SECP Clarifies Foreign Company Exit Data in Pakistan

The Pakistan===Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) issued a clarification regarding inaccurate media reports about foreign companies ceasing operations in Pakistan. The SECP stated that only 19 foreign companies ceased operations between 2022 and 2025, while 79 new foreign firms were registered during the same period, indicating a net positive trend. The reports citing 125 companies referred to total closures since 1977, not just the past three years. The SECP emphasized that its website clearly indicates the year each foreign company ceased operations, ensuring transparency. Additionally, in January 2026 alone, 82 local companies received foreign investment from various countries including China, the United States, Australia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Denmark, Germany, Malaysia, South Korea, and Spain. As of February 2026, 1,157 foreign companies remain registered with the SECP, reflecting continued investor confidence and a sustained foreign business presence in Pakistan.