Pakistan’s corporate sector continued its upward trajectory in March 2026, with 2,993 new companies registered, reflecting growing investor confidence and increasing foreign participation, particularly from China, according to official data released by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

The latest figures mark an 11% increase compared to the same month last year, bringing the total number of registered companies in the country to 290,041.

According to a Gwadar Pro's report, total paid-up capital of newly incorporated firms stood at Rs2.80 billion, signaling sustained investment activity across key sectors.

Foreign investment remained encouraging, with 58 newly registered companies receiving overseas capital. China emerged as the leading investor, accounting for 28 companies, significantly ahead of other countries.

Additional inflows came from Afghanistan (7), the United Kingdom (4), and Russia, Norway, Germany, and the British Virgin Islands (2 each), along with single investments from several other countries including the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Sector-wise, Information Technology and e-commerce led the expansion with 606 new companies, followed by trading (542), services (366), and real estate development and construction (264).

Other notable sectors included tourism and transport (153), food and beverages (149), education (112), and textiles (65), highlighting broad-based economic activity.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China