The number of newly registered Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan companies in Pakistan recorded a significant increase between February and April this year, reflecting growing business activity across multiple sectors of the economy.
According to official data released by the SECP, a total of 10,511 companies were registered during the three-month period. In comparison, 8,693 companies had been registered during the same period last year, showing a notable rise in new business registrations.
The commission stated that 4,082 companies were incorporated during April alone, highlighting continued growth in corporate activity. The report also revealed that investors from more than 22 countries established companies in Pakistan during the period under review.
Foreign investment in newly registered companies also saw a major jump. The SECP reported that the paid-up capital contributed by foreign investors increased by 218 percent compared to last year. According to the figures, foreign investors injected Rs. 882 million in paid-up capital, while the amount stood at Rs. 277 million during the same period a year earlier.
The newly formed companies were registered in various sectors, including trade, services, information technology, construction, and mining. The commission noted that improved regulatory systems and increased business confidence contributed to the rise in company registrations.
The SECP further stated that corporate compliance levels also improved significantly during the period. Around 61,960 companies submitted their annual returns over the last three months, compared to 38,326 companies during the corresponding period last year, representing a 61 percent increase.
As part of its modernization efforts, the SECP announced that the digitization process for share certificates of non-listed companies has officially started. The commission believes electronic shares will help reduce shareholder disputes and improve transparency.
Additionally, facilitation centers will be established in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Faisalabad to support businesses and investors. The SECP also confirmed plans to further automate the company registration system and introduce artificial intelligence technology for company name reservation procedures.
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