Better security to build investor trust

OICCI survey outlines notable progress in major cities, calls for broader improvements

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KARACHI:

A measurable improvement has been observed in the overall security environment in Pakistan, particularly in key business hubs of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, according to a survey released on Thursday.

The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) released results of its Annual Security Survey 2025, which reflects feedback from leading foreign investors operating across Pakistan.

According to the survey that covered the period from June 2024 to May 2025, over 70% of respondents reported a notable decline in serious crimes in Karachi, Lahore and across Punjab, with street crimes also reducing significantly in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Additionally, employee perceptions of personal safety during daily commutes improved for two-thirds of respondents.

While street crimes declined moderately in Quetta and Peshawar, these cities continue to be perceived as least secure for personal safety. Most notably, there was deterioration in serious crimes in Balochistan compared to the previous year, impacting the positive trend seen in other provinces. "This divergence reinforces concerns that while perception has improved in major cities, the fragile security situation in regions like Balochistan continues to impact Pakistan's global image and undermines long-term investor confidence," the OICCI said.

Despite visible progress in key urban centres, security remains one of the top three concerns for chief executives. Commenting on the survey findings, OICCI Secretary General M Abdul Aleem stated: "The OICCI Security Survey 2025 reflects a cautiously optimistic outlook, with clear gains in major cities like Karachi and Lahore, a positive signal for investor confidence. However, sustaining and expanding these improvements across all regions is essential to maintain the momentum and reassure both local and foreign stakeholders about Pakistan's overall security trajectory."