79 foreign firms enter Pakistan in three years as 19 exit

A total of 79 new foreign companies were registered in Pakistan between 2022 and 2025, while only 19 ceased operations during the same period, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan said in a statement.

The regulator said foreign companies invested PKR 40.7 billion in Pakistan’s private sector over the last three years, underscoring continued international interest in the country’s economy.

In a separate statement, the SECP clarified that although 125 foreign companies have ceased operations in Pakistan since 1977, that cumulative figure does not relate to the last three years alone.

According to the commission, 61 foreign companies conducted share transactions during the review period, while 29 transferred their shares to other foreign firms as part of mergers, acquisitions and corporate restructuring.

Major transactions

Among major transactions, Saudi Aramco acquired a 40% stake in GO Petroleum, expanding its presence in Pakistan’s downstream energy market.

Saudi Arabia’s Wa’ed Data obtained an 80% shareholding in Pakistani technology firm Votetech.

Switzerland-based Gunvor Group acquired shares in TotalEnergies Pakistan, while Italy’s Euricom purchased a 50% stake in Fatima Euricom Rice Mills.

In the digital sector, Bazaar Technologies acquired Wemsol as part of ongoing consolidation in Pakistan’s technology industry.

Saudi Arabia’s Wafi Energy acquired the operations of Shell Pakistan, marking a significant development in the country’s fuel retail market.

Meanwhile, U.S.-based pharmaceutical giant Pfizer sold its manufacturing plant to Lucky Core Industries.

In the logistics sector, Dubai-based DP World entered into a joint venture with Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation.

Separately, Netherlands-based Berkeley Square Holding acquired a 50% stake in Mindshare Pakistan.

The SECP also reported that in the last month alone, foreign investment was 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, 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, the commission said.