Foreign participation in Pakistan’s corporate sector remained stable in the first quarter of 2026. A total of 220 companies with foreign shareholders were registered, with paid-up capital of Rs. 657 million. This is slightly higher than Rs. 642 million recorded in the same period last year, showing steady investor confidence.
SECP Data Shows Broad Corporate Growth
According to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, data for the third quarter of FY2025–26 (January to March 2026) shows strong growth across different sectors and regions. The regulator continues to focus on building a modern and efficient corporate sector in Pakistan.
Digital systems, easier regulations, and better communication with businesses supported this expansion. Most company registrations are now processed online, reflecting improved ease of doing business and transparency.
Foreign Investors Focus on Key Economic Sectors
Foreign investment remained concentrated in trading, services, information technology, construction, and mining. This trend shows that investors are interested in both traditional industries and fast-growing sectors such as IT and e-commerce.
The overall pattern indicates stable foreign inflows that continue to support business activity and strengthen Pakistan’s connection with global markets.
New Company Registrations Rise by 12.5 Percent
Pakistan registered 10,318 new companies during January to March 2026. This represents a 12.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year, showing rising business activity and improving investor confidence.
This growth also reflects a shift towards formal business registration and documentation across the country.
SME Sector Drives Corporate Expansion
Private companies led new registrations with a 58.6 percent share. Single-member companies followed with 37.9 percent.
This trend highlights the strong role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan’s economy. SMEs continue to support job creation, innovation, and economic growth.
Punjab Leads While Emerging Regions Show Fast Growth
Punjab remained the top region, accounting for 50.2 percent of total company registrations. Islamabad followed with 19.0 percent, while Sindh contributed 15.5 percent and recorded strong growth of 23 percent.
Gilgit-Baltistan showed the fastest growth, with a 97.8 percent increase. This indicates rising business formalisation in smaller and emerging regions.
IT and Trading Sectors Dominate Business Activity
The top sectors contributed 71.9 percent of all new company registrations. The IT and e-commerce sector led with 2,065 new companies, making up 20 percent of the total.
Trading and services followed, while the trading sector recorded the highest growth rate of 41.1 percent. Communications and healthcare sectors also showed strong expansion due to increasing demand and investment.
Regulatory Activity and Compliance Improve
The SECP processed 95,823 corporate filings during the quarter, marking a 27 percent increase compared to last year.
Post-incorporation filings increased by 33 percent, showing that companies are improving compliance and following regulatory requirements more effectively.
