Overseas investors in Pakistan are making a significant impact beyond the bottom line. According to the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (OICCI) 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, member companies invested Rs. 13 billion in local communities during 2022-2023, positively affecting 40 million people across Pakistan.
OICCI members partnered with over 290 social sector organizations, reaching all four provinces and neighboring regions. Their initiatives aim to create a lasting positive influence and inspire progress in Pakistan, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“True business leadership goes beyond profits,” said OICCI President Rehan Shaikh. “Our CSR efforts show that sustainable business success and social good are interconnected.”
The report highlights a particular focus on education and skill development, addressing the critical issue of out-of-school children. Around 23 million Pakistani children between 5 and 16 lack schooling, the second-highest number globally, according to UNICEF.
“In 2023 alone, our members contributed Rs. 2.3 billion towards SDG 4,” said Ahmad Zahid Zaheer, an OICCI management committee member. “This supports education and skill development for vulnerable children through partnerships with The Citizen Foundation, Akhuwat Foundation, STEM Pakistan, SOS Village, and public schools.”
OICCI members also actively supported other SDGs, including affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) with Rs. 2.2 billion, decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) with Rs. 2.6 billion, and improving life on land (SDG 15) with Rs. 2.1 billion.
These investments funded crucial initiatives like providing solar panels to farmers and flood-hit communities, vocational training programs, tree planting projects, and waste management solutions.
“The OICCI CSR report showcases not only the financial commitment of multinational corporations in Pakistan but also their role in driving positive social change and long-term growth for the country,” concluded OICCI CE/Secretary General M Abdul Aleem.
