New measures target regulatory gaps, improve business compliance and expand access to government support.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved a series of regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s position in the World Bank Group’s Business Ready (B-READY) assessment.
Pakistan has already achieved a strong performance in the Business Entry category of the B-READY 2025 Report, securing 17th place among 101 economies with an impressive score of 86.64. The latest reforms are intended to address remaining regulatory gaps and bring Pakistan’s business environment closer to international best practices.
Under the approved measures, the SECP plans to expand the automated exchange of updated corporate information with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through application programming interfaces (APIs). The initiative will be implemented in coordination with the Board of Investment and is expected to simplify compliance procedures while reducing duplication for businesses.
The regulatory package also focuses on improving access to information related to environmental approvals and operating permits. Once the relevant authorities compile the required details, the SECP will make the information available through its website, providing businesses with a centralized source for understanding regulatory requirements.
Another important component of the reforms involves increasing awareness of government support programmes. Information about publicly funded initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and women entrepreneurs will be made available through the SECP’s digital platforms.
The Commission will also publish gender-related data on newly incorporated companies. The dataset will cover women shareholders, directors, chief executives and ultimate beneficial owners, providing greater transparency and visibility into women’s participation in the corporate sector.
The SECP said the reforms are specifically designed to improve Pakistan’s performance in areas identified under the B-READY framework. By strengthening digital integration, regulatory transparency and access to business support, the measures could help the country secure additional points in future assessments.
The latest initiative reflects Pakistan’s broader efforts to improve its business regulatory framework, facilitate entrepreneurship and create a more efficient environment for companies and investors.