Business & Partnership
Commonly searched as: Sharakat Nama / Partnership Deed & Form-C Registration Guide Pakistan
Statutory documentation and registration standards for Pakistani enterprises, startups, and commercial partnerships. Covers drafting bilateral Partnership Deeds (شراکت نامہ) on e-Stamp paper, Form-C issuance from the Registrar of Firms, business compliance undertakings, and FBR NTN registration.
1. What is this Document?
Under the Partnership Act 1932, a partnership is the relationship between persons who have agreed to share the profits of a business carried on by all or any of them acting for all. To ensure full legal enforceability, bank account opening, and government tendering eligibility, partners execute a bilateral Partnership Deed (شراکت نامہ) on provincial non-judicial e-Stamp paper, register with the district Registrar of Firms (Industries Department) to secure a certified Form-C, and obtain a Partnership NTN from FBR.
2. When is this Document Used?
- Forming a new commercial partnership, trading firm, software house, consultancy, or manufacturing enterprise
- Opening a dedicated commercial Partnership Bank Account in any scheduled Pakistani bank
- Applying for a firm National Tax Number (NTN) and Sales Tax Registration (STRN) with FBR
- Submitting registered business credentials for public tenders, chamber of commerce memberships, or corporate vendor registrations
3. Who Needs It & What is Required?
Required Information
- Full names, CNIC numbers, father names, and permanent residential addresses of all partners
- Official business trade name and registered principal place of business
- Total capital investment contributed by each partner (amount in PKR and percentage share)
- Profit and loss sharing ratio (e.g. 50:50, 60:40) and monthly salary or drawing limits
- Designated managing partner(s) authorized to operate bank accounts, sign tenders, and bind the firm
Supporting Documents Needed
- Original CNIC copies of all partners and two independent Pakistani adult witnesses
- Rent Agreement or ownership proof (Fard/Registry) for the registered business address
- Utility bill (electricity or gas) of the business premises not older than 2 months
- Provincial e-Stamp Paper (PKR 1,200 - 2,000 denomination) issued via BOP 32-A Challan
- Form-A application signed by all partners in presence of an authorized Oath Commissioner
4. Step-by-Step Official Procedure
Draft Bilingual Partnership Deed on ClicknDocs
Draft the comprehensive Partnership Deed specifying capital ratios, duties, bank operations, and dissolution terms using the ClicknDocs workstation.
Generate e-Stamp Paper via 32-A Challan
Issue official non-judicial e-Stamp paper from the Punjab e-Stamping portal (es.punjab.gov.pk) or Bank of Punjab under Article 46 of the Stamp Act.
Execution & Oath Commissioner Attestation
All partners sign every page, affix biometric thumb impressions, and attest the deed before a High Court appointed Oath Commissioner or Notary Public.
Submission to Registrar of Firms (Industries Dept)
Submit Form-A along with attested Partnership Deed, rent agreement, and fee challan to the District Registrar of Firms (e.g. at Poonch House / Directorate of Industries in Lahore).
Issuance of Form-C Certificate & FBR NTN
Upon document scrutiny, the Registrar issues the official Form-C Registration Certificate. The partners then apply for a Partnership NTN via FBR Iris portal.
5. Official Fees & Timelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legally mandatory to register a partnership firm with the Registrar of Firms?
While an unregistered partnership is not illegal, under Section 69 of the Partnership Act 1932, an unregistered firm cannot file a lawsuit against any third party or between partners to enforce contractual claims. Registration and obtaining Form-C is therefore indispensable for legal protection and commercial banking.
Can a partnership deed be amended if a new partner joins or an existing partner leaves?
Yes. An amended Partnership Deed (Re-constitution of Partnership / شراکت نامہ ترمیم شدہ) must be drafted on e-Stamp paper, attested before an Oath Commissioner, and submitted to the Registrar of Firms with Form-D or Form-E to update official records.
What is the difference between a Registered Partnership Firm and a Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)?
A partnership firm is governed by the Partnership Act 1932 through the provincial Registrar of Firms with unlimited liability for partners, while a Private Limited Company is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the Companies Act 2017 offering limited liability protection.