Key Points
- Pakistan registered 14,802 new companies in the first four months of FY 2026, nearly all processed online through SECP’s eZfile platform.
- Private limited and single-member companies dominated registrations, reflecting flexible business structures.
- Information Technology and e-commerce sectors led new incorporations, followed by trading, services, and real estate.
- Foreign investors contributed capital to 332 companies from more than 30 countries, signalling global interest.
- SECP issued 94 licenses across capital markets, non-banking financial companies, insurance, and not-for-profit sectors.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s corporate sector is attracting growing investor interest, with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registering 14,802 new companies in the first four months of fiscal year 2026.
Nearly all incorporations were completed digitally via the eZfile platform, reflecting the country’s adoption of streamlined, technology-driven registration processes. The total paid-up capital of these new companies reached Rs 20.59 billion, equivalent to roughly $120 million.
Private limited companies accounted for the majority of new registrations at 59 per cent, while single-member companies 37 per cent, highlighting the popularity of flexible business structures. The remaining 4 per cent included public unlisted companies, not-for-profit organisations, trade bodies, and limited liability partnerships.
Sectoral trends indicate robust growth in high-tech and service-oriented industries. Information Technology and e-commerce led the surge with 2,999 new incorporations, followed by trading (1,954), services (1,807), and real estate and construction (1,393). Tourism, transport, education, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare also showed notable activity, reflecting diversification in the corporate landscape.
Foreign investment demonstrated significant confidence in Pakistan’s market. A total of 332 companies received capital from international investors spanning Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Tajikistan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. These investments underscore Pakistan’s growing profile as an attractive destination for international capital in the emerging economies.
The SECP also issued 94 licenses across multiple regulatory domains, including capital markets, non-banking financial companies, insurance surveyors, and not-for-profit entities. The licensing was aiming at enhanced market access and ensuring regulatory compliance.
“Digital incorporation is transforming Pakistan’s business landscape, allowing entrepreneurs across the country to start and grow companies efficiently,” the SECP said in a statement, highlighting the broader benefits of formal incorporation such as limited liability, enhanced credibility, access to finance, structured governance, and brand protection.
