Key Takeaways
- Remittances to Pakistan reached $3.6 billion in September 2026, up 12.7% year-on-year.
- The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan registered 5,241 new companies in the same month.
- Online registration through eZfile portal accounted for 99.9% of new company incorporations.
In September 2026, Pakistan witnessed a significant increase in overseas workers' remittances, with inflows reaching $3.6 billion, marking a 12.7% rise from the $3.2 billion recorded in September 2025. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported this data, highlighting the crucial role of remittances in supporting the country's external account and stimulating economic activity.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) also announced a surge in new company registrations, with 5,241 new entities being registered in the same month. This brings the total number of registered companies to 317,002. The majority of these new registrations were completed online, with 99.9% of the new incorporations processed through the SECP's eZfile portal and integrated federal and provincial systems.
Of the new companies, private limited companies accounted for the largest share, with 3,013 (57.5%) of the new registrations. Single Member Companies (SMCs) followed closely with 2,058 (39.2%) new incorporations. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) and Section 42 not-for-profit companies accounted for 2.4% and 0.6% respectively, while the remaining 14 entities (0.3%) comprised a mix of public companies, trade organisations, and foreign companies.
Punjab led the way with 2,740 new registrations (52.3%), followed by Islamabad Capital Territory (1,009, 19.2%), Sindh (790, 15.1%), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (428, 8.2%), Gilgit-Baltistan (169, 3.2%), and Balochistan (105, 2.0%). The IT sector recorded the highest number of new incorporations at 920, followed by trading (808), services (599), construction (339), food and beverages (239), tourism (222), real estate development (193), education (189), e-commerce (179), and mining and quarrying (127).
Foreign investors also participated in the new company registrations, with 167 foreign investors from various countries. China accounted for the largest number with 113 investors, followed by the United States (7), the United Kingdom (6), Hong Kong (5), Singapore (3), and Saudi Arabia (3). Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Germany, Canada, Spain, Thailand, and Afghanistan each accounted for two investors, while investors from other countries made up the remaining 14 entities.
The SBP noted that remittances play a significant role in supporting Pakistan's external account and stimulating economic activity. The SECP's online registration system has been highly effective, with 99.9% of new company incorporations completed through the eZfile portal. This system has not only streamlined the process but also increased the efficiency of company registrations.
The data from both the SBP and SECP indicate a positive economic trend in Pakistan, with both remittances and new company registrations showing growth. These figures are crucial for understanding the economic health and potential of the country, particularly in the context of its reliance on external financial support and the dynamism of its business environment.
The surge in remittances and new company registrations reflects the resilience and adaptability of Pakistan's economy, despite challenges. The government's efforts to facilitate online registration have also contributed to this positive economic momentum.
