This Ordinance may be called the
Securities and Exchange Ordinance,1969.
(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan.
(3) It shall come into force on such date as the 2[Federal] Government may, by
1 Substituted for “Central” through President’s Order No. 4 of 1975.
2 Substituted for “Central” through President’s Order No. 4 of 1975.
notification in the official Gazette, appoint.
2. Definitions.- 3[(1)] In this Ordinance, unless there is anything repugnant in the
subject or context,-
4[ (a) “agent” means a person appointed by a member to act on his behalf for the
purposes recognized by 5[an] exchange;
(ab) “associate” means any partner, employee, officer or director of a member;
(ac) “asset management company” means a company which offers investment schemes
under trust deeds and issues redeemable securities”;
(ad) “balloter” means a person who provides services to an issuer for selecting the
required number of applicants of public issue through a computer draw;]
(b) “bank” means a banking company as defined in the Banking Companies
Ordinance,1962 (LVII of 1962);
(c) “broker” means any person engaged in the business of effecting transactions in
securities for the account of others;
6[[(ca)] “central depository” means a company formed to establish and operate a system
for the central handling of securities, whether or not listed on an exchange, whereby such
securities are deposited with and held in custody by, or registered in the name of, the
company as a nominee for the depositors and dealings in respect of such securities are
effected by means of entries in securities accounts without the physical delivery of
scrips.”]
3 Section 2 renumbered as sub-section (1) through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000
dated September 7, 2000.
4 Clauses (a), (ab), (ac) and (ad) substituted for clauses (aa) and (aaa) through Securities and Exchange
(Amendment) Ordinance, 2000 dated September 7, 2000. Earlier clauses (aa) and (aaa) were inserted
through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1994 and Finance Act, 1995 respectively.
The Clauses before substitution read as follows:
(a) “associate” means any partner, employee, officer or director of a member,
(aa) “asset management company” means a company which offers investment schemes under trust
deeds and issues redeemable securities;
(aaa) Authority means the Corporate Law Authority constituted under the Companies Ordinance, 1984
(XLVII of 1984);
5 Substituted for “a stock” through Finance Act, 2006 dated July 1, 2006.
6 Clause (CC) inserted by Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1994 and re-lettered as (ca)
through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
7[(cb) “Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
established under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997 (XLII
of 1997);]
8[(cc) “Commodity Exchange” means a company that provides or, proposes to provide,
the physical facilities necessary for trading in Commodity Futures Contracts;]
9[(cd) Commodity Futures Contracts” means an agreement to purchase or sell a
particular commodity for delivery [or settlement]10 in the future at a price that is
determined at the initiation of the contract that obligates each party to the contract to
fulfill the contract at the specified price and that may be settled by delivery, cash or offset
at an organized Exchange duly registered with the Commission and in relation to
Commodity Futures the expression “commodity” includes,-
(i) agricultural, livestock, fishery, forestry, mining or energy goods, and any product that
is manufactured or processed from any such goods; and
(ii) any other matter as may be notified by the Commission in the Official Gazette;
(ce) “corporatisation” means the conversion of a Stock Exchange from a company
limited by guarantee to a company limited by
shares;
(cf) “demutualisation” means the segregation of the ownership of a Stock Exchange from
the right to trade on such Stock Exchange;]
(d) “equity security” means any stock or transferable share (preferred or common) or
similar security representing ownership; any security convertible, with or without
consideration, into such a security, or carrying any warrant or right to subscribe to or
purchase such a security; any such warrant or right itself; and such other security as may
be prescribed;
11[(da) “Exchange” means a Stock Exchange or a Commodity Exchange;]
12[(dd) “free reserves” for the purpose of an investment company, include any amount
which, having been set aside out of the revenue or other surpluses is free in that it is not
7 Clause (cb) inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000
8 Clause (cc) inserted through Finance Act, 2003.
9 Clauses (cd) to (cf) inserted through Finance Act, 2006.
10 The words “or settlement” inserted through Finance Act, 2008 dated June 27 2008.
11 Clause (da) inserted through Finance Act, 2006.
12 Clause (dd) inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1980.
retained to meet any diminution in value of the assets, specific liability, contingency or
commitment of that company known to exist at the date of the balance sheet;]
13[(de) “integration” means the merger of two or more Stock Exchanges in accordance
with a scheme approved by the Commission;]
(e) “investment adviser” includes, person who is, for compensation, engaged in the
business of advising others, either directly or through publications or writings, as to the
value of securities or as to the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling
securities, but does not include,-
(i) a bank;
(ii) any lawyer, accountant, engineer or teacher whose performance of
such services is solely incidental to the practice of his profession;
(iii) any broker, jobber, member or associate whose performance of such
services is solely incidental to the conduct of his business as a
broker, jobber, member or associate and who receives no separate
compensation therefor;
(iv) the publisher of any newspaper, news magazine, or other publication
of general and regular circulation; or
(v) the Investment Corporation of Pakistan;
14[(f) “Investment Company” means a company engaged principally or wholly in buying
and selling securities of other companies and includes a company, not being a holding
company, the investment of which in the share capital of other companies at any one time
is of an amount equivalent to eighty per cent of the aggregate of its own paid up capital
and free reserves, but does not include a bank or an insurance company or a corporation
which is a member of a Stock Exchange;]
(g) “issuer” means any person who has issued or proposes to issue any security;
(h) “jobber 15[or dealer]” means any person engaged in the business of effecting
transactions in securities for his own account, through a broker or otherwise, but does not
13 Clause (de) inserted through Finance Act, 2006.
14 Clause (f) substituted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1980.
Before Substitution it read as follows:
“(f) “Investment Company” means a company engaged principally or wholly in buying and selling
securities of other companies and includes a company eighty percent of whose paid up capital is employed
at any one time as investment in other companies; but does not include a bank or or an insurance company
or a corporation which is member of a Stock Exchange. ”
15 The words inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
include any person who trades in securities for his own account, either individually or in
some fiduciary capacity, otherwise than as a part of a regular business;
(i) “member” means a member of 16[an] Exchange;
17[ ]
(j) “person” includes a Hindu undivided family, a firm, an association or body of
individuals, whether incorporated or not, a company and every other artificial juridical
person;
(k) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Ordinance;
(l) “security” includes-
(i) any stock, transferable share, scrip, [Modaraba Certificate]18, note,
debenture, debenture stock, [participation term certificate,]19 bond,
investment contract [, forward or futures contract]20, and preorganization
certificate or subscription, and, in general, any interest
or instrument commonly known as a “security” and, any certificate
of deposit for, certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or
interim certificate for, receipt for , or any warrant or right to
subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing but does not include
currency or any note, draft, bill of exchange or banker’s acceptance
or any note which has a maturity at the time of issuance of not more
than twelve months, exclusive of days of grace, or any renewal
thereof whose maturity is likewise limited;
(ii) any Government security as defined in the Securities Act, 1920 (X of
1920); [ ]21
(iii) any bonus entitlement voucher issued by the State Bank of Pakistan
in accordance with any scheme announced by the [Commission]22;
16 Substituted for “a stock” through Finance Act, 2006
17 Clause (ii) omitted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000. Earlier it was
inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1980.
