KARACHI: Foreign investment in Pakistan’s corporate sector remained stable in the first quarter of 2026, while company registrations recorded a notable increase, the country’s top market regulator said on Saturday, indicating continued business growth despite economic pressures.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) reported that 220 companies with foreign shareholders were registered between January and March, with total paid-up capital reaching Rs 657 million ($2.36 million). This marks a slight increase from Rs 642 million ($2.31 million) recorded in the same period last year.
According to the statement, foreign investment remained focused on key sectors such as trading, services, IT, construction, and mining, reflecting continued interest in both traditional and emerging areas of the economy. SECP noted that this trend points to stable foreign inflows supporting corporate growth and deeper integration with global markets.
Overall business activity also strengthened during the quarter, with 10,318 new companies registered—an increase of 12.5 percent compared to the previous year. Private limited companies made up the majority of incorporations, followed by single-member firms, highlighting ongoing growth in the small and medium enterprise sector.
The regulator said this expansion was largely driven by high-performing sectors, particularly IT and e-commerce, along with trading and services.
SECP also highlighted a rise in compliance activity, with around 96,000 corporate filings processed during the quarter, up 27 percent year-on-year. Increased post-incorporation filings further indicate a more structured and maturing corporate environment.
In addition, the Secured Transactions Registry recorded over 6,000 financing statements and more than 5,000 searches, reflecting continued efforts to improve access to credit and strengthen financial inclusion.
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