Islamabad, 06 October 2026: The Cannabis Control & Regulatory Authority (CCRA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at CCRA Headquarters, Islamabad, marking an important step towards strengthening regulatory coordination and corporate facilitation for Pakistan’s emerging cannabis and industrial hemp sector.

The ceremony was led by Major General (Retd.) Zafar Ullah Khan, HI(M), Director General CCRA, and Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Chairman SECP, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions.

The MoU was formally signed on behalf of CCRA by Mr. Asif Haroon, Director (Operations/Lic/Vigilance), and on behalf of SECP by Mr. Muzaffar Ahmad Mirza, Commissioner (Corporate Registry).

The MoU establishes a structured framework for cooperation in company incorporation, requisite amendments in corporate objects and particulars, verification of corporate credentials, exchange of permissible information, and facilitation of prospective licensees and investors. The arrangement will help reduce procedural impediments, improve regulatory clarity and ensure transparent corporate structures for entities entering the regulated sector.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director General CCRA stated that the collaboration represents an important convergence of corporate and sectoral regulation, supporting legitimate enterprise and investment while safeguarding transparency, traceability and statutory compliance. The Chairman SECP reaffirmed SECP’s commitment to institutional coordination and facilitation of credible businesses in emerging sectors of Pakistan’s economy.

Senior officials attending the ceremony included

Mr. Muhammad Arslan Zafar, Registrar of Companies.

 Ms. Saila Jamshaid, Additional Director, SECP.

Ms. Zil e Huma Research officer/ Coordinator, CCRA; and

 Mr. Iftikhar Abbasi, Consultant (Finance), CCRA, alongside the respective signatories.

The signing forms part of CCRA’s broader endeavour to establish an integrated and investment conducive regulatory ecosystem, spanning corporate entry, licensing, cultivation, processing, manufacturing, value addition and export, and to position Pakistan as a credible participant in the international cannabis and industrial hemp industry.