Clause (ii) before omission read as follows:
“(ii) “officer”, for the purposes of Chapters III, IV and V, in relation to an insurer, includes managing
agents, manager, secretary, accountant or auditor of the insurer;”
18Words and comma inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1980.
19 Words and comma inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1980.
20 Comma and words inserted through Finance Act, 2003.
21 Word “and” omitted through Finance Act, 2006.
22 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
[and]23
[(iv) Commodity Futures Contract;]24
(m) “stock exchange” means any person who maintains or provides a market place or
facilities for bringing together buyers and sellers of securities or for otherwise
performing with respect to securities the functions commonly performed by a Stock
Exchange, as that term is generally understood, and includes such market place and
facilities [;]25
[ (n) “sub-underwriter” means a person who has made a contract with an underwriter to
take up a part of the securities not fully subscribed by the public issue;
(o) “transfer agent” means a person appointed by the issuer to assist in the maintenance
of record for issuance and transfer of securities and to perform functions of persons
commonly known as Registrar;
(p) “underwriter” includes a person who has made a contract with an issuer to subscribe
and pay in cash for those securities as are not fully subscribed by the public issue
or a person who has initially bought the securities from an issuer for the purpose of
selling such securities by means of a public offer; and
(q) “venture capital company” includes a company which is engaged principally in
financing through direct equity investment in another company and provides
managerial expertise thereto;]26
[Explanation :-In clause (1) “Modaraba Certificate” has the same meaning as in the
Modaraba Companies and Modarabas (Floatation and Control) Ordinance, 1980
(XXXI of 1980).]27
[(2) The words and expressions used but not defined in this Ordinance shall have the
same meaning as are assigned to them in the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII of
1984).]28
23 Word “and” inserted through Finance Act, 2006.
24 Clause (iv) inserted through Finance Act, 2006.
25 Semi-colon substituted for “Full stop” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
26 Clauses n to q inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
27 Explanation inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1982.
28 Sub-section (2) inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
CHAPTER II
REGISTRATION AND REGULATION OF STOCK EXCHANGES
3. No [ ]29 Exchange to operate without registration.- [(1)]30 No [ ]31 Exchange
shall operate or carry on its functions, and no person shall use or utilize, for the purpose
of any transaction or dealing in any security, the facilities or services of [an]32 Exchange,
unless such [ ]33 Exchange is registered under this Ordinance.
(2) The Authority shall determine the number and places for the establishment of [ ]34
exchanges.
4. Eligibility for registration.- (1) Any [ ]35 Exchange which fulfill such conditions
or complies with such requirements as may be prescribed to ensure fair dealings [,
protection of investors and its sustainable economic viability]36 shall be eligible for
registration under this Ordinance.
(2) The conditions or requirements which may be prescribed for the purposes of subsection
(1) may, among other matters, relate to-
(a) qualifications for membership and admission, exclusion, suspension,
expulsion and re-admission of members therein to or therefrom;
(b) constitution and powers of the governing body and the powers and duties of
the office bearers;
(c) representation [from a class or classes of persons or professions]37 on the
governing body of [an]38 Exchange or any of its Committees;
(d) the manner in which business should be transacted including restrictions on
the business of the members;
(e) Memorandum and Articles of Association, rules, regulations and by-laws of
[an]39 Exchange; and
29 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
30 Section 3 re-numbered as sub-section (1) through Finance, Act, 1995.
31 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
32 Substituted for “a stock” through Finance Act, 2006.
33 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
34 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
35 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
36 Substituted for “and to protect investors” through Finance Act, 1995.
37 Substituted for “of the Federal Government” through Finance Act, 1995.
38 Substituted for “a stock” through Finance Act, 2006.
(f) the maintenance of accounts [and records]40 including those of members,
and their audit.
5. Registration.- (1) Any [ ]41 Exchange which is eligible for registration under
section 4 may, in such form[, manner and on payment of such fee]42 as may be
prescribed, apply to the [Commission]43 for registration.
(2) The [Commission]44, if it is satisfied, after such inquiry and after obtaining such
further information as it may consider necessary,-
(i) that the [ ]45 Exchange is eligible for registration; and
(ii) that it would be in the interest of the trade and also in the public interest to
register the [ ]46 Exchange;
may grant a certificate of registration to the [ ]47 Exchange.
(3) No application for registration shall be refused except after giving the applicant an
opportunity of being heard.
[5A. Brokers or agents not to engage in business without registration.- No
person shall act as broker or agent to deal in the business of effecting transactions in
securities unless he is registered with the Commission in such manner, on payment of
such fees and charges and on such conditions as may be prescribed.]48
6. Accounts, annual reports, returns, etc.- (1) Every [ ]49 Exchange and every
director, officer and member thereof shall prepare and maintain such books of accounts
and other documents in such manner as may be prescribed; and every such book of
accounts or document shall be subject to inspection at all reasonable times by any
person authorised by the [Commission]50 in this behalf.
39 Substituted for “a stock” through Finance Act, 2006.
40 Inserted through Finance Act, 1995.
41 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
42 Substituted for “and manner” through Finance Act, 1995.
43 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
44 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
45 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
46 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
47 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
48Inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
49 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
50 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
(2) Every [ ]51 Exchange shall submit to the [Commission]52, in such manner and
containing such particulars as may be prescribed, an annual report and periodical returns
relating to its affairs.
(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1) and sub-section (2), every [
]53 Exchange and every director, officer or member thereof shall furnish such documents,
information or explanation relating to the affairs of the [ ]54 Exchange or, as the case may
be, relating to the business on the [ ]55 Exchange of such director, officer or member as
the [Commission]56 may, at any time, by order in writing require.
