ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has categorically clarified that recent media reports regarding foreign companies ceasing operations in Pakistan are inaccurate and based on a misinterpretation of publicly available data on its website. The SECP’s published list clearly mentions the year of cessation against each company’s name, ensuring full transparency. However, this information has been incorrectly reported, creating a misleading impression about recent trends. In factual terms, only 19 foreign companies ceased operations in Pakistan during the period 2022–2025, while 79 new foreign companies were registered during the same period, demonstrating a net positive trend in foreign business presence. Staff Reporter
The figure of 125 ceased foreign companies, cited in some media reports, represents the cumulative total of cession of companies since 1977 to date, and does not reflect the number of companies that exited in the last three years. As of February 2026, a total of 1,157 foreign companies are registered with the SECP, reflecting sustained foreign business presence and continued confidence in Pakistan’s regulatory environment.
Furthermore, in January 2026 alone, foreign investors have made investments in 82 local companies, originating from diverse jurisdictions including China, the United States, Australia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Denmark, Germany, Malaysia, South Korea, and Spain.
The SECP emphasizes that inaccurate reporting of official data creates public distrust and harms the country’s business and investment environment.
