The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has rejected claims suggesting a large-scale withdrawal of foreign companies from the country, calling the reports misleading and based on misinterpreted data. The clarification addresses growing concerns about foreign business activity in Pakistan.
In an official statement issued from Islamabad, the regulator said that certain media reports wrongly presented information available on the SECP website. According to the commission, the data clearly lists the year of cessation for each company and does not indicate a recent mass exit.
SECP explained that only 19 foreign companies ceased operations between 2022 and 2025. During the same period, 79 new foreign companies were registered, reflecting continued interest in the Pakistani market. The widely cited figure of 125 companies refers to all foreign firms that have closed since 1977, not just the past few years.
SECP Foreign Companies in Pakistan Data
The SECP data on foreign companies in Pakistan also highlights ongoing investment activity. In the past month alone, foreign investors invested in 82 local companies. These investments came from countries including China, the United States, Australia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Denmark, Germany, Malaysia, South Korea, and Spain.
Read: Finance Minister Admits Firms Exiting Pakistan Over High Taxes, Energy Costs
As of February 2026, 1,157 foreign companies remain registered with the SECP. The regulator said this figure demonstrates sustained foreign business presence and confidence in Pakistan’s regulatory framework.
Separately, the SECP has warned the public against illegal online investment platforms operating without approval. On January 13, 2026, the commission declared Hill House Capital, Hill House Investment, and S169 Wharton as unauthorised entities offering false promises of high returns.
The regulator urged investors to place funds only with SECP-licensed companies and advised the public to verify the legal status of any investment platform before depositing money. Officials said a quick verification check can prevent significant financial losses.
