Over 2,000 new companies registered in Pakistan in a single month

ISLAMABAD: In a recent announcement, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) revealed the registration of 2,095 new companies in December 2023.

The cumulative number of registered companies in Pakistan now stands at an impressive 209,604, according to a press release issued by the commission today.

The total capitalization for these newly incorporated companies reached Rs2.6 billion, showcasing a dynamic economic landscape in the country.

Breaking down the company structure, approximately 57 per cent of Pakistani companies are classified as private limited, while 41 per cent operate as single-member companies.

The remaining 2 per cent represent a diverse array of entities, including public unlisted companies, not-for-profit associations, limited liability partnerships, and foreign companies.

In a noteworthy development, three foreign companies have recently established operations in Pakistan, with a total of 99 foreign applicants registering through the efficient eServices platform.

Analysing the sectors driving this surge in company registrations, the trading sector takes the lead with the incorporation of 288 companies, closely followed by information technology with 286 and services with 238.

Real estate development and construction, education, and tourism also contribute significantly to the diversification of the business landscape.

Foreign investment has played a crucial role in this expansion, with 62 new companies reporting investments from countries such as Afghanistan, Australia, China, Denmark, El Salvador, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Mozambique, Nigeria, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, and the US.

China emerges as the leading contributor to foreign investments, followed by Afghanistan, the US, Nigeria, Denmark, Germany, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

This surge in registrations can be attributed to the seamless integration of SECP with key government departments such as FBR and provincial entities.

A total of 2,036 companies registered for NTN registration, with 56 associating with EOBI, 27 with PESSI/SESSI, and 31 with excise and taxation departments.

The economic landscape in Pakistan continues to evolve, and the substantial influx of new companies and foreign investments indicates a positive trajectory for the country’s business environment.

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