Rating History
Dissemination Date Long-Term Rating Short-Term Rating Outlook Action Rating Watch
28-Oct-25 A A1 Stable Maintain -
03-Jan-25 A A1 Stable Maintain -
05-Jan-24 A A1 Stable Maintain -
06-Jan-23 A A1 Stable Maintain -
07-Jan-22 A A1 Stable Maintain -
About the Entity

ISE Towers REIT Management Company Limited was incorporated initially as Islamabad Stock Exchange (Guarantee) Limited. On January 11, 2016, ISE changed its name and scope of business and got converted from ISE to a REIT Management Company under the repealed Companies Ordinance, 1984, as a consequence of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan's approval of scheme of integration under the Companies Act, 2017. Consequently, the name and scope of the Company have been changed. The principal activities of the Company are to form, launch and manage Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) under REIT Regulations, 2022. The overall control of the Company vests with an eleven members Board. Board's Chairperson, Haroon Ihsan Piracha is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience across Pakistan’s political, corporate, and agricultural sectors. He currently serves as CEO of HP Securities and President of the National Cooperative Supply Corporation Limited, with a distinguished career spanning public service, corporate leadership, and academic excellence. Mr. Sagheer Mushtaq is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. He is a member of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan and a commerce graduate and has over sixteen years of diversified experience in the field of finance, operation, and regulatory compliance.

Rating Rationale

The assigned rating reflects ISE Towers REIT Management Company Limited’s (“the Company”) strong corporate governance framework, experienced management team, robust control environment, and its pioneering role in the capital markets. The rating also incorporates the Company’s stable business profile, supported by consistent operating revenues and a strong customer base.
The Company has a diversified shareholding structure comprising 218 shareholders, including corporates, Banks, DFIs, insurance companies, modarabas, pension funds, and others. Its compliance function ensures strict adherence to all applicable internal policies and regulatory requirements.
The Company’s core income is primarily derived from its key asset, ISE Towers, which maintains an almost 100% occupancy rate. The Company is in the process of converting this asset into a REIT Fund, a project that has achieved substantial progress and received the necessary approvals under the REIT Regulations, 2022. As per management’s representation, the REIT Fund is anticipated to be launched by December 2025, with the property transfer expected to be finalized simultaneously, subject to the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The initial fund size is projected at approximately PKR 2.8 billion.
For FY25, the Company’s operating income improved by 9%, reaching PKR 411 million (FY24: PKR 378 million), primarily driven by rental income from its investment property. Net profitability increased to approximately PKR 734 million in FY25 (FY24: PKR 646 million), mainly due to higher fair value gains on investment property and profits from associated companies.
The Company’s business risk profile remains favourable, supported by a portfolio of high-profile tenants, zero leverage, and a strong liquidity position. Shareholders’ equity stood at approximately PKR 8,287 million at the end of FY25, up from PKR 7,740 million in FY24.

Key Rating Drivers

The ratings are dependent upon the Company’s ability to sustain its healthy business profile amidst strong competition, herein, effective and prudent management of financial risk indicators remain important. Meanwhile, retention of key management, sound governance practices, and consistent performance of funds is critical. Any significant loss in market share will impact the rating.

Profile
Structure

ISE Towers REIT Management Company (“ISE Towers” or “the Company”) is licensed as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) under the Non-Banking Finance Companies (Establishment and Regulation) Rules, 2003, by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. The license was granted in 2016 to enable the Company to form and launch Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) under the Real Estate Investment Trust Regulations, 2015.


Background

ISE Towers REIT Management Company Ltd was initially incorporated as Islamabad Stock Exchange (Guarantee) Limited (ISE). Later on, after the integration of Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) and Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE), on January 11'2016, the Company got converted from ISE to a REIT Management Company under the repealed Companies Ordinance, 1984. As a consequence of this approval of integration, the name and scope of the Company have been changed. The Company is in the process of launching its Rental REIT Scheme. For this, the dominating asset owned by the Company "ISE Towers" has been earmarked for transfer to the scheme.


