Investor Accounts Reach Record Level
Pakistan’s capital market recorded historic growth during Financial Year 2025-26. Stock market investor accounts increased by 48 percent, marking the highest-ever annual growth in the country’s capital market.
The number of investors rose from 392,775 on July 1, 2025, to 583,052 on June 30, 2026. This means 190,277 new investors entered the stock market during the year.
The strong rise reflects growing public confidence in the capital market. It also shows better access to investment platforms and higher interest in wealth-building opportunities.
SECP Reforms Make Account Opening Easier
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan worked with key market institutions to support this growth. These included the National Clearing Company of Pakistan, Central Depository Company, and Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Several reforms made account opening simpler for new investors. The Sahulat Account limit increased from Rs 1 million to Rs 3 million.
Authorities also removed duplicate requirements for investors opening accounts through banks, digital banks, and Electronic Money Institutions. IBAN-based verification was also introduced to make the process faster.
Another major step was the launch of Minor Trading Accounts. These accounts allow individuals below 18 years of age to invest through their guardians.
Young Investors Drive Market Participation
Karachi recorded the highest share of new investor accounts at 25 percent. Lahore followed with 16 percent. Islamabad and Rawalpindi together contributed 13 percent.
Faisalabad recorded 4 percent of new accounts, while Multan contributed 3 percent. The numbers show wider participation from major cities across Pakistan.
Young investors played a major role in the growth. During January to June 2026, individuals aged 18 to 30 years registered 45 percent of new UINs.
Investors aged 31 to 45 years added another 41 percent of new accounts. This shows strong interest from young and working-age citizens.
SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said increasing retail participation is a key priority. He said SECP and market institutions are introducing technology-based solutions to make investing simpler and more accessible.
He added that a mobile application for digital onboarding is also being developed. The aim is to make account opening faster and easier for citizens.
Dr. Sidhu said Pakistan’s capital market can support economic growth by turning savings into productive investments. He said SECP will continue to simplify access, build investor confidence, and encourage youth participation in wealth creation.
