ISLAMABAD: Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has reported a significant rise in business activity, with more than 10,500 new companies registered across Pakistan between February and April this year.
According to official data, a total of 10,511 companies were registered during the three-month period, compared to 8,693 companies in the same timeframe last year, indicating steady growth in corporate registrations.
In April alone, 4,082 companies were registered. Investors from over 22 countries also established businesses in Pakistan during this period, reflecting increasing foreign interest in the market.
The SECP stated that foreign investment in newly registered companies rose by 218 per cent. The total paid-up capital from foreign investors reached Rs882 million, a significant increase from Rs277 million recorded during the same period last year.
Newly registered companies span multiple sectors, including trade, services, information technology, construction, and mining, highlighting diversification in Pakistan’s economic landscape.
The regulator also noted a 61 per cent increase in regulatory compliance, with 61,960 companies filing annual returns compared to 38,326 last year.
To modernize the system, the SECP has initiated the digitalization of share certificates for unlisted companies, aiming to reduce shareholder disputes through electronic records.
Additionally, facilitation centers will be established in major cities including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Faisalabad.
