The OICCI Security Survey 2026 says security concerns continue to affect business confidence in Pakistan. Foreign investors identified law and order as one of their biggest challenges despite improvements in some parts of the country.

The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) conducted the survey in June among leading foreign investors operating across Pakistan. According to the findings, 71% of respondents ranked security among their top three business concerns. As a result, many companies continue to view security as a major barrier to investment and economic activity.

The survey also found that security perceptions in Karachi worsened slightly compared with last year. Around 42% of respondents said the city’s security environment had deteriorated, compared with 41% in 2025. Meanwhile, 81% of respondents in Quetta and 86% in other parts of Balochistan also reported worsening security conditions.

Street crime remained the biggest concern for businesses. In Karachi, 50% of respondents reported an increase in street crime, up from 45% last year. Similarly, the figure for Quetta rose to 37%, compared with 24% in 2025.

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In addition, 32% of respondents said security conditions had worsened for their own businesses, compared with 28% a year earlier. Moreover, concerns about employees’ safety during daily travel increased. Around 45% of respondents in Karachi and 83% in Quetta raised concerns over staff security while commuting.

OICCI Secretary General M. Abdul Aleem said the survey reflected the resilience and long-term commitment of foreign investors. However, he stressed that Pakistan must improve public safety and strengthen law enforcement to sustain investment. He added that better security, lower street crime and stronger policing would improve Pakistan’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

The survey further showed declining confidence in some law enforcement agencies. Positive ratings for Karachi Police fell to 30% from 38% last year. Likewise, Sindh Police received positive ratings from only 16% of respondents, down from 26%. By contrast, Sindh Rangers and KP Police recorded improved ratings of 43% and 40%, respectively.

Businesses also identified street crime, illegal gratification, expatriate security and public protests as the main law and order issues affecting investor confidence.

Furthermore, regional geopolitical tensions added to business concerns. Around 88% of respondents said the Middle East conflict had affected their organisations’ security environment. Consequently, companies reported growing concerns about supply chains, logistics, business activity and employee safety.

Despite these challenges, 87% of OICCI member companies said they remained confident about holding board and management meetings in Pakistan. Overall, the survey suggests that foreign investors continue to see long-term potential in the country, although they expect stronger security measures and institutional reforms to support future investment.