The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has signed an agreement with the National Institute of Facilitation Technology (NIFT) for the provision of digital signature certificates at subsidised rates. Every promoter, subscriber and other officer of the company, who has to interact electronically with the SECP, must obtain the digital signatures.
SECP Executive Director Nazir Ahmad Shaheen stated this while addressing a seminar on e-Services project, organised by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICAMP) in collaboration with the SECP here on Thursday. A large number of ICMAP members, lawyers and leading consultants attended the seminar.
He said that with a view to ensuring effective implementation of e-Services project, a secure and authentic electronic filing environment, had been created in line with the requirements of Electronic Transaction Ordinance, 2000. Similarly, one of the conditions for online services was to obtain digital signatures from the NIFT, he added.
He said the main objective of introducing this project was the provision of online services to facilitate the corporate sector, practitioners, consultants and public at large. The project would facilitate the functions of online availability of name, e-incorporation of companies and e filing of statutory returns, he maintained.
Shaheen said that the seminar had been organised to provide a platform for freely discussion, seeking input and advice of various stakeholders for providing more up-to-date and enhanced services, using the electronic environment, in line with the requirements of the stakeholders. He said the e-Services project had been undertaken by the SECP in collaboration with the E-Government Directorate (EGD) within the overall framework of National Information Technology (IT) Policy, approved by the Federal Cabinet.
SECP Assistant Registrar Aisha Ishtiaq explained the various step and processes involved in the use of online services in the e-Services environment. ICAMP President of the Lahore branch Council, and NIFT Area Sales Manager Zaheeruddin Khwaja also spoke on the occasion, and highlighted various aspects of the use of digital signatures.