Why Clients Choose Awais Law Associates for Corporate Matters
Corporate and commercial matters are led by Advocate High Court Muhammad Awais Ahsan Joiya, who began his career in 2006 at Mandviwalla & Zafar Advocates — one of Pakistan's leading corporate and litigation law firms — under the mentorship of Senior Advocate Supreme Court Mr. S. M. Zafar and Barrister Syed Ali Zafar. The firm has represented institutional clients including Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited and Soneri Bank Limited in corporate and commercial disputes.
Businesses need legal counsel that understands commercial pressure, not just statute. As a corporate lawyer in Lahore, Awais Law Associates advises startups, established companies, and financial institutions on formation, contracts, compliance, and dispute resolution — and represents them when a dispute moves into litigation or arbitration.
The firm handles business registration, contract drafting and review, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder disputes, and SECP regulatory compliance, including the Certificate of Statutory Compliance and share-digitization requirements introduced under the SECP's 2026 SROs.
Recent update: read our analysis of SECP's 2026 compliance rules for directors, covering the new compliance certificate, mandatory share digitization, and M&A ownership-verification requirements.
SECP Compliance — What Changed in 2026
Three 2026 SECP updates directly affect how companies and directors need to operate: a formal Certificate of Statutory Compliance (SRO 875 of 2026) that shifts the burden toward documented proof of compliance; mandatory digitization of physical share certificates (SRO 328 of 2026); and clearer beneficial-ownership verification requirements in M&A transactions (SRO 669 of 2026). Directors who assume "we've always done it this way" without checking these specific requirements risk falling short in an SECP inquiry.
Director Liability — A Real, Not Theoretical, Risk
Under the Companies Act 2017, directors carry personal exposure for governance failures that go undocumented — informal board decisions, unreviewed related-party transactions, and gaps in statutory filings are the most common sources of that exposure. Building documentation discipline and periodic compliance review into a board's normal operating rhythm is the most effective, lowest-cost protection available, and is far cheaper than responding to a dispute or SECP inquiry after the fact.
What We Handle
Business Registration & Structuring
Company formation, business registration, and structuring advice for startups and new ventures in Lahore.
Contract Drafting & Review
Commercial contracts, vendor agreements, shareholder agreements, and non-compete agreement review.
SECP Compliance Advisory
Statutory compliance certification, share digitization, and beneficial-ownership verification under the SECP's 2026 SROs.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Due Diligence
Legal due diligence and transaction support for M&A activity, including ownership verification.
Director & Board Governance
Advisory on director liability under the Companies Act 2017 and board governance documentation practices.
Corporate Dispute Resolution
Representation in shareholder disputes, breach-of-contract claims, and corporate fraud investigation defence.
Our Process
- Initial consultation to understand the business, transaction, or dispute at hand.
- Compliance or contract review against current statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Drafting, filing, or negotiation as the matter requires.
- Representation before SECP, civil courts, or arbitration where a dispute arises.
- Ongoing advisory relationship for businesses that want continuing compliance support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SECP Certificate of Statutory Compliance?
Introduced under SRO 875 of 2026, it is a formal certificate confirming a company has met its statutory obligations under the Companies Act 2017, shifting the burden toward documented proof of compliance.
Do all companies need to digitize their share certificates?
Under SRO 328 of 2026, companies still holding physical share certificates are required to convert them into digital form.
Can a director be personally liable for company decisions?
Yes. Under the Companies Act 2017, directors carry personal exposure for governance failures, particularly undocumented board decisions and unreviewed related-party transactions.
How long does business registration take in Pakistan?
Timelines vary by business structure and SECP processing times; our office advises on the specific structure and expected timeline at the initial consultation.
What should I check before an M&A transaction?
Beneficial-ownership verification is now a specific SECP requirement under SRO 669 of 2026, in addition to standard financial and legal due diligence.
Do you advise startups on legal structuring?
Yes. The firm advises startups on business registration, contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory obligations from formation onward.