Original source (on modern site)
ISLAMABAD: With new incorporations in August, the number of registered companies surpassed the 300,000 milestone, primarily due to digital registration. At the same time, more companies were registered in Islamabad, mainly in the trading and IT sectors, than in Sindh. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) announced on Friday that 4,761 new companies were registered in August. The commission has said it reflects sustained momentum in business formalisation, growing entrepreneurial confidence, and the success of SECP's facilitation and digital transformation initiatives. Approximately 99.9 per cent of companies were registered online via integrated federal and provincial systems. The total number of registered companies in Pakistan is 311,765. Commenting on achieving the milestone, SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu stated that the continuous surge in corporate registrations reflects the growing trust of entrepreneurs and investors in Pakistan's transparent and business-friendly regulatory framework, powered by our digital transformation initiatives. Private companies continued to account for the largest share of new incorporations in August, with 2,762 companies (58.01pc), followed by 1,846 single-member companies. In addition, SECP registered 113 limited liability partnerships, 28 not-for-profit companies, and 12 other companies, including public, foreign, and TO companies. The sustained preference for private and single-member company structures reflects the growing confidence of startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs in Pakistan's corporate regime. Geographically, Punjab remained the hub of business activity, accounting for 2,547, or 53pc of new registrations during the month. This was followed by Islamabad Capital Territory with 843 companies (18pc) and Sindh with 702 companies (15pc). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 407, Gilgit-Baltistan 151, and Balochistan 111 companies. The widespread geographical distribution of incorporations demonstrates that entrepreneurial activity continues to expand across all regions of the country. The Information Technology sector continues to serve as the primary engine of corporate growth, leading the monthly registrations with 872 new incorporations. Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2026 Follow Dawn Business on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.