ISLAMABAD: The total size of private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) funds reached Rs10.99 billion by June 30, with a growth of 64 per cent against the previous fiscal year, the Diagnostic Review of Pakistan’s Private Funds Industry released by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) said.

According to the report, the number of PE and VC funds was five in 2021-22.

The report provides an overall assessment of the country’s private funds (PF) sector, which collectively refers to both PE and VC funds as well as alternative funds.

In a statement, SECP Chairman Aamir Khan said that, considering more than 60pc of the population is comprised of youth in Pakistan, and to encourage innovation and knowledge-based ideas into commercial production, the potential of the PF industry needs to be tapped and fully explored.

The report provides a holistic synopsis and recommendations for key fiscal and regulatory reforms required for a vibrant PF industry that can spur economic activity, catalyse job creation, and increase government revenues.

To enable a vibrant and galvanised PF sector, the report also provides policy recommendations for a multifaceted reform agenda.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2022