The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has released its annual Security Survey for 2026, conducted in June among major foreign investors operating in Pakistan. According to The Express Tribune, the survey finds that security has become one of the three biggest concerns for the leadership of 71 per cent of member companies. Respondents indicated that persistent law and order issues remain a significant obstacle to attracting investment and expanding business activity.
Worsening Security Perceptions Across Regions
The survey highlights deteriorating security perceptions in several areas. Around 42 per cent of respondents said the security situation in Karachi had worsened, while an overwhelming 81 per cent in Quetta and 86 per cent across the rest of Balochistan reported a decline in overall security conditions. Businesses also reported growing concerns over employee safety during daily commutes, particularly in Karachi and Quetta, reflecting the broader impact of insecurity on routine operations.
Street Crime and Law Enforcement Confidence
Street crime continues to be the leading concern among businesses. Half of the surveyed companies reported an increase in street crime in Karachi compared to the previous year, while Quetta also witnessed a notable rise in such incidents. Overall, nearly one-third of respondents said the security environment affecting their businesses had worsened compared to last year. Confidence in law enforcement also declined. Positive assessments of the Karachi Police and Sindh Police dropped significantly from the previous survey, although respondents expressed relatively improved confidence in the Sindh Rangers and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.
Operational Challenges and Regional Instability
Businesses additionally cited illegal demands for payments, concerns over expatriate security, and recurring protests as major operational challenges, as cited by The Express Tribune. Regional instability has further compounded business risks. Nearly 88 per cent of surveyed companies said tensions in the Middle East had affected their operations, with supply chain disruptions emerging as the biggest concern, followed by reduced commercial activity and employee safety.
