Karachi: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) successfully inaugurated its first-ever Pakistan Start-up Summit at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi. The first day of the event saw significant participation from policymakers, start-up founders, international speakers, and stakeholders who shared insights on fostering a robust and resilient start-up ecosystem in Pakistan.
According to Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the summit featured a video address from Pakistan’s Honorable Finance Minister, who emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering innovation as a crucial driver of economic growth. He praised SECP’s proactive regulatory measures, including the Regulatory Sandbox and simplified incorporation processes, designed to enhance financial inclusion and support start-up growth across fintech, digital finance, and other high-impact sectors.
SECP Commissioner Mujtaba Ahmad Lodhi delivered the welcome address, underscoring the importance of collaboration in building an inclusive ecosystem for entrepreneurs. He also highlighted SECP’s commitment to creating a space for strategic discussions that would strengthen the foundation for innovation in Pakistan.
In his keynote, the SECP Chairman addressed the unique crossroads faced by Pakistan’s start-up ecosystem, acknowledging both challenges and unprecedented opportunities. He stated that SECP’s goal is not merely to adapt to change but to drive it, aiming to build systems that empower innovators and ensure a stable yet dynamic environment for growth. The Chairman highlighted key SECP initiatives such as the Regulatory Sandbox and LEAP, which aim to transform Pakistan into a regional innovation hub by unlocking potential in sectors like fintech and embedded finance.
The Deputy High Commissioner of the UK, Ms. Sara Mooney, also attended the event, adding to the summit’s international reach.
The summit’s first day featured six pivotal panel discussions, each addressing crucial areas for strengthening Pakistan’s start-up landscape. These included a Fireside Chat on founders’ perspectives, a panel on strategies for building a resilient ecosystem, and a session on empowering female entrepreneurs. Other discussions focused on creating a conducive ecosystem for start-ups, navigating challenges in the start-up ecosystem, and unlocking growth through capital markets.
The first day concluded with closing remarks by Syed Asad Ali Shah, Chairman of Befiler, who commended SECP’s efforts in advancing Pakistan’s start-up ecosystem.
SECP’s Pakistan Start-up Summit marks a significant milestone in building an inclusive and sustainable environment for innovation, positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global start-up landscape. The summit has laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration and set a dynamic stage for the future of entrepreneurship in Pakistan.