The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 3,161 new companies in May 2026, marking continued expansion in corporate activity across the country. During the month, the regulator also achieved a historic milestone by incorporating 415 companies in a single day — the highest daily figure ever recorded.

With this addition, the total number of registered companies in Pakistan has reached 297,239. SECP said that 99.9 percent of all incorporations during the month were completed through its online system, highlighting the growing shift toward digital registration.

The regulator noted that the performance came despite fewer working days due to Eid-ul-Adha holidays, indicating sustained momentum in business formation.

Punjab remained the leading region with 1,643 new companies, followed by Islamabad with 596, Sindh with 479, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 260, Gilgit-Baltistan with 112, and Balochistan with 71.

In terms of business structure, private limited companies accounted for 1,884 registrations, while single-member companies made up 1,212. Limited liability partnerships and other categories collectively contributed 65 registrations, reflecting strong interest in both corporate and individual entrepreneurship.

Sector-wise, IT and e-commerce led with 598 new companies, followed by trading (503), services (404), real estate and construction (303), and tourism and transport (206), showing broad-based growth across multiple industries.

Foreign investors from 17 countries also participated during the month, with involvement in 80 local companies. China remained the largest contributor, followed by Afghanistan, the United States, and several European and Asian countries. Total foreign-paid capital stood at Rs139.4 million, with Chinese investors accounting for the bulk of inflows.

SECP said the data reflects continued formalisation of the economy, rising entrepreneurial activity, and growing confidence in Pakistan’s regulatory framework.