Pakistan’s capital market recorded its highest-ever annual growth in investor accounts during Financial Year 2025-26, with the number of stock market investors increasing by 48%, reflecting rising public confidence and stronger participation in the country’s financial markets.
According to official figures, investor accounts increased from 392,775 on July 1, 2025, to 583,052 by June 30, 2026, adding 190,277 new investors over the fiscal year.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), in collaboration with the National Clearing Company of Pakistan (NCCPL), Central Depository Company (CDC), and Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), introduced several reforms to simplify account opening and improve financial inclusion.
Among the key initiatives, the Sahulat Account investment limit was raised from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 3 million, duplicate documentation requirements for bank-based account opening were removed, IBAN-based verification was introduced, and Minor Trading Accounts were launched to allow individuals under 18 years of age to invest through their legal guardians.
Karachi accounted for the largest share of new investor accounts at 25%, followed by Lahore (16%), Islamabad and Rawalpindi (13%), Faisalabad (4%), and Multan (3%), indicating growing interest in stock market investments across Pakistan’s major cities.
Young Pakistanis played a major role in the expansion of the investor base. Individuals aged 18 to 30 years accounted for 45% of new Unique Identification Numbers (UINs) registered between January and June 2026, while investors aged 31 to 45 years contributed another 41% of new accounts.
SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said expanding retail participation, particularly among young investors, remains one of the regulator’s top priorities. He added that SECP is working with market institutions to introduce technology-driven solutions, including a mobile application for digital onboarding, to make investing faster, easier, and more accessible.
He said Pakistan’s capital market has the potential to support economic growth by channeling household savings into productive investments, while efforts will continue to simplify market access, strengthen investor confidence, and encourage broader public participation in wealth creation.
