KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has acknowledged a substantial increase in foreign direct investment (FDI), attributing the improvement to the initiatives and reforms introduced under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The council’s policies, the SBP said, have helped enhance investor confidence and contributed to stabilising Pakistan’s economy.
According to the latest data released by the SBP, the energy sector emerged as the top recipient of foreign investment in September 2025, attracting USD 87 million in inflows. The financial services sector followed with USD 66.58 million, while food processing drew USD 25.3 million in foreign investment.
During the first quarter of the current fiscal year, the energy sector maintained its position as the leading destination for foreign investors, reflecting growing global interest in Pakistan’s power generation and infrastructure development projects.
The SBP emphasized that this increase in investment inflows—especially in critical sectors like energy and finance—will significantly contribute to the country’s industrial growth and economic stability.
Officials noted that the improvement stems from the government’s ongoing reform measures under the SIFC framework, which focuses on simplifying investment procedures and fostering better coordination among federal and provincial agencies. The council was established to fast-track foreign investment projects in strategic areas such as energy, agriculture, mining, and information technology.
“The rise in foreign investment reflects renewed confidence among international partners in Pakistan’s economic management and reform trajectory,” the central bank said, adding that sustained inflows will be key to supporting the country’s medium-term growth outlook.
The SBP reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a stable and transparent economic environment to encourage continued foreign investment across diverse sectors.