Operations

The principal activities of the Company is to form, launch and manage Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) under REIT Regulations, 2015. The Company owns a multistory building “ISE Towers” situated in Blue Area Islamabad.


Ownership
Ownership Structure

The shareholding pattern of the Company is well diversified comprising of 218 shareholders. The majority of the shares are held by institutions and corporate bodies.


Stability

Building on years of experience in capital market, equity brokerage, financial and banking services etc


Business Acumen

Majority of the shareholders of the Company have well diversified experience in capital market, equity brokerage, financial services, portfolio management, investment advisory and financial services, banking and technical analysis.


Financial Strength

The financial strength of the sponsors remains strong due to their diversified investment portfolios.


Governance
Board Structure

The Board comprises 11 members, which include four independent directors, six non-executive directors,  and one executive director.


Members’ Profile

All the directors are seasoned professionals and possess manifold experiences in the relevant fields. Board's Chairperson and non-Executive Director, Mr. Haroon Ihsan Piracha, is a seasoned professional with 20+ years of experience across politics, corporate, and agriculture, currently serving as CEO of HP Securities and President of the National Cooperative Supply Corporation. He is a former National Assembly member, board director of major financial institutions, and a distinguished academic with international representation and honors. Adil Khan Swati, Non-Executive Director at ISE Towers REIT Management Company, brings over a decade of expertise in capital markets, commodities, manufacturing, real estate, and healthcare through his leadership of the Pine Group of Companies. Mr. Haider Khaqan Abbasi is a non-Executive Director and development sector professional with nearly a decade of experience in CSR-driven social impact projects, currently engaged in commodity trading and serving on the management team of Subway Pakistan. Ms.Marium is a non-Executive Director and Harvard-educated leader, entrepreneur, serving as Director at ISE Towers REIT and Executive Director of Tim Hortons and Subway Pakistan, with extensive experience in strategic leadership, brand development, and commodity trading. Ms. Minahil Ali is an independent Director, Advocate of the High Court with 9+ years’ experience in corporate governance, compliance, and real estate law, currently serves as Governance Lead at a fintech and Independent Director at an NBFC. A Certified Director from LUMS with an LL.M. from Brunel. Mr. Muhammad Asad Ghani is an independent Director and CEO of Optimus Construction since 2017, has 14+ years of leadership experience spanning construction, IT, and automotive sectors, including a Hyundai Nishat Motors dealership. Maj Gen Muhammad Farooq Iqbal, HI(M) (Retd), serves as an Independent Director and a former Director of Banking & Industries at Fauji Foundation and Advisor to Askari Bank, with board experience in leading Fauji Group companies. He holds advanced degrees and certifications in defence, finance, and management from QAU, Cranfield University, LUMS, and NUST. Mr. Mohammad Masud is an independent director and Director at ISE REIT Management Company, is an entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience in real estate, construction, and business development. He also leads Chenab Associates and Chenab Commodities, and has held key roles in FPCCI and ICCI to promote growth and sustainable development in Pakistan’s real estate sector. Mr. Sohail Altaf, Non-Executive Director and CEO of Central Motors, is a distinguished business leader with decades of service in FPCCI, RCCI, and multiple trade bodies, earning national awards for his contributions. A former Pakistan Air Force officer, he has represented Pakistan in numerous international delegations and holds a Lifetime Achievement Award from RCCI. Mr. Zahid Latif Khan, founding chairman of ZLK Securities, has over 30 years of leadership in Pakistan’s capital markets and serves as Director of ISE REIT and LSE Financial Services, as well as Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Stock Brokers Association. He is recognized for pioneering contributions, including the unification of Pakistan’s stock exchanges into the PSX.


Board Effectiveness

The Board of the Company has the overall responsibility for establishment and oversight of risk management framework. There are four board committees: i) Audit Committee, ii) Human Resource and Remuneration Committee iii) Nomination Committee iv) Risk Management Committee.


