SECP refutes claims of foreign companies’ exit

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Monday clarified inaccuracies in media reports regarding foreign companies ceasing operations, stressing that recent coverage misrepresented the data.

 The regulator confirmed that only 19 foreign companies ceased operations between 2022 and 2025, while 79 new foreign firms were registered during the same period.

Reports citing 125 companies refer to the total closures since 1977, not just the past three years.

SECP emphasized that its website clearly indicates the year each foreign company ceased operations, ensuring transparency and accuracy.

The commission also reported that in the last month alone, 82 local companies received foreign investment from countries including China, the United States, Australia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Denmark, Germany, Malaysia, South Korea, and Spain.

As of February 2026, 1,157 foreign companies remain registered with SECP, reflecting continued investor confidence and a sustained foreign business presence in Pakistan.