ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital market has reached a historic milestone, recording a 48% increase in stock market investor accounts during the Financial Year 2025-26, marking the highest-ever annual growth in the country’s capital market.
According to Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), investor accounts rose from 392,775 on July 1, 2025, to 583,052 by June 30, 2026, with an addition of 190,277 new investors. This growth indicates rising public confidence, improved market access, and heightened interest in investment opportunities.
In collaboration with Capital Market Infrastructure Institutions (CMIIs) such as the National Clearing Company of Pakistan (NCCPL), Central Depository Company (CDC), and Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the SECP introduced reforms aimed at easing account opening processes and promoting financial inclusion. Reforms included increasing the Sahulat Account limit, removing redundant requirements for account opening through various financial institutions, and introducing IBAN-based verification and Minor Trading Accounts.
Karachi led in new investor accounts with a 25% share, followed by Lahore with 16%, and Islamabad and Rawalpindi with 13%. Other cities like Faisalabad and Multan showed growing participation as well.
Young investors, particularly those aged 18 to 30, were significant contributors to this growth, registering 45% of new UINs from January to June 2026. The 31 to 45 age group accounted for an additional 41% of new accounts, reflecting increasing engagement from young and working-age investors.
SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu emphasized the importance of increasing retail participation, especially among young investors. He noted that the Commission and market institutions are implementing technology-driven solutions, such as a mobile application for digital onboarding, to make the investment process more accessible.
“Pakistan’s capital market has the potential to significantly contribute to economic growth by directing savings into productive investments,” Dr. Sidhu said. “Our focus is on simplifying access, strengthening investor confidence, and encouraging more citizens, particularly the youth, to engage in wealth creation and economic development.”