Verifying whether a company is legally registered in Pakistan is crucial for investors, customers, suppliers, and business partners. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the primary regulatory body responsible for company incorporation and compliance. SECP maintains an online database that allows the general public to verify the existence and status of any registered company. This guide outlines the exact steps you need to follow to check if a company is registered with SECP using official online tools.
Why Company Verification is Important
Checking a company’s registration status ensures that the business you are dealing with is legitimate, compliant, and authorized to operate under Pakistani law. It helps in:
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Avoiding fraud and scams
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Confirming legal identity before partnerships or investments
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Verifying official details for contracts or tenders
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Ensuring regulatory compliance in due diligence and procurement processes
Whether you are signing a deal, making a payment, or entering a partnership, this simple verification can protect you from financial and reputational risks.
Step 1: Visit the SECP Company Name Search Portal
To begin your search, go to the SECP’s official company verification page using this link:
https://www.secp.gov.pk/company-name-search/
This online tool allows you to search the database of companies registered with SECP, including all types such as private limited companies, public limited companies, single-member companies, and not-for-profit entities.
Step 2: Enter the Company Name or Keywords
In the search field provided on the portal, type the name of the company you want to verify. You can use:
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The exact registered name (e.g., “XYZ Trading Pvt Ltd”)
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Partial or keyword-based search (e.g., “XYZ” or “Trading”)
The system automatically matches your entry with names in the SECP database and shows a list of results that closely resemble the entered query.
Step 3: Click on the Search Button
After typing the company name or keyword, click the “Search” button. The system will process your query and display a list of all companies that match the name or contain similar words. This may include active, inactive, and deregistered companies.
Step 4: Review the Search Results
Each result will include important company details such as:
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Company Name: The full legal name registered with SECP
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Company Incorporation Number (CUIN): A unique identifier issued by SECP
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Company Type: Whether it’s a Private Limited, Public Limited, SMC, or foreign company
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Company Status: Shows whether the company is Active, Inactive, Under Process, or Dissolved
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Jurisdiction: Province or city of registration
You can use these details to confirm the legitimacy of the company and match it with documentation provided to you.
Step 5: Additional Verification Through SECP’s eServices Portal
If you are a registered user of SECP’s eServices portal, you can access additional information, including statutory filings and historical changes in company structure. To do this:
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Log in with your credentials
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Navigate to the “Company Information” section
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Search for the company by CUIN or name to access extended records
This is useful for legal advisors, accountants, auditors, or anyone conducting detailed due diligence.
Alternative: Verify Tax Status with FBR
In addition to SECP verification, you can also confirm if the company is active for tax purposes through the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR):
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Visit FBR’s Active Taxpayer List (ATL) portal:
https://www.fbr.gov.pk -
Click on ATL for “Companies”
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Search using the company’s NTN or Company Name
This verification is especially important for tax reporting, withholding tax compliance, and government tenders.
Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
Company Name Not Found
If the system doesn’t return any results, ensure that:
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You have spelled the company name correctly
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You try using keywords instead of full names
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You remove suffixes like “(Pvt) Ltd” and just search for the core name
If the company is not registered with SECP, it may be operating informally or under another name.
Multiple Companies with Similar Names
Sometimes, multiple businesses have similar names. In such cases, carefully check the CUIN and registration status to identify the correct company.
Inactive or Dissolved Status
If the company status shows as “Inactive” or “Dissolved,” this means it is no longer in good standing. Such companies may not be authorized to operate, enter contracts, or conduct business legally.
Foreign Companies
To check the registration of a foreign company with a local office in Pakistan, you must enter the correct name under which it is registered in Pakistan. This may differ from its international branding.
Benefits of SECP’s Online Company Search Tool
Transparency and Public Access
Anyone, including individuals, investors, and institutions, can access this information without any login or cost, promoting transparency in business dealings.
Real-Time Updates
The SECP database is updated in real-time. Any changes in company status, shareholding, or registration are reflected quickly, allowing users to rely on up-to-date information.
Secure and Confidential
Only non-sensitive data is displayed to the public, while detailed filings and internal records are accessible only to authorized persons. This protects companies’ confidential information while ensuring public accountability.
Wide Coverage
All types of companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 2017—including SMCs, NPOs, LLPs, and foreign companies—can be verified using the same search tool.
Integration with Other Platforms
SECP’s data can be cross-verified with the FBR, PSEB, and other government platforms for a comprehensive due diligence process.
Who Should Use SECP’s Company Verification Portal?
Buyers and Clients
Ensure you are dealing with a legally registered supplier or service provider.
Investors and Shareholders
Verify the corporate status of companies before investing or entering partnerships.
Law Firms and Accountants
Use it for client onboarding, audit trails, legal proceedings, and regulatory filings.
Procurement Officers and Tender Committees
Check legitimacy of bidders in public and private tenders.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Verify the legal standing of entities before account opening, lending, or offering credit.
Tips for Reliable Verification
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Always note down the CUIN for future correspondence with SECP
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Download and save search results as a PDF for audit or compliance purposes
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Check both SECP and FBR to ensure registration and tax compliance
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If in doubt, contact SECP helpline at 0800-88008 or email them at info@secp.gov.pk
Conclusion
Verifying a company’s registration status with SECP is a straightforward but crucial step in any business relationship or financial transaction in Pakistan. The online portal provided by SECP is free, easy to use, and accessible to everyone. Whether you are a business partner, investor, legal advisor, or concerned citizen, taking a few minutes to confirm a company’s status can save you from potential legal, financial, and reputational damage. Always perform due diligence using official tools like SECP’s company search and FBR’s taxpayer database before engaging in commercial activity.