7. Cancellation of registration, etc.- (1) Where the [Commission]57 is of opinion
that[ ]58 Exchange or any member, director or officer of [an]59 Exchange has contravened
any provision, or has otherwise neglected or failed to comply with any requirement, of
this Ordinance, or of any rule, regulation or direction made or given thereunder, the
[Commission]60 may, if it considers it necessary for the protection of investors or to
ensure fair dealings or fair administration of the [ ]61Exchange so to do, by order in
writing-
(a) suspend for such period as may be specified in the order the
transaction of any business on the[ ]62 Exchange;
(b) cancel the registration of the [ ]63 Exchange;
(c) supersede the governing body or other authority of the [ ]64
Exchange;
(d) [suspend or]65 remove the director, officer or member from his office
in, or membership of, the [ ]66 Exchange;
51 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
52 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
53 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
54 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
55 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
56 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
57 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
58 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
59 Substituted for “a stock” through Finance Act, 2006.
60Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
61 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
62 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
63 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
64 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
65 The words inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000
66 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
Provided that no such order shall be made except after giving the governing body or
other authority or, as the case may be, the director, officer or member, an opportunity of
being heard.
(2) An order made under clause (c) or clause (d) of sub-section (1) may also direct that
the functions of the governing body or other authority which has been superseded or of
the director or officer who has been removed shall be performed by such authority or
person as may be specified therein.
(3) An order under sub-section (1) shall have effect notwithstanding anything contained
in any other law for the time being in force or in any Memorandum or Articles of
Association;
Provided that no order made under clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (1) shall
affect the validity of any contract lawfully entered into before the date of such order.
8. Restriction on dealings in securities.- (1) No person shall transact any business in
securities on any Exchange [otherwise than as may be prescribed]67.
(2) No business shall be transacted on a Exchange in a security, other than a
Government security [ ]68, which is not listed on such Exchange [:]69
[Provided that business may be transacted in a delisted security for a period which
may extend to six months in such manner as the Commission may direct.]70
(3) No person shall act as a dealer in a security listed on a Stock Exchange outside such
Stock Exchange;
[ ]71
(4) No person other than a member shall act as a broker or a jobber for any security not
listed on a stock exchange:
Provided that the prohibition in this sub-section shall not apply to discounting of
any security evidencing a loan.
9. Listing of Securities.- (1) An issuer who intends to get any of his securities listed
on a Stock Exchange shall submit an application therefore, in the prescribed form to the
Stock Exchange and submit a copy of the application to the [Commission]72.
67 Substituted for “unless he is a member thereof” through Finance Act, 2006.
68 Words “or a bonus entitlement voucher” omitted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment)
Ordinance, 2000.
69 Semicolon substituted for colon through Finance Act, 2003.
70 Proviso inserted through Finance Act, 2003.
71 Proviso omitted through Finance Act, 2006. Before omission it read as follows:
“Provided that prohibition in this sub-section shall not apply to purchase, sale or transfer of any such
security by or from investment corporation of Pakistan or the National Investment Trust.”
(2) Upon receipt of an application under sub-section (1), the Stock Exchange may, if it
is satisfied after making such inquiry as it may consider necessary that the applicant
fulfils the conditions prescribed in this behalf, list the security for dealings on the Stock
Exchange.
(3) Where a Stock Exchange refuses to list a security, the [Commission]73 may, either
on petition by the applicant made within the prescribed time or on its own motion, direct
the Stock Exchange to list the security.
(4) Where after the listing of a security, the [Commission] or Stock Exchange finds that
the application is deficient in any material respect or that the issuer has failed to comply
with any prescribed condition or requirement and that the continued listing of the security
would not be in the public interest, the [Commission] or, as the case may be, the Stock
Exchange may, by order, either require the issuer to correct the deficiency or comply with
the prescribed condition or requirement within the time specified in the order or revoke
the listing.
(5) A listed security may be delisted on application by the issuer to the Stock Exchange
which may deny the application or grant it on such conditions as appear necessary or
appropriate for the protection of investors.
(6) Where a Stock Exchange refuses to delist a security, the [Commission]74 may, on
petition by the applicant made within the prescribed time, direct the Stock Exchange to
delist the security.
[(7) The Commission or a Stock Exchange may, if it considers it to be in the interest of
trade or in the public interest so to do, by order recording the reasons, suspend for a
period not exceeding sixty days the trading of any listed security and may, from time to
time, for the said reasons and in the said manner extend the suspension for further periods
not exceeding sixty days at any time.]75
[Omitted]76
72 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
73 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
74 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
75 Subsection (7) substituted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000. Before
omission it read as follows:
“(7) The Federal Government or a Stock Exchange may, if it considers it to be in the interest of trade or in
the public interest so to do, suspend, by order recording the reasons, trading in any security.”
76 Subsection (8) omitted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000. Before
omission it read as follows:
“(8) An order under subsection (7) shall remain in force for a period of [sixty days] which the Federal
Government or, as the case may be, Stock exchange may extend for further periods not exceeding [sixty
days] at any time.”
Substituted for fourteen through Companies Ordinance, 1984
(9) No application submitted under sub-section (1) shall be refused, and no listing shall
be revoked under sub-section (4), unless the issuer has been given an opportunity of
being heard.
10. Compulsory listing of securities.- Where the [Commission]77, having regard to
the nature of, and the dealings in, any security, is of the opinion that it is necessary or
expedient in the public interest so to do, it may, after consulting a Stock Exchange and
giving the issuer of such security an opportunity of being heard, direct the Stock
Exchange to list the security.
CHAPTER III
REGULATION OF ISSUER
[11. Submission of returns.- Omitted
12. Submission of statement of beneficial owners of listed equity securities. Omitted
13. Prohibition of short-selling.- Omitted
14. Trading by directors, officers and principal shareholders.- Omitted
15. Regulation of proxies.- Omitted]78
77 Substituted for “Federal Government” through President’s Order No. 4 of 1975.
78 Section 11 to 15 omitted through Companies Ordinance, 1984. Before omission these read as follows:
“11. Submission of returns.- (1) An issuer of listed security shall furnish to the Stock Exchange, to the
security holders and to the Federal Government an annual report of its affairs and such statements and other
reports as may be prescribed.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1) an issuer of a listed security shall furnish to
the Federal Government [, the Stock Exchange and the shareholders] such other documents, information or
explanation relating to its affairs as the Federal Government may, at any time, by order in writing require.
12. Submission of statement of beneficial owners of listed equity securities.- Every director or officer of an
issuer who is or has been the beneficial owner of any class or its listed equity securities and every person
who is directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of more than ten percent of any class of such securities
shall submit to the Federal Government such returns pertaining to the beneficial ownership of such
securities in such form and at such times or at such intervals as may be prescribed.
13. Prohibition of short-selling.- No director or officer of an issuer of a listed equity security and no person
who is directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of not less than ten percent of such securities shall
practice directly or indirectly short-selling such securities.
