The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) revealed today that an investment of Rs 40.7 billion has been made in Pakistan’s private sector over the past three years, while 79 new foreign companies have established their operations in the country during the same period.
According to data released by the regulatory body, significant activity was observed in the corporate landscape, with 61 foreign entities engaging in share transactions during this time.
The SECP further reported that during these transactions, 29 foreign companies transferred their shares directly to other overseas corporations, indicating a dynamic shift in foreign ownership structures.
Several significant acquisitions by entities from Saudi Arabia were noted, including Aramco’s purchase of a 40% stake in GO Petroleum and WAKB Data Company’s acquisition of an 80% shareholding in local firm “Vvotic.” Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s Wafi Energy bought out Shell Pakistan’s operations.
European and American corporations also expanded their operations. Switzerland’s Gunvor Group acquired shares in TotalEnergies Pakistan, while Italy’s Euricom purchased a 50% stake in Fatima Euricom Rice Mills. In a notable sale, American pharmaceutical company Pfizer sold its manufacturing plant to Lucky Core Industries.
This investment trend spanned multiple industries, with a joint venture formed in the logistics sector between Dubai’s DP World and the National Logistics Cell (NLC). In the media and advertising sector, Netherlands-based Berkeley Square Holding acquired a 50% shareholding in Mindshare Pakistan. Activity was also seen in the digital sector, where Bazaar Technologies purchased Weem Sol.
The SECP confirmed that the total number of active foreign companies operating in Pakistan has now reached 1,157, with several more international partnership agreements currently in the pipeline.