KARACHI - The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 243 companies during the month of July 2009, bringing the total corporate portfolio of registered companies to 53,424. Of 243 companies incorporated during July 2009, 240 companies were limited by shares, comprising of 2 public unlisted companies, 224 private companies and 14 single member companies. In addition, 2 associations not for profit under section 42 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (the 'Ordinance) and one foreign company was also registered. Total authorized capital and paid up capital of 240 limited by shares companies, incorporated during July, 2009 amounted to Rs.1,463.9 million and Rs. 451.4 million respectively. During July, 2009, number of new incorporation was highest at Lahore, whereby 91 companies have been registered, followed by Islamabad registering 66 companies, Karachi with 59 companies. Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Multan, and Sukkur registered 13, 1, 6, 6 and 1 company respectively. Major share of new incorporation was witnessed in the trading sector comprising of 44 companies, followed by 26 each in services and construction, 19 in information technology sector and 14 in tourism sector. During the month, the Commission granted licenses to 2 associations not for profit under Section 42 of the Ordinance of which one is for promotion of education, and other for social services.