The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has released an updated list detailing the formal winding up of 125 foreign companies operating in Pakistan, as of January 20, 2026. The compilation includes branch and liaison offices across various sectors and regions, reflecting a significant development in the country’s business landscape. This latest publication also consolidates data from previous years, offering a broader perspective on foreign corporate exits.
The SECP’s official disclosure identifies the companies that have ceased operations, marking the conclusion of their business activities within Pakistan’s jurisdiction. These closures encompass firms that had operations in major urban centers including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad. The affected companies spanned diverse economic sectors such as construction, services, engineering, trading, and oil and gas exploration, highlighting the wide-ranging impact across industries.
Notably, the foreign companies on the list originate from a variety of countries, underscoring Pakistan’s historically broad international business ties. These countries include economic hubs and trading partners such as Hong Kong, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Turkey, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Sweden, Bahrain, Cyprus, Afghanistan, Italy, Canada, France, and the Netherlands among others. The diversity of these firms reflects Pakistan’s integration within global business networks.
The winding-up process for foreign branch and liaison offices is a regulated procedure overseen by the SECP, ensuring compliance with local corporate laws and orderly market exits. The formal publication of such lists serves to enhance transparency and provides stakeholders, including investors and regulators, with clarity on changes in the corporate sector landscape.
These closures may be driven by various factors including shifts in foreign investment strategies, market conditions, or broader economic challenges. The exit of international firms from Pakistan’s business environment could have implications for sectoral dynamics, employment, and foreign direct investment flows. However, it also provides opportunities for local enterprises and new entrants to fill market gaps and strengthen domestic economic participation.
The SECP’s disclosure plays an important role in regulatory oversight, helping maintain an accurate and updated record of active and defunct foreign entities operating in Pakistan. This information assists in preventing dormant or non-compliant companies from remaining on official registries, thus supporting a healthier and more accountable business ecosystem.
As Pakistan continues to pursue reforms aimed at attracting and retaining foreign investment, monitoring corporate exits alongside new market entries will remain critical. Ensuring a balanced and business-friendly regulatory environment can encourage sustainable economic growth and deepen international partnerships.
Overall, the list published by SECP not only informs about the recent closures but also serves as a valuable reference for understanding foreign corporate presence and transitions in Pakistan. It highlights ongoing shifts in the investment climate and underscores the need for adaptive strategies to foster a resilient and competitive business environment.
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