SECP registered 21,668 new companies in the first half of FY26, a 29% rise year-on-year, with strong growth in IT, e-commerce and real estate sectors.
29% Growth in New Company Registrations
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has reported a strong jump in new company registrations during the first half of the current fiscal year 2025–26. According to official figures, the SECP registered 21,668 new companies in this six-month period, compared with 16,839 companies incorporated in the same period last year.
This represents year-on-year growth of around 29 percent and signals that more entrepreneurs, investors and businesses are choosing to enter the formal corporate sector. With each new registration, the country’s documented economy expands, helping to improve transparency, tax compliance and access to finance for businesses.
Paid-Up Capital and Total Registered Companies
The newly registered companies brought in paid-up capital of approximately Rs. 30.7 billion, reflecting fresh investment commitments across a variety of sectors. This inflow of capital suggests confidence in Pakistan’s medium-term business potential, despite broader economic challenges.
With these additions, the total number of companies registered with the SECP has reached 279,724. A larger corporate base strengthens the foundation of the formal economy and creates more opportunities for job creation, innovation and regional business linkages. It also broadens the pool of entities that can be tapped for capital-market development and credit growth in the future.
IT, E-Commerce and Services Lead New Registrations
Sector-wise data shows that Pakistan’s digital and service economy continues to expand. The IT and e-commerce sector led all categories with 4,277 new companies registered in the first half of FY26. This reflects the rapid growth of online businesses, software development, digital marketing, fintech and platform-based services across the country.
The trading sector followed with 2,997 new companies, indicating ongoing demand for wholesale, retail and distribution businesses. The services sector added another 2,686 registrations, covering a wide range of activities such as consulting, education, logistics, healthcare and professional services. Together, these sectors highlight how Pakistan’s economy is gradually diversifying beyond traditional manufacturing and commodity trade.
Real Estate, Construction and Foreign Investment Trends
Real estate and construction-related businesses also showed notable activity, with 2,031 new companies incorporated during the period under review. This suggests that, despite periodic slowdowns, investor interest in property development, infrastructure and housing projects remains significant.
Foreign investment continued to play an important role in new incorporations. According to SECP data, 731 foreign investors participated in the capital of newly registered companies, injecting paid-up capital of around Rs. 1.26 billion. Such cross-border participation helps bring in not only cash but also technical know-how, management experience and access to international markets.
Chinese Investors Dominate Foreign Inflows
Chinese investors accounted for the largest share of foreign investment in new company registrations, contributing around 71 percent of the total foreign inflows. This mirrors the broader trend of strong Pakistan–China economic cooperation, particularly under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework and related private-sector partnerships.
The prominent role of Chinese investors also indicates ongoing interest in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology and services. For Pakistan, maintaining a transparent, predictable regulatory environment will be key to sustaining this momentum, attracting a more diverse pool of foreign investors and converting new company registrations into long-term economic activity and employment.
