In October 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 2,477 new firms.

This increases the overall number of registered firms in the country to 233,587, indicating heightened confidence in Pakistan’s corporate sector and its ongoing growth.

The SECP’s continuous digitization initiative has successfully processed 99 percent of new company registrations via its efficient online system.

This signifies a further advancement in the Commission’s initiatives to establish a cohesive, technology-oriented regulatory framework that enhances transparency and facilitates corporate operations in Pakistan, according to a news statement published on Thursday.

Among the new registrations, private limited corporations constituted 57 percent, whereas single-member companies comprised 41 percent. The remaining 2 percent were public unlisted corporations, not-for-profit entities, trade associations, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs).

An examination of sectoral growth indicates robust activity across various industries. The Information Technology and E-commerce industries experienced the most significant growth, with the establishment of 556 new enterprises.

The Services industry added 486 new companies, Trading experienced a gain of 388, while Real Estate Development and Construction registered 270 new organizations.

Additional sectors contributing to this boom comprised Food, Healthcare, and Pharmaceuticals with 270 new companies; Tourism and Transport with 174; and the Energy, Power, and Fuel sector with 221 new registrations. 112 companies demonstrated their presence in many different sectors.

Foreign investment in the business sector exhibited promising growth, with 48 new enterprises attracting funding from international investors. The investors originated from a variety of countries, including Afghanistan, China, France, Germany, Malaysia, Oman, and Turkey.

China was the predominant investor, facilitating the creation of 39 new enterprises, while Afghanistan contributed to the foundation of 4 companies. The residual investments originated from multiple nations, each providing one new enterprise.

The persistent increase in foreign investment emphasizes the escalating worldwide confidence in Pakistan’s market potential and shows the SECP’s role in

Our sources tell us that the ICC has demanded that the BCCI justify its decision with reasonable arguments that follow the guidelines set out by the organization. After reviewing the explanations, the ICC has the option to ask India to play in the event if they are not sufficiently satisfied.

After reviewing the explanations, the ICC has the option to ask India to play in the event if they are not sufficiently satisfied. A colossal loss of estimated $500 million would befall the ICC if India does not participate.

Also, an extra $100 million could go down the drain if the much-anticipated Indo-Pak matches dont happen.

These latest developments occurred as the tournament schedule remained unclear following the Indian government’s refusal to send a team to Pakistan for the event.

The schedule was supposed to be announced earlier this week by the International Cricket Council (ICC), but it was postponed due to uncertainty surrounding India’s visa to Pakistan.

I should mention that on November 9, the Indian Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) notified the ICC that India will not be going to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Sources indicate that following India’s decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board expressed their concerns to the International Cricket Council.

Requesting an explanation for the BCCI’s decision not to tour Pakistan, the PCB notified the ICC of the Pakistani government’s hard position on the subject in its letter.

It should be noted that due to the continuing political turmoil between the two neighboring countries, India has refrained from visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2008 and beyond.

In contrast, Pakistan has paid four separate visits to India within the past sixteen years. Following their 2023 ICC Men’s World Cup visit, they made their most recent stop in 2016.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index increased by 790 points, marking a new all-time high for the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) at 94,982 points.

The record-breaking performance underscores a surge of optimism and investor confidence in the stock market.

As investors responded to favorable economic signals, the market experienced a significant increase of over 500 points in early trading. Later, the KSE-100 Index reached another record level of 94,786 points after adding 594 points to its upward trajectory.

This positive development comes as the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves saw an increase of $84 million, reaching $11.26 billion during the week ending November 8, according to data released by the central bank on Thursday.

This represents an increase of 0.75% from the previous week. In addition, the nation’s total liquid foreign reserves experienced a modest increase, increasing by $33.7 million or 0.21% week-on-week to $15.97 billion.

In contrast, commercial banks’ reserves experienced a decline of $50.3 million or 1.06%, ultimately settling at $4.71 billion.

Furthermore, the economic team of Pakistan has expressed confidence in the discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik, in an exclusive conversation with Samaa TV, claimed talks were moving in a positive direction.

Highlighting improvements in Pakistan’s economic conditions, Malik noted substantial progress over the past six months to a year. He emphasized that Pakistan’s current economic situation has seen significant enhancement, with a reduced current account deficit of only $100 million in the first quarter, a reflection of the government’s strategy to increase remittances and boost exports.

Malik shared that discussions with the IMF are primarily focused on external financing, and while there have been speculations about a potential mini-budget or an increase in the petroleum levy, he clarified that these are currently premature considerations.