Investment framework and opportunities in Pakistan

Assured.

However both foreign and domestic investors are restricted to establish and own business enterprises in the following five industrial sectors which are of national importance: arms and ammunitions, high explosives, currency/minting operations, non-industrial alcohol, and radioactive substances.

Foreign investment in an existing Pakistani company essentially follows the same regulations as that for new ventures. Any purchase of shares by a foreign investor would require such investment to be registered with the State Bank of Pakistan so as to enable the entitlement of foreign investment similar to that of a new venture.

There are no minimum or maximum limits imposed on the age of individual investor ownership in a public limited company. However, in accordance with the Companies (Issue of Capital) Rules 1996, the sponsors shall at all times retain 25% of the capital of the company.

Acquisition of more than 10% stake in an insurance company should get prior approval from the SECP.

Similarly, in case of transfer of 5% or more shares of any bank or financial institution by foreign investors, the permission of the State Bank of Pakistan is required.