Financial Transparency

BDO Ebrahim & Co. Chartered Accountants has been appointed as external auditor of the Company. The firm  is QCR rated by ICAP and are in the A Category of SBP’s panel of auditors. The auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on the financial statements, indicating that the financial reporting presents a true and fair view in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework, and that no material misstatements were identified during the audit for the period ended June 30, 2025.


Management
Organizational Structure

The Company’s operations are grouped under six departments. These include (i) Internal Audit/Compliance (ii) Operations and Management (iii) Accounts & Finance (iv) Security Management (v) Administration/HR (vi) Information Technology. Each Department Head reports directly to the COO/CFO and the head of internal audit reports to the Audit Committee.


Management Team

The Company has a mix of diverse experienced and skilled management. Mr. Sagheer Mushtaq, CEO of the Company, has 16+ years of experience in finance, operations, and regulatory compliance, previously serving in key roles at ISE and PSX. He is a commerce graduate and has over fifteen years of diversified experience in the field of finance, operation and regulatory compliance. Mr. Zeeshan Shafique (ACA), Company Secretary & CFO of ISE Towers REIT, is a Chartered Accountant with 16+ years of experience in audit, finance, corporate law, and risk management. He began his career with PwC’s member firm A.F. Ferguson & Co. and previously served at Premier Group before joining ISE REIT in 2017. Mr. Syed Nayyar Ashfaq, Senior Manager Operations & Administration at ISE Towers REIT, has been associated with the organization since 1992 (with a brief gap) and oversees the Operations & Maintenance Department. An MBA with an HRFP Diploma from SZABIST, he is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of ISE Towers.holds an Executive MBA in HRM and a B.Com. He has 29 years of total experience, including 10 years with the Company, and reports to the CEO. Lt. Col (R) Fateh Khan has been serving as Chief Security Officer & Manager HSE of ISE REIT since 2021, bringing extensive military, UN peacekeeping, and corporate security experience. Holding a Master’s in International Relations, he has led HR, admin, and security roles in major organizations, ensuring a secure and compliant business environment.


Effectiveness

Considering size of the Company and nature of business, currently there are no management committee to monitor performance and assure adherence to policies and procedures. The matters are discussed and settled at the individual levels with discussion with the top management.


MIS

Due to current nature of operations, the Company is using different Management Information Systems to manage day to day operations and management reporting, which are Sidat Hyder Financial Information System (FIS), Billing Control & Management System (BCMS) and Building Management System for HVAC system.


Risk Management framework

Risk management policy is well documented and approved by the Board. It covers operational risk, credit risk, f inancial risk, reporting and regulatory compliance. The policy framework enables the management to achieve operational efficiency and proper monitoring.


Business Risk
Industry Dynamics

REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) add transparency to the real estate sector and depth to capital markets, offering mutual fund–like investment opportunities through Development, Rental, and Hybrid structures. In Pakistan, REITs are expanding, with 31 registered RMCs and 16 schemes totaling PKR ~176.4bln as of Dec’24; Dolmen City REIT and Globe Residency REIT are the two listed on PSX. The sector maintains low leverage (~2.3% in FY24), reducing interest rate risk, while ROE averaged ~17.7% over FY20–24, rebounding strongly to ~40.9% in FY24. Rental REIT occupancy remains high (~97–98%), though operating margins have narrowed (~84.3% in FY24 vs. ~86.9% SPLY) due to rising expenses. In FY24, REIT revenues grew ~12.7% YoY, but higher costs reduced margins, a trend persisting into 1HFY25. New property-related taxes introduced in FY25—including Capital Gain Tax (15–45%), Capital Value Tax (2%), Federal Excise Duty (5%), and Advance Property Tax—are expected to influence market dynamics. Meanwhile, RMCs reported lower fund management income (PKR ~1.27bln vs. ~1.48bln in FY23) and reduced management fees, though investment income relative to AUMs improved to ~14.3% in FY24. (Source: PACRA research)


Relative Position

ISE Towers REIT Management Company is in the process of launching its REIT scheme. At present, the only REIT Management Company operating a Rental REIT scheme in Pakistan is Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Company Limited.



