Over 300 listed firms now active in CSR, says Aurangzeb

November 20, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan’s corporate sector has continued to increase its charitable spending despite prolonged economic pressures, with more than 300 of over 400 publicly listed companies now engaged in social responsibility programs, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Wednesday.

The information was shared in an official press release issued after the event.

Speaking at a ceremony hosted by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP), the minister noted that corporate giving has shown “upward momentum” across business cycles.

Around one-third of listed firms have started formally disclosing their contributions, he added.

Aurangzeb urged the remaining companies to improve transparency, saying clearer reporting strengthens public trust and supports accountability across the sector.

He also cited Pakistan’s ranking of 17 out of 101 countries in the World Giving Index, describing it as evidence of a long-standing culture of individual and corporate philanthropy.

Karachi remains the country’s largest hub of charitable activity and would likely score among the top globally if city-level comparisons were available, he said.

The minister linked the rise in philanthropic activity to broader government efforts to shift social-sector financing toward measurable, impact-based outcomes.

As part of this strategy, he said Pakistan’s first Skills Impact Bond, developed with the British Asian Trust and executed through NAVTTC will be rolled out soon.

The official release added that the bond is designed to support skills development through performance-based financing rather than traditional budget allocations.

Aurangzeb also commended the PCP’s work in improving transparency in the philanthropic ecosystem through certification and reporting systems.

He encouraged further improvements to ensure timely evaluations and stronger governance.

He concluded by urging companies that have yet to disclose their philanthropic contributions to begin doing so voluntarily, noting that market-driven transparency encourages broader participation without the need for regulation.

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