SECP registers 14,802 new companies in four months; digital filings near 100%

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 14,802 new companies during the first four months (July–October) of fiscal year 2025–26, taking the total number of registered firms in the country to 272,918, the regulator said on Wednesday.

Nearly all new incorporations — 99.9% — were completed online through the SECP’s eZfile system, reflecting what the Commission described as “growing confidence in the country’s corporate sector.” The total paid-up capital during the period stood at Rs20.59 billion, according to the statement.

The Information Technology and e-commerce sectors led new registrations with 2,999 companies, followed by trading (1,954), services (1,807), and real estate development and construction (1,393). Other active sectors included tourism and transport (1,042), education (787), food and beverages (751), mining and quarrying (346), marketing and advertisement (342), textile (327), pharmaceuticals (284), agricultural farming (242), healthcare (242), cosmetics and toiletries (229), engineering (236), fuel and energy (188), chemical (184), and auto and allied (153).

Another 1,296 firms were registered across various industries, including not-for-brackly news associations, communications, electric goods, power generation, sports, arts and culture, steel, insurance, broadcasting, paper and board, and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

By company structure, private limited companies made up 59% of new registrations, single-member companies 37%, while the remaining 4% included public unlisted firms, not-for-brackly news organisations, trade bodies, and limited liability partnerships. Ten foreign companies also established a place of business in Pakistan during the same period.

Foreign investment showed a positive trend, with 332 companies receiving capital from investors based in 33 jurisdictions, including China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Malaysia, Japan, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Punjab accounted for the highest number of new incorporations at 7,476, followed by the Islamabad Capital Territory (3,230), Sindh (2,197), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (1,320), Gilgit-Baltistan (337), and Balochistan (242).

The SECP said its online registration system has expanded business accessibility nationwide, allowing entrepreneurs to incorporate their companies remotely. Nearly 30% of new firms were registered from around 250 cities and towns beyond major centres such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad — including Layyah, Burewala, Bhakkar, Pakpattan, Hasilpur, Chaman, Gwadar, Zhob, Turbat, Bannu, Kohat, Tank, Swat, Mansehra, Thatta, Larkana, Dadu, Rohri, Hunza, and Gilgit.

During the period, the Commission issued 94 licenses across multiple regulatory areas: 8 in the Capital Market sector, 15 to NBFCs, 25 to entities such as securities brokers, consultants to the issue, share registrars, ballotters, underwriters, and related intermediaries — comprising 5 new and 20 renewed licenses. In addition, 4 licenses were issued to insurance surveyors (2 new and 2 renewals) and 42 to not-for-brackly news associations.

The SECP said it is launching an awareness campaign to highlight the benefits of incorporation, including limited liability, separate legal status, structured governance, perpetual succession, tax efficiency, scalability, easier access to finance, and stronger brand protection.