Security concerns hit investor confidence

Deteriorating security in Karachi and persistent challenges in Pakistan's western regions are weighing on investor confidence and business operations, according to the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (OICCI) Security Survey 2026 released on Tuesday. The annual survey, conducted in June among leading foreign investors operating across the country, found that the top leadership of 71 % of member companies ranked security among their top three business concerns, highlighting that law and order remains a major impediment to investment. Security perceptions in Karachi deteriorated, with 42% of respondents reporting a worsening environment, up from 41% in 2025. In Quetta, 81% reported deteriorating security, while 86% in the rest of Balochistan said the same. Street crimes remained the foremost concern, with 50% of respondents reporting an increase in Karachi, up from 45%...