Islamabad, November 14, 2024 – The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 2,477 new companies in October 2024, bringing the total number of companies in the country to 233,587.
This marks another significant milestone for Pakistan’s corporate sector, showcasing continued growth and investor confidence despite economic challenges.
A key driver behind this progress is the SECP’s ongoing push for digitization. Nearly 99 percent of these new company registrations were processed online, reflecting the success of the Commission’s efforts to provide a more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven regulatory environment. By streamlining the registration process, the SECP has made it easier for entrepreneurs to start businesses in Pakistan, supporting the country’s ease of doing business and encouraging growth across industries.
The majority of the newly registered companies were private limited companies, which made up 57 percent of the total, while single-member companies accounted for 41 percent. The remaining 2 percent included public unlisted companies, not-for-profit organizations, trade organizations, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs).
Sector-wise, the registration data highlights strong growth in key industries. The Information Technology and E-commerce sectors led the way with 556 new companies, signaling a burgeoning digital economy in Pakistan. The Services sector followed closely with 486 new companies, while the Trading sector saw 388 new registrations. Real Estate Development and Construction also experienced growth, with 270 new companies, alongside other sectors like Food, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Tourism, Transport, and Energy. These numbers reflect a diverse and expanding business landscape in the country.
Foreign investment in the corporate sector also showed positive trends. A total of 48 companies received capital from international investors, with China being the largest contributor, backing 39 new companies. Other foreign investors hailed from countries such as Afghanistan, France, Germany, Malaysia, Oman, and Turkey. This growing foreign investment underscores the increasing global confidence in Pakistan’s market potential and highlights the SECP’s role in fostering an open, competitive, and attractive business environment for international investors.
The SECP’s continued focus on digital transformation and investor facilitation signals a bright future for Pakistan’s corporate sector, further cementing its position as a growing hub for business and investment.