14. Trading by directors, officers and principal shareholders.- (1) Where any director or officer of a listed
equity security or any person who is directly or indirectly beneficial owner of not less than ten percent of
such securities make any gain by the purchase and sale, or the sale and purchase, of any such security
within a period of less than six months, such director, officer or beneficial owner shall make a report and
tender the amount of such gain to the issuer:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a security acquired in good faith in
satisfaction of a debt previously contracted.
[CHAPTER III-A]79
INSIDER TRADING
[15A. Prohibition of insider trading.—(1) No person shall indulge in insider trading.
(2) Insider trading shall include, –
(a) an insider person transacting any deal, directly or indirectly, using inside
information involving listed securities to which the inside information
pertains, or using others to transact such deals;
(b) any other person to whom inside information has been passed or disclosed
by an insider person transacting any deal, directly or indirectly, using
inside information involving listed securities to which the inside
information pertains, or using others to transact such deals;
(c) transaction by any person as specified in clauses (a) and (b), or any other
person who knows, or ought to have known under normal and reasonable
circumstances, that the information possessed and used for transacting any
deal is inside information;
(d) an insider person suggesting or recommending to another person to engage
in dealing in any listed securities to which the inside information
possessed by the insider person pertains, without the inside information
being disclosed to the person who has dealt in such securities:
(3) Nothing in this section shall apply to—
(a) any transaction performed under an agreement that was concluded before
the time of gaining access to inside information; or
(2) Where a director, officer or beneficial owner fails or neglects to tender or the issuer fails to
recover, any such gain as is mentioned in sub-section (1) within a period of six months after its accrual, or
within sixty days of a demand therefor, whichever is later, such gain shall vest in the Federal Government
which may recover the same as arrears of land revenue.
15. Regulation of proxies.- Notwithstanding anything contained in the Companies Act, 1913 or
Memorandum and Articles of Association of the issuer of a listed security, the Federal Government may
regulate the solicitation of any proxy, consent or authorisation pertaining to the securities of such issuer in
such manner as may be prescribed. ”
79 Chapter III-A inserted through Finance Act, 1995.
(b) the disclosure of inside information by an insider person as required under
law.
(4) No contract shall be void or unenforceable by reason only of an offence under this
section.
15B. Inside information.—(1) The expression “inside information” means, –
(a) information which has not been made public relating, directly or
indirectly, to listed securities or one or more issuers and which, if it were
made public, would be likely to have an effect on the prices of those listed
securities or on the price of related securities;
(b) in relation to derivatives on commodities or information which has not
been made public, relating, directly or indirectly, to one or more such
derivatives and which are traded in accordance with accepted market
practices on those markets; or
(c) in relation to persons responsible for the execution of orders concerning
listed securities, information which is conveyed by a client to such person
and related to the client’s pending orders.
15C. Insiders.—(1) Insiders shall include, –
(a) sponsors, executive officers and directors of an issuer;
(b) sponsors, executive officers, directors and partners of a legal person or
unincorporated business association, in which the issuer holds shares or
voting rights, directly or indirectly, of twenty per cent or more;
(c) sponsors, executive officers, directors and partners of a legal person or
unincorporated business association who holds, directly or indirectly,
shares or voting rights of ten per cent or more in an issuer;
(d) sponsors, executive officers and directors of an organization, that has been
engaged in the placement of listed securities or the public offer of
securities or the issuing and marketing of such securities, who has had
access to insider information during his employment till a period of one
year after leaving employment;
(e) any natural person holding, directly or indirectly, ten per cent or more
shares of an issuer;
(f) sponsors, executive officers and directors of credit institutions in which
the issuer has an account;
(g) any person obtaining inside information as part of his employment or
when discharging his usual duties in an official capacity, or in any other
way relating to work performed under contract of employment or
otherwise;
(h) any person obtaining inside information through unlawful means; and
(i) a spouse, lineal ascendant or descendant, partner or nominee of a person
referred to in clauses (a) to (h).
15D. Listed companies responsibilities to disclose inside information.—(1) Listed
companies shall inform the public, in the manner specified by the Commission, as soon
as possible of inside information which directly concerns the listed securities.
(2) Listed companies may delay the public disclosure of inside information, as referred to
in sub-section (1) in order not to prejudice their legitimate interests, provided that such
delay does not mislead the public and provided that the company is able to ensure the
confidentiality of the information and the company shall inform the Commission of the
decision to delay the public disclosure of inside information forthwith.
(3) Whenever a listed company or a person acting on its behalf, discloses any inside
information to any third party in the normal exercise of employment, profession or duties,
complete and effective public disclosure of that information must be made
simultaneously in the manner specified by the Commission:
Provided that the provisions shall not apply if the person receiving the
information owes a duty of confidentiality, regardless of whether such duty is based on a
law, regulations, articles of association or contract.
(4) Listed companies or persons acting on its behalf, shall maintain and regularly update
a list of persons employed, under contract or otherwise in the manner specified by the
Commission who have access to inside information and provide such list to the
Commission whenever the Commission requests it.
(5) Persons discharging managerial responsibilities within a listed company and, where
applicable, persons closely associated with them, shall notify the Commission of
transactions conducted on their own account relating to the securities of such listed
company in the manner specified by the Commission.
(6) The Exchanges shall adopt structural provisions, operating procedures and
surveillance techniques to detect and prevent insider trading and market abuse practices,
within such time as may be specified by the Commission and according to the regulations
made hereunder.
15E. Liability for contravention.—(1) Any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection
(1) of section 15A shall, on being found guilty of contravention by the
Commission, be liable to fine, which may extend to ten million rupees or three times the
amount of gain made or loss avoided by such person, or loss suffered by another person,
whichever amount is higher.
(2) In addition to the fine imposed under sub-section (1), such person,–
(a) may be directed by the Commission, –
(i) to surrender to the Commission, an amount equivalent to the gain
made or loss avoided by him; or
(ii) to pay any other person who has suffered a loss, an amount
equivalent to the loss so suffered by such person; and
(b) may, where such person is an executive officer, director, auditor, advisor,
consultant of a listed company, be removed from such office by an order
of the Commission and debarred from auditing any listed company for a
period of upto three years; or
(c) may, where such person is registered as a broker or agent, be liable to
cancellation of registration.
(3) Where an insider person discloses inside information to any other person who is not
required to possess such information for any reason, the insider person shall be liable to
fine, to be imposed by the Commission, which may extend to thirty million rupees.
