The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved a set of regulatory reforms aimed at improving Pakistan’s performance under the World Bank Group’s Business Ready (B-READY) assessment. The reforms are focused on addressing regulatory and information-sharing gaps while bringing Pakistan’s business environment closer to international practices. Pakistan performed strongly in the Business Entry category of the B-READY 2025 Report, ranking 17th among 101 economies with a score of 86.64. The newly approved measures are intended to build on this performance by improving the availability of regulatory information, reducing duplication in compliance processes and introducing greater transparency across areas assessed under the international framework.
As part of the reforms, SECP will facilitate the automated sharing of updated company information with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), in coordination with the Board of Investment. The initiative is aimed at improving information exchange between government institutions and reducing the need for businesses to provide the same information to multiple authorities. Automated data sharing can allow relevant government departments to access updated corporate information more efficiently while reducing administrative duplication for companies. The measure is expected to contribute to a more streamlined compliance environment by improving coordination between institutions responsible for business registration, taxation and investment-related matters.
The Commission has also approved measures to improve access to information regarding environmental approvals and operating permits through the SECP website. The initiative will be supported by the relevant authorities and is intended to provide businesses with a more accessible reference point for understanding regulatory requirements. By making information on approvals, permits and related procedures available through digital platforms, businesses can have clearer access to the requirements they need to meet when establishing or operating their activities. Easier access to regulatory information can also reduce uncertainty for businesses and make it simpler for entrepreneurs and investors to identify the approvals required for different types of commercial activity.
Another component of the reforms involves improving access to information about publicly funded programmes that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SECP will make relevant information available through its digital platforms, providing businesses with a centralized source for identifying government-backed support initiatives. SMEs represent a significant part of economic activity and employment, and easier access to information about available public programmes can help businesses identify relevant opportunities related to financing, development, training and other forms of institutional support. The measure also supports the broader objective of improving the accessibility of business-related information through digital channels.
In addition, SECP will publish gender-disaggregated statistics covering newly incorporated companies. The statistics will include information related to women shareholders, directors, chief executives and ultimate beneficial owners. According to the Commission, these measures are intended to address areas where Pakistan can secure additional points under the B-READY assessment while supporting broader improvements in the country’s business environment. The availability of gender-disaggregated corporate data can also provide a clearer picture of women’s participation in business ownership and leadership, allowing policymakers and other stakeholders to better understand existing trends.
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