SECP registers 5,241 new companies in September, total tops 317,000

October 09, 2026 (MLN): The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 5,241 new companies in September 2026, bringing the total number of registered companies in the country to 317,002. Around 99.9% of the new registrations were completed online through the SECP’s eZfile portal and integrated federal and provincial systems.

Private limited companies accounted for the largest share of new registrations, with 3,013 companies, representing 57.5% of the total. These were followed by 2,058 single-member companies (39.2%), 127 limited liability partnerships (2.4%) and 29 Section 42 not-for-profit companies (0.6%).

The remaining 14 registrations comprised 10 public companies, two trade organizations and two foreign companies.

Punjab led the provincial and regional breakdown with 2,740 new companies, accounting for 52.3% of total registrations. Islamabad Capital Territory followed with 1,009 companies (19.2%), while Sindh recorded 790 (15.1%), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 428 (8.2%), Gilgit-Baltistan 169 (3.2%) and Balochistan 105 (2.0%).

Sector-wise, Information Technology topped the list with 920 new companies, followed by Trading with 808 and Services with 599. Construction recorded 339 registrations, while Food and Beverages accounted for 239, Tourism 222, Real Estate Development 193, Education 189, E-Commerce 179, and Mining and Quarrying 127. Companies operating in other sectors accounted for a further 1,426 registrations.

Foreign investors also participated in the incorporation of new companies during September, with 167 investors from various countries. China led with 113 investors, followed by the United States with seven, the United Kingdom with six, Hong Kong with five, and Singapore and Saudi Arabia with three each.

Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Germany, Canada, Spain, Thailand and Afghanistan each accounted for two investors, while investors from other countries numbered 14. The foreign investor base included 10 foreign corporate entities, with the remaining investors comprising individuals.

Gender-disaggregated data showed that women accounted for 14% of shareholders and directors, 11% of ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) and 8% of chief executives. Men accounted for the remaining share in each category.

SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said company incorporation was an important step towards building a formal and documented economy. He added that the commission was working to simplify and improve access to the registration process, enabling entrepreneurs to establish businesses and contribute to economic growth.

Copyright Mettis Link News