The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has rejected reports suggesting a large-scale exit of foreign companies from Pakistan, clarifying that only 19 foreign firms ceased operations between 2022 and 2025. During the same period, 79 new foreign companies were registered, indicating a net positive trend in foreign corporate presence.
According to the regulator, the widely cited figure of 125 companies leaving Pakistan is misleading, as it represents cumulative cessations since 1977 rather than exits over the past three years. SECP emphasized that recent data does not support claims of a mass departure of foreign businesses.
The commission further noted that foreign investment was recorded in 82 local companies in the past month alone, reflecting continued investor interest. Investments originated from a diverse group of economies, including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Turkey, South Korea, and Spain, among others.
As of February 2026, a total of 1,157 foreign companies remain registered with SECP, underscoring sustained international engagement in Pakistan’s corporate sector. Officials say the figures demonstrate stability and ongoing confidence among foreign investors despite economic challenges.
SECP reiterated its commitment to transparency and accurate reporting, urging stakeholders to rely on verified data rather than cumulative statistics taken out of context.