ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has dismissed recent reports claiming a mass exit of foreign companies from Pakistan, saying the data was misrepresented.
Calling the stories “misleading and factually incorrect”, an official SECP statement said, “Certain media reports have inaccurately interpreted the data relating to ceased foreign companies available on our website”.
The SECP said these reports do not reflect the factual position, particularly with regard to the year of cessation.
It said the SECP list clearly specifies the year of cessation against each company’s name, ensuring transparency and accuracy of information.
“Only 19 foreign companies ceased operations”
“It is further clarified that only 19 foreign companies have ceased operations in Pakistan during 2022 to 2025, whereas 79 new foreign companies were registered during the same period.”
The list of 125 foreign companies referred to in media is the total number of companies that ceased operations since 1977 to date. This list does not pertain to the last three years alone, the SECP clarified.
Additionally, in the last month alone, the SECP said, foreign investment has been recorded in 82 local companies. These investments originated from multiple jurisdictions, including China, the United States, Australia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Denmark, Germany, Malaysia, South Korea, and Spain.
“As of February 2026, a total of 1,157 foreign companies remain registered with the SECP, reflecting sustained foreign business presence and continued confidence in Pakistan’s regulatory environment.”