(4) The Commission may, by notification in the official Gazette, make regulations to
regulate persons who produce or disseminate research concerning listed securities or
issuers of listed securities and persons who produce or disseminate other information
recommending or suggesting investment strategy, intended for distribution channels or
for the general public.]80
80 Section 15-A and 15 B substituted by 15 A to 15 E through Finance Act, 2008 dated June 27 2008.
The substituted section 15-A and 15B read as under:
15-A. Prohibition on stock exchange deals by insiders.- No person who is, or has been, at any time
during the preceding six months, associated with a company shall, directly or indirectly, deal on a stock
exchange in any listed securities of that or any other company or cause any other person to deal in
securities of such company, if he has information whicha)
is not generally available;
b) would, if it were so available, be likely to materially affect the price of those securities; or
c) relates to any transaction (actual or contemplated) involving such company.
Explanation.- For the purpose of this section, the expression “associated with” shall mean a person
associated with a company, if he-
(i) is an officer or employee of that company or an associated company; or
(ii) occupies a position which gives him access thereto by reason of any professional or business
relationship between him or his employer or a company or associated company of which he is a director.
CHAPTER IV
PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
16. Credit, [pledging]81 and lending of customers’ securities.- No member or
associate shall, in contravention of any rules made under this Ordinance, directly or
indirectly,-
(a) extend or maintain credit, or arrange for the extension or maintenance of
credit, to or for any person for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any
security; or
(b) borrow on any security or lend or arrange for the lending of any security
carried for the account of a customer ; or
[(c) pledge or arrange for the pledging of any security carried for the account of
any customer.]82
17. Prohibition of fraudulent acts, etc._ No person shall, for the purpose of inducing,
dissuading, effecting, preventing or in any manner influencing or turning to his
advantage, the sale or purchase of any security, directly or indirectly,-
(a) employ any device, scheme or artifice, or engage in any act, practice or course
of business, which operates or is intended or calculated to operate as a fraud
or deceit upon any person; or
15 B. Liability for contravention of section 15A.- (1) Where a person contravenes the provisions of
section 15A, the Authority may, by a notice in writing, ask such person to show cause for compensating
any person who has suffered loss for such contravention and initiating prosecution against him.
(2) Where a person to whom a notice has been issued under sub-section (1) satisfy the Authority that –
(a) any dealing on stock exchange or communication of any information was not made with the intent of
making any profit or causing a loss to any person or company; or
(b) the dealing on stock exchange or any information was communicated in good faith in discharge of his
legal responsibilities.
the Authority may withdraw such notice.
(3) Where the Authority is not satisfied with the explanation of the person given in response to the show
cause notice served upon him under sub-section (1), it may direct him to pay any other person who has
suffered loss for any contravention of section 15A, compensation which shall not be less than the amount
of loss sustained by any other person as a result of such dealing or communication of information:
Provided that where the person who has suffered any loss for any contravention of section 15A is
not determined, the amount of compensation equivalent to the gain accrued or the loss avoided by such
contravention, shall be payable to the [Commission].
(4) In addition to compensation payable under sub-section (3), a person contravening the provisions of
section 15A shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine
which may extend to three times the amount of gain accrued or loss avoided by such contravention, or with
both.
(5) Any compensation payable under this section shall be recoverable as arrear of land revenue.
81 Substituted for “hypothecation” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1980.
82 Clause (c) substituted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1980.
(b) make any suggestion or statement as a fact of that which he does not believe
to be true; or
(c) omit to state or actively conceal [a material fact]83 having knowledge or belief
of such fact; or
(d) induce any person by deceiving him to do or omit to do any thing which he
would not do or omit if he were not so deceived; or
(e) do any act or practice or engage in a course of business, or omit to do any act
which operates or would operate as a fraud, deceit or manipulation upon any
person, in particular-
(i) make any fictitious quotation;
(ii) create a false and misleading appearance of active trading in any
security;
(iii) effect any transaction in such security which involves no change
in its beneficial ownership;
(iv) enter into an order or orders for the purchase and sale of security
which will ultimately cancel out each other and will not result in
any change in the beneficial ownership of such security;
(v) directly or indirectly effect a series of transactions in any security
creating the appearance of active trading therein or of raising of
price for the purpose of inducing its purchase by others or
depressing its price for the purpose of inducing its sale by others;
(vi) being a director or an officer of the issuer of a listed equity
security or a beneficial owner of not less than ten per cent of
such security who is in possession of material facts omit to
disclose any such facts while buying or selling such security.
18. Prohibition of false statements, etc.- No person shall, in any document, paper,
accounts, information or explanation which he is, by or under this Ordinance, required to
furnish , or in any application made under this Ordinance, make any statement or give
any information which he knows or has reasonable cause to believe to be false or
incorrect in any material particular.
83 Substituted for “a fact” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1980.
[18A. Prohibition of making fictitious and multiple applications for new issues .-
(1) No person or any other person on his behalf shall make a fictitious application or
submit more than one application for share of companies offered to the public.
(2) In case of contravention of the provisions of sub-section (1), the application money
shall be liable to confiscation:
Provided that no action under this sub-section shall be taken without giving the
applicant an opportunity of being heard.]84
19. Maintenance of secrecy.- No person shall, except with the permission of the
[Commission]85 , communicate or otherwise disclose to any person not legally entitled
thereto any information which has been entrusted to him or which he has obtained or to
which he had access in the course of the performance of any functions under this
Ordinance.
20. Prohibitory orders.- (1) Where the [Commission]86 is of opinion that any person is
engaged or is about to be engaged in any act or practice which constitutes or is calculated
to constitute a contravention of the provisions of this Ordinance or of any rules made
thereunder, or that any person has neglected, or is not likely, to do an act the omission or
failure to do which constitutes such contravention, it may, by order in writing, direct such
person to abstain from doing the act or committing the practice which constitutes or is
calculated to constitute such contravention, or to do the act, the omission or failure to do
which constitutes such contravention.
(2) Every person to whom a direction under sub-section (1) is given shall comply
therewith in such manner, if any, and within such time, as may be specified therein.
CHAPTER V
ENQUIRIES, PENALTIES, ORDERS AND APPEALS
21. [(1) The [Commission]87 may, on its own motion or on representation of not less
than [one-tenth]88 in number of the members of the [ ]89 Exchange or, in the case of the
business or any transaction mentioned in clause (b), on the representation of the [ ]90
84 Section 18A inserted through Finance Act, 1995.
85 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
86 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
87 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
88 Substituted for “one fifth” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
89 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
90 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
Exchange or any person interested in or affected by such business or transaction, at any
time by order in writing, cause an enquiry to be made by any person appointed in this
behalf into-
(a) the affairs of, or dealings in, any[ ]91 Exchange; or
(b) the dealings, business or any transaction in securities by any [person or]92
broker, member, director or officer of [an]93 Exchange.