Revenues

During FY25, the Company’s operating income (rental income) clocked in at PKR~411mln (FY24: PKR~378mln). The operating expenses increased to PKR~125mln during the period ended FY25 (FY24: PKR~97mln).


Performance

In FY25, total earning assets accounted for ~ 87% of the overall asset base, compared to ~84% in FY24. Other income decreased to PKR 200mln from PKR 236mln year-on-year for the period ending FY25. The share of profit from associated companies reached PKR 223mln during FY25, up from PKR 127mln in the same period last year. This includes a net profit of PKR 734mln FY25.


Sustainability

The Company is also considering additional real estate projects under the REIT umbrella through joint ventures. It further plans to raise resources through the upcoming public offering of the ISE REIT and by generating funds from the divestment of its equity investments.


Financial Risk
Credit Risk

The Company is actively exploring new real estate opportunities under the REIT framework and intends to mobilize funds through the forthcoming public offering of the ISE REIT and the sale of certain equity investments. As a REIT Management Company, its credit risk mainly stems from tenant exposure; however, given that its tenants include multinational corporations, leading banks, and reputable institutions, the Company’s overall credit risk remains minimal.


Market Risk

The primary source of market risk of the Company is interest rates. The Company’s exposure to market risk is low as the Company’s investment in T-bills during FY25 is PKR~816mln, yielding a return of 10.87% to 12.10% (FY24: PKR~693mln).


Liquidity and Funding

The Company has implemented a comprehensive investment policy designed to ensure prudent fund management, emphasizing principal safety, high liquidity, and optimal returns. The primary focus remains on capital preservation and liquidity, with the Board retaining the authority to review the policy as and when deemed necessary.


Capitalization

The Company has PKR~8,286mln capital at end of FY25 which is well above minimum regulatory requirements for REIT Management companies i.e. PKR~50mln. The company has no long and short term borrowings.


 
 

Oct-25

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Jun-25
12M
Jun-24
12M
Jun-23
12M
Audited Audited Audited
A. BALANCE SHEET
1. Total Finance-net 0 0 0
2. Investments 7,179 6,560 6,434
3. Other Earning Assets 11 80 83
4. Non-Earning Assets 1,454 1,449 1,313
5. Non-Performing Finances-net 0 0 0
Total Assets 8,644 8,089 7,830
6. Funding 53 56 88
7. Other Liabilities 304 292 208
Total Liabilities 357 349 296
Equity 8,287 7,740 7,534
B. INCOME STATEMENT
1. Mark Up Earned 411 378 355
2. Mark Up Expensed (0) 0 0
3. Non Mark Up Income 614 500 38
Total Income 1,025 878 393
4. Non-Mark Up Expenses (125) (97) (91)
5. Provisions/Write offs/Reversals 0 0 0
Pre-Tax Profit 900 782 302
6. Taxes (166) (136) 0
Profit After Tax 734 646 302
C. RATIO ANALYSIS
1. PERFORMANCE
a. Non-Mark Up Expenses / Total Income 12.2% 11.0% 23.1%
b. ROE 9.2% 8.5% 4.4%
2. CREDIT RISK
a. Gross Finances (Total Finance-net + Non-Performing Advances + Non-Performing Debt Instruments) / Funding 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
b. Accumulated Provisions / Non-Performing Advances N/A N/A N/A
3. FUNDING & LIQUIDITY
a. Liquid Assets / Funding 1868.7% 1379.1% 1004.4%
b. Borrowings from Banks and Other Financial Instituties / Funding 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
4. MARKET RISK
a. Investments / Equity 86.6% 84.8% 85.4%
b. (Equity Investments + Related Party) / Equity 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
5. CAPITALIZATION
a. Equity / Total Assets (D+E+F) 95.9% 95.7% 96.2%
b. Capital formation rate (Profit After Tax + Cash Dividend ) / Equity 9.5% 2.1% 1.0%

Oct-25

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Oct-25

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Oct-25

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