The Central Depositories Act, 1997

Current legal status not independently verified. Source: Pakistan Code (single official PDF, 2026-08-21). The text below is the official Pakistan Code text as retrieved; whether it is still in force, or has since been amended or repealed, has not been independently checked.

WHEREAS it is expedient to make provisions for the establishment and operation of book‑entry systems for the transfer of securities by central depository companies; It is hereby enacted as follows:—

• Section 1: Short title and commencement
• Section 2: Definitions
• Section 3: Overriding effect
• Section 4: Central depository system
• Section 5: Central depository not to be a member of an issuer, etc
• Section 6: Transfers under book‑entry system
• Section 7: Effect of book‑entry transfer on transferee
• Section 8: Central depository discharged from liability if acting on instructions
• Section 9: Central depository to supply information
• Section 10: Bonus issue by an issuer
• Section 11: Bar on rectification of central depository register
• Section 12: Pledge of book‑entry securities
• Section 13: Consolidation or subdivision of securities by an issuer
• Section 14: Regulations for issue or offer for sale of securities
• Section 15: Conversion of non­equity securities into equity securities
• Section 16: Issuance of Jumbo Certificates
• Section 17: Inspection of the central depository register
• Section 18: Record of an entry prima facie evidence
• Section 19: Borrowing or lending of securities
• Section 20: Duty to maintain secrecy
• Section 21: Permitted disclosures
• Section 22: Regulation of access to the computer system
• Section 23: Central depository to provide assistance to the Registrar, the Authority, the State
• Section 24: Handing book­entry securities without authority
• Section 25: Nomination and transmission
• Section 26: Settlement of securities transactions using the central depository system
• Section 27: Power of Registrar and Authority to call for information or appoint inspectors
• Section 28: Offences
• Section 29: Cognizance of offences by courts
• Section 30: Offences to be non­cognizable
• Section 31: Punishment and adjudication of fine or penalty
• Section 32: Review and appeal
• Section 33: Powers of the Authority in relation to proceedings
• Section 34: Amendment of Ordinance XLVII of 1984
• Section 35: Central depository to have power to make regulations
• Section 36: Removal of difficulties
• SCHEDULE: SCHEDULE