(2) Where any enquiry under sub-section (1) has been undertaken every past or present
member, director, manager or other officer of the[ ]94 Exchange [or any other person]95
to which the enquiry relates, and every other person who has had any dealing in the
course of his business with such [person or]96 [ ]97 Exchange or with the director,
manager or officer thereof, shall furnish such information and documents in his custody
or power or within his knowledge relating to or having bearing on the subject-matter or
the enquiry as the person conducting the enquiry may require.]98
(3) The person conducting an enquiry under sub-section (1) may, for the purpose of
such enquiry, enter into any premises belonging to or in the occupation of the[ ]99
Exchange or the issuer or of the person to whom the enquiry relates, and call for and
91 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
92 The words “person or” inserted through Finance Act, 2008 dated June 27, 2008.
93 Substituted for “a Stock” though Finance Act, 2006.
94 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
95 The words “or any other person” inserted through Finance Act, 2008 dated June 27, 2008.
96 The words “person or” inserted through Finance Act, 2008 dated June 27, 2008.
97 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
98 Sub-sections (1) and (2) substituted through Companies Ordinance, 1984. Before substitution these read
as follows:
(1) The Federal Government may, on its own motion or, in the case of issuer of listed securities, on
representation of holders of not less than ten percent of equity securities at any time by order in
writing, cause an enquiry to be made by any person appointed in this behalf into-
(a) The affairs of any Stock Exchange, or any issuer of a listed security; or
(b) The business or any transaction in any security by any member director or officer of a Stock
Exchange or of an issuer, or of a director or an officer of whereof, or by any person who is
directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of not less than ten percent of a listed security.
(2) Where an enquiry under sub-section (1) has been undertaken, every member, director, [auditor],
manager, or other officer of the Stock Exchange r the issuer to which, or to whose member,
director, officer the enquiry relates and every other person who has had any dealing in the course
of his business with such Stock Exchange, or issuer or with the director, [auditor], manager, or
other officer thereof, shall furnish such information in his custody or power or within his
knowledge relating to or having a bearing on the subject matter of the enquiry as the person
conducting the enquiry may require.
99 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
inspect and seize books of accounts or documents in the possession of any such[ ]100
Exchange, issuer or person.
(4) The person holding an enquiry under sub-section (1) shall, for the purpose of such
enquiry have the same powers as are vested in a court under the Code of Civil Procedure,
1908 (Act V of 1908), when trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely :-
(a) enforcing the attendance of a person and examining him on oath or
affirmation;
(b) compelling the production of documents;
(c) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses;
and any proceedings before such person shall be deemed to be “judicial proceeding”
within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV
of 1860).
22. Penalty for certain refusal or failure. -(1) If any person-
(a) refuses or fails to furnish any document, paper or information which he is
required to furnish by or under this Ordinance; or
(b) refuses or fails to comply with any order or direction of the [Commission]101
made or issued under this Ordinance; or
(c) contravenes or otherwise fails to comply with the provisions of this Ordinance
[or any rules or regulations made thereunder]102;
the [Commission]103 may, if it is satisfied after giving the person an opportunity of being
heard that the refusal, failure or contravention was willful, by order direct that such
person shall pay to the [Commission]104 by way of penalty such sum not exceeding [fifty
million]105 rupees as may be specified in the order and, in the case of a continuing
default, a further sum calculated at the rate of [two hundred]106 thousand rupees for every
day after the issue of such order during which the refusal, failure or contravention
continues.
100 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
101 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
102 Words inserted through Finance, Act, 2006.
103 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
104 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
105 Substituted for “one hundred thousand” through Finance Act, 2007. Earlier it was substituted for “thirty
through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.”
106 Substituted for “two thousand through Finance Act, 2007. Earlier “two” was substituted for “one”
through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
(2) Any sum directed to be paid under sub-section (1) shall be recoverable as an arrear
of land revenue.
(3) No prosecution for an offence against this Ordinance shall be instituted in respect of
the same facts on which a penalty has been imposed under this section.
23. Civil liabilities.- (1) Every contract made in contravention of any provision of this
Ordinance or any rule made thereunder shall be voidable as regards the rights of any
party to the contract contravening such provision or any person not being a party to the
contract who acquires any right under the contract with actual knowledge of the facts by
reason of which its making or performance was in such contravention and any person
affected by such contract not being himself a party to the contravention may sue to
rescind any such contract to the extent it has been consummated or for damages when
recision is not possible.
(2) Any person who makes or causes to be made, in any application, report, or
document filed with the [Commission]107 or [an]108 Exchange pursuant to this Ordinance
or any rule made thereunder, any statement which was false or misleading with respect
to any material fact, at the time and in the light of the circumstances under which it was
made, shall be liable to any person who has purchased or sold a security in reliance on
such statement for damages caused by such reliance, without regard to the presence or
absence of any contractual relationship between the two, unless the person who made or
caused to be made the application, report or document proves that he acted in good faith
and had no knowledge or reasonable ground to believe that the statement was false or
misleading.
(3) Any person who participates in any act or transaction in contravention of section 17
shall be liable to any person who has purchased or sold a security in reliance on such act
or transaction for damages caused by such reliance, without regard to the presence or
absence of any contractual relationship between the two, unless the person so
contravening proves that he acted in good faith and had no knowledge or reasonable
ground to believe that there was any fraud, untruth or omission.
(4) Every person who directly or indirectly exercises control over the affairs of any
person liable under this section shall also be liable to the same extent as the person whose
affairs are so controlled, unless he proves that he acted in good faith and did not directly
or indirectly induce the act or acts giving rise to the cause of action.
(5) Liability under this section shall be joint and several, and every person who
becomes liable may recover contribution as in cases of contract from any person who, if
joined in the original suit, would have been liable to make the same payment, unless the
plantiff was, and the defendant was not, guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation.
107 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
108 Substituted for “a stock” through Finance Act, 2006.
(6) No suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy provided for in this section shall
lie after the expiry of three years from the date of the accrual of the cause of action.
(7) The rights and remedies provided by this Ordinance shall be in addition to any other
rights and remedies available under any other law for the time being in force.
24. Penalty. (1) Whoever contravenes the provisions of section 17 shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may
extend to [five hundred]109 thousand rupees, or with both.
(2) Where the person guilty of an offence referred to in sub-section (1) is a company or
other body corporate, every director, manager or other officer responsible for the conduct
of its affairs shall, unless he proves that the offence was committed without his
knowledge or that he exercised all diligence to prevent its commission, be deemed to be
guilty of the offence.
25. Cognizance of offence.- No court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable
under this ordinance except on a report in writing of the facts constituting the offence by
an officer authorised in this behalf by the [Commission]110; and no court inferior to that
of a court of Session shall try any such offence.
