ISLAMABAD, November 13, 2024: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has reported the registration of 2,477 new companies in October 2024, raising the total number of companies in Pakistan to 233,587. This substantial growth highlights rising confidence in Pakistan’s corporate sector and a positive trend in its expansion.
Continuing its focus on digitization, SECP processed 99% of these registrations through its efficient online platform, making strides towards a tech-enabled regulatory environment. This reflects SECP’s commitment to promoting transparency and streamlining business processes for enhanced ease of doing business in Pakistan.
Among the newly registered companies, private limited companies made up the majority at 57%, followed by single-member companies at 41%. The remaining 2% comprised public unlisted companies, non-profits, trade organizations, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs).
Sectoral Growth Highlights
The Information Technology and E-commerce sectors led in new registrations, with 556 companies established. The Services sector followed with 486 new companies, Trading with 388, and Real Estate Development & Construction with 270. Additionally, the Food, Healthcare, and Pharmaceuticals sectors each recorded 270 new companies, while Tourism and Transport registered 174, and Energy, Power & Fuel saw 221 new companies. Another 112 companies represented various other sectors.
Foreign Investment Trends
Foreign investments in Pakistan’s corporate sector also showed positive growth. Forty-eight new companies received foreign capital, with investors hailing from Afghanistan, China, France, Germany, Malaysia, Oman, and Turkey. China led the way with investments in 39 new companies, followed by Afghanistan with four, while other countries each contributed one new company. This increased foreign investment reflects a growing global interest in Pakistan’s market potential and SECP’s role in fostering a more business-friendly environment.
