Pakistan registers record 4,065 new companies in July

Pakistan registered a record-breaking 4,065 new companies in July 2025, the highest in any single month in the country’s history, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) said Wednesday.

The number surpassed the previous record of 3,609 registrations set in May, showing rising business confidence and growing interest in formal incorporation.

The SECP said 99.9% of incorporations were processed digitally, reflecting the impact of its digital transformation on outreach and accessibility. The total number of registered companies in Pakistan has now reached 262,309. Paid-up capital for the month totaled PKR 4.96 million.

Private limited companies accounted for 57% of the new registrations, followed by single-member companies at 39%. The remaining 4% included public unlisted companies, not-for-profit organizations, companies limited by guarantee, and limited liability partnerships.

Information technology and e-commerce led with 862 new incorporations, followed by trading (530), services (468), and real estate development and construction (398).

Other active sectors included tourism and transport (295), food and beverages (203), education (148), marketing and advertisement (98), mining and quarrying (95), textiles (91), pharmaceuticals (86), agricultural farming (74), engineering (64), cosmetics and toiletries (59), and chemicals and healthcare (56).

An additional 482 companies were registered across sectors such as fuel and energy, auto and allied industries, communications, power generation, and non-profits under Section 42 of the Companies Act.

Foreign investment showed momentum, with 96 new companies receiving capital from investors in a wide range of countries.

The SECP issued 60 licenses in July across regulated sectors, five in capital markets, one in insurance, two to non-banking financial companies, and 52 to not-for-profit associations.

Following its recent Registrar's Conference, the SECP said it will launch an awareness campaign to educate entrepreneurs and startups on the benefits of incorporation. These include limited liability, separate legal status, tax advantages, scalability, brand protection, and easier access to financing.

An SECP spokesperson said the regulator is committed to strengthening its digital infrastructure, improving ease of doing business, and promoting entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.

“This surge in registrations is a strong indicator of growing investor confidence and digital adoption,” said a corporate law analyst. “With simplified processes and better outreach, more businesses are moving toward formal structures, which is vital for sustainable economic growth.”

The SECP’s digitalization and reform drive aligns with broader government goals to develop a vibrant corporate sector and position Pakistan as an attractive investment destination.