26. [Omitted]111
CHAPTER VI
MISCELLANEOUS
109 Substituted for “thirty” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000. Earlier “thirty”
was substituted for “ten” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
110 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
111 Section 26 omitted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000. Before omission it
read as follows:
“26. Revision and Review.- (1) Any order passed or made under this Ordinance by an officer or authority
subordinate to the Federal Government or exercising the powers of the Federal Government in pursuance of
a directive of under section 28 shall be subject to revision by the Federal Government upon application
being made by any aggrieved person within ninety days from the date of such order; and the Federal
Government’s order in revision shall be final.
(2) The Federal Government may, upon an application being made to it within a period of six months
from the date of the order passed by it otherwise than in revision under sub-section (1) or on its on motion,
review such order; and the Federal Government’s order in review shall be final.”
27. Advisory Committee.- The [Commission]112 may, for the purpose of obtaining
advice and assistance in carrying out the purposes of this Ordinance, constitute an
Advisory Committee consisting of such persons representing interests affected by this
Ordinance or having special knowledge of the subject-matter thereof as it may think fit.
28. [Omitted]113
29. Exemption.- The [Commission]114 may, by notification in the official Gazette,
exempt any person or class of persons or any security or class of securities or any
transaction or class of transactions from the operation of all or any of the provisions of
this Ordinance.
30. Indemnity.- No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the
[Commission]115 or an officer or authority subordinate to it or specially appointed for the
purpose of this Ordinance for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done
under this Ordinance or any rules or orders made thereunder.
31. Securities acquired in good faith.- (1) A person who, without fraud and for a
lawful consideration, becomes the possessor of a certificate of an equity security, scrip,
debenture, debenture stock or bond, and who is without notice that the title of the person
from whom he derived his own title was defective shall hold such certificate and all
rights attached thereto free from any defect of title of prior parties and free from defences
available to prior parties among themselves.
(2) [An]116 Exchange may regulate the documentation, procedures and guarantees
required to transfer property in securities and the effects thereof on the respective rights
and liabilities of the parties and such regulations, if approved by the [Commission]117 ,
shall constitute binding and enforceable terms and conditions of contracts effected on the
exchange, shall govern the rights and liabilities of the parties thereto, and shall govern the
rights and liabilities with respect to transfers of shares on its books of the issuer of listed
112 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
113 Section 28 omitted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000. Before omission it
read as follows:
“28. Delegation of Power.- [(1)] The Federal Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,
direct that all or any of its powers and functions under this Ordinance may, subject to such limitations,
restrictions or conditions, if any, as it may from time to time impose, be exercised or performed also by any
officer or authority subordinate to it or specially appointed for the purpose.
[(2)] Where the Federal Government has, under sub-section (1), directed that any of its powers and
functions shall be exercised or performed also by any specified authority, such authority may by
notification in the official Gazette, directed that any of the said powers and functions may, subject to such
limitations, restrictions or conditions, if any, as it may from time to time impose, be exercised or performed
by any officer of the authority specified by it.”
Section 28 renumbered as sub-section (1) and sub-section (2) inserted through Companies Ordinance, 1984.
114 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
115 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
116 Substituted for “a stock” through Finance Act, 2006.
117 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
securities notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in the Contract Act,
1872 (IX of 1872), the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (XXVI of 1881), the Transfer
of Property Act, 1882 (IV of 1882) or the Companies Ordinance, 1984, or any other law
for the time being in force.
[32. Regulation of business of asset management companies, investment advisers,
investment companies and venture capital companies.- The business of asset
management companies, investment advisers and investment companies and venture
capital companies shall be regulated in such manner as may be prescribed.]118
[32-A. Regulation of central depository companies.- (1) No company shall function as
a central depository company unless it is incorporated under the Companies Ordinance,
1984 (XLVII of 1984), and is registered with the Authority in the manner and on
payment of such fee as may be prescribed.
(2) A certificate of registration granted under this section shall be valid for one year
and shall be renewable on payment of such fee as may be prescribed.]119
(3) No application for registration shall be refused except after giving the applicant an
opportunity of being heard.
(4) Where the Authority is of the opinion that a central depository company has
contravened any provision, or has otherwise neglected or failed to comply with any
requirement of this Ordinance or the rules, the Authority may suspend the registration for
a specified period or cancel the registration of such company:
Provided that the registration shall not be suspended or canceled except after giving the
central depository company a notice to show cause.
[32-B. Registration of credit rating companies.- (1) No company shall function as a
credit rating company unless it is incorporated under the Companies Ordinance, 1984
(XLVII of 1984), and is registered with the Authority in the manner and on payment of
such fee as may be prescribed.
(2) A certificate of registration granted under this section shall be valid for one year
and shall be renewable on payment of such fee as may be prescribed.
118Section 32 substituted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000. Before
substitution it read as follows:
“32. Regulation of business of asset management companies, investment advisors and investment
companies.- The business of asset management companies, investment advisors and investment companies
shall be regulated in such manner as may be prescribed.”
Section 32 was earlier substituted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1994. Before
substitution it read as follows:
“32. Regulation of business of investment advisors and asset management companies.- The business of
investment advisors and investment companies shall be regulated in such manner as may be prescribed.”
119Section 32A inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1994.
(3) No application for registration shall be refused except after giving the applicant an
opportunity of being heard.
(4) Where the Authority is of the opinion that a credit rating company has contravened
any provision, or has otherwise neglected or failed to comply with any requirement of
this Ordinance or the rules, the Authority may suspend the registration for a specified
period or cancel the registration of such company:
Provided that the registration shall not be suspended or cancelled except after giving
the credit rating company a notice to show cause.]120
[32-C. Regulation of business of transfer agents, balloters and underwriters, etc.-
(1) The business of transfer agents, balloters, underwriters, sub-underwriters, consultants
to a public issue and other ancillary business relating to stock market shall be regulated in
such manner and on payment of such fees and charges as may be prescribed.]121
[32-D. Regulation of business of Commodity Futures Contract.- The business of
Commodity Futures Contract shall be regulated in such manner and on payment of such
fees and charges and may be prescribed.]122
123[32E. Corporatisation, demutualisation and integration of the stock exchanges.-
(1) Notwithstanding anything in any other law for the time being in force, the stock
exchanges shall stand corporatized and demutualised from 31st December, 2006 or from
such later date as may be specified by the Commission, in such manner and in accordance
with such conditions as may be prescribed.
