Foreign investors spend Rs15 billion on corporate social responsibility projects in Pakistan

Members of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) invested Rs15 billion in corporate social responsibility initiatives during fiscal year 2025, showing a 10% increase over the previous year, according to the chamber’s CSR Report 2025.

The report said the initiatives directly benefited more than 44 million people across Pakistan. OICCI represents around 200 of the largest foreign investors operating in the country.

Out of the total CSR spending, Rs4.5 billion was directed towards flood relief and rehabilitation efforts, reflecting the role of member companies in responding to national emergencies.

OICCI members also contributed more than 13 million man-hours to social sector work during the year and implemented projects in partnership with 270 civil society organisations.

The report said CSR spending by foreign investors was broadly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the largest share of non-flood-relief spending going to Good Health and Well-being under SDG 3.

Healthcare initiatives received Rs6.5 billion during FY2025. These projects covered free and subsidised medical services, hospital infrastructure, maternal health programmes and mental health outreach, reaching more than 19 million beneficiaries.

Education projects under SDG 4 received Rs1 billion, supporting around 0.9 million people through scholarships, digital learning, vocational training and school infrastructure.

Poverty alleviation initiatives under SDG 1 received Rs645 million, benefiting more than 1.2 million people through income generation, microfinance and social protection programmes.

The report said CSR activities were carried out across Pakistan. Sindh and Punjab together accounted for nearly half of all interventions.

Other regions also received significant outreach, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounting for 17% of interventions, Balochistan 13%, Gilgit-Baltistan 12% and Azad Jammu and Kashmir 10%.

OICCI Secretary General M. Abdul Aleem said the report reflected the commitment of leading foreign investors to invest in the communities where they operate. He said member companies had worked with 270 social sector partners and reached different parts of the country through initiatives in health, education and livelihoods.

Dr Samuel Rizk, UNDP Resident Representative Pakistan, who attended the launch as chief guest, said OICCI members were demonstrating the kind of private sector leadership Pakistan needed. He said aligning corporate investment with the SDGs, particularly in health, education and poverty reduction, contributed directly to the country’s development priorities.

The report also highlighted OICCI members’ work on climate action and sustainability, including clean energy, water stewardship and responsible consumption initiatives, in line with Pakistan’s long-term ESG agenda.