[(1A) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power and sub-section (2) of
section 33, the rules made in pursuance of this section may inter alia provide for—
(a) the matters to be included in any scheme of demutualization and
corporatization and the manner of its approval by the members of the
stock exchange;
(b) the power of the Commission to approve any scheme of demutualization
and corporatization including the power to impose any conditions;
(c) the process and procedure to be followed for purposes of demutualization
and corporatization;
(d) matters regarding appointment of directors and chairman of the board of a
stock exchange after demutualization, including but not limited to
restrictions, if any, on such appointments;
120 Section 32B inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1994.
121 Section 32C inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
122 Section 32D inserted through Finance Act, 2003.
123 Section 32E inserted through Finance Act, 2006.
(e) restriction of rights, if any, attached to the shares issued pursuant to
corporatization;
(f) matters including restrictions, if any, on disinvestment, further issue and
sale and purchase of shares of a stock exchange after demutualization;
(g) matters regarding limits or restriction on holding of shares by different
categories of shareholders of a stock exchange, and the requirement for
divestment of shares by shareholders in particular circumstances; and
(h) matters regarding trading rights on a stock exchange and restrictions if any
in this regard.]124
(2) From the date of effect of corporatisation and demutualization as aforesaid, no stock
exchange shall undertake any activity unless it is corporatised and demutualised.
(3) Any two or more stock exchanges may, upon filing a scheme of integration to the
Commission for its approval, in such manner and in accordance with such conditions as
may be prescribed, be merged so as to transfer to and vest in the successor stock
exchange, all the assets, undertaking, liabilities, rights and obligations of any stock
exchange which, upon such merger, is proposed to cease to exist.
(4) Without prejudice to the provisions of sections 7 and 22, the Commission may, by
notice in writing, for the purpose of effecting the corporatisation and demutualisation of
the stock exchanges, issue such directions to the stock exchanges, including in respect of
their memorandum and articles of association, their management and the transfer of their
shares or business, as the Commission may deem expedient.
(5) Where a stock exchange fails to comply with any directions issued by the
Commission under sub-section (4), such stock exchange shall be liable to be fined by the
Commission by an amount not exceeding one hundred thousand rupees.]
33. Power to make rules.- (1) The [Federal Government]125 may, by notification in the
official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Ordinance.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such
rules may provide for –
124 Sub-section (1A) inserted through Finance Act, 2008 dated June 27, 2008.
125 Substituted for “Central Government” through President’s Order no. 4 of 1975.
(a) any of the matters which are to be or may be prescribed for the purposes of
clause (d) of section 2 and section 4, 5, [5A,]126 6, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16 127[,
32, 32A, 32B, 128{32 C and 32 E}]; and
(b) any of the matters with respect to which [the]129 Exchange may make
regulations.
34. Power to make regulations.- (1) [An]130 Exchange may, subject to the previous
approval of the [Commission]131, make regulations not inconsistent with the rules to carry
out the purposes of this Ordinance.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such
regulations may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:-
(i) constitution, powers and functions of the governing body of the[ ]132
Exchange;
(ii) qualification for membership of the [ ]133 Exchange; admission, suspension
and expulsion of members; disciplinary matters, including punishment of the
members;
(iii) classification of members into categories with regard to-
(a) whether they are or are not active in dealings on the [ ]134 Exchange,
(b) whether they have or have not a place of business in the city where the
[]135 Exchange is located, and
(c) whether a substantial part of their business is in listed or unlisted
securities;
(iv) a member’s financial responsibility whether by way of minimum capital or a
ratio between net capital or aggregate indebtedness, or both;
126 Inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
127 Inserted through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
128 Substituted for “and 32C” through Finance, Act, 2006.
129 Substituted for “an” through Finance, Act, 2007.
130 Substituted for “a stock” through Finance Act, 2006.
131 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
132 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
133 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
134 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
135 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
(v) regulation of dealing by members for their own account; method of soliciting
business by members; manner of maintaining books of accounts and financial
reports by members;
(vi) methods of selection of officers and committees to ensure a fair representation
of the membership;
(vii) qualifications and functions of the directors, officers and other functionaries of
the [ ]136 Exchange; disciplinary matters, including punishment of the
directors, officers and functionaries;
(viii) listing and delisting of securities;
(ix) the procedure for registration of an issuer and particulars to be furnished for
the purpose;
(x) regulation of days and hours of trading in securities; suspension of trading;
(xi) types of contracts and settlements in the [ ]137 Exchange and regulation of
contracts generally, including the consequences of default or insolvency;
confirmation of contracts;
(xii) regulation of forward trading, badlas and carry over facilities in relation to
transactions and securities;
(xiii) manner of making and publishing quotations, fixing of trade units and
differentials and publication of transactions both individually and by volume;
(xiv) setting up of a clearing house in relation to transactions in securities;
(xv) regulation of fictitious and numbered accounts; blank transfers, short sales,
options, odd lots and margins, in relation to transactions and securities;
(xvi) lending and [pledging]138 of customers’ securities;
(xvii) regulation of brokerages and other charges, including fixation of minimum
commission;
(xviii)separation of the functions of broker and jobber;
(xix) procedure for the settlement of claims or disputes, including arbitration; and
136 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
137 The word “Stock” omitted through Finance Act, 2007.
138 Substituted for “hypothecation” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 1980.
(xx) any other matter for which a regulation is required to be or may be made.
(3) All regulations made under this section shall be published in the official Gazette and
shall take effect upon such publication.
(4) Where the [Commission]139 considers it expedient so to do, it may, by order in
writing, direct [an]140 Exchange to make any regulation, or to amend or rescind any
regulation already made, within such period as it may specify in this behalf.
(5) If an Exchange fails or neglects to comply with any direction under sub-section (4)
within the specified period, the [Commission]141 may make or amend, with or without
modifications, or rescind, any regulation directed to be made, amended or rescinded; and
a regulation so made, amended or rescinded by the [Commission]142 shall be deemed to
have been made, amended or rescinded by the Exchange in accordance with the
provisions of this section and shall have effect accordingly.
[ omitted ]143
139 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
140 Substituted for “a stock” through Finance Act, 2006.
141 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
142 Substituted for “Federal Government” through Securities and Exchange (Amendment) Ordinance, 2000.
143 Section 35 omitted through Finance Act, 2007. Before omission it read as follows:
“35. Savings.- (1) A Stock Exchange which, immediately before the commencement of this Ordinance,
was functioning shall be deemed to be registered under this Ordinance.
(2) Any security which immediately before the commencement of this Ordinance, was stood listed on
any Stock Exchange shall be deemed to have been listed under this Ordinance.
(3) Any rule, regulation, by-law or order made or issued by a Stock Exchange which immediately
before the commencement of this Ordinance, was in force, shall, in so far as it is not inconsistent with the
provisions of this Ordinance, continue in force as if made or issued under this Ordinance.”

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