The Institute of Financial Markets of Pakistan (IFMP) has approved the relocation of its head office to Islamabad. The decision marks a significant step in the Institute’s long-term strategy to strengthen financial education and professional capacity building across Pakistan.
Although the headquarters will move to Islamabad, IFMP will continue operating a regional office in Karachi. The move aims to position the Institute as Pakistan’s leading organization for financial market education, professional training, and workforce development.
Board Elects New Chairperson
During the Board of Directors meeting, members unanimously elected Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), as the new Chairperson of the IFMP Board.
The Board also welcomed Muhammad Ali Farid Khawaja, Commissioner of the Securities Market Division (SMD), SECP, as the Commission’s nominee director.
The meeting was attended by senior representatives from IFMP, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the Central Depository Company (CDC), the Karachi School of Business and Leadership (KSBL), and other officials.
Focus on Financial Literacy and Youth Development
Addressing the meeting, Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu highlighted Pakistan’s young population as a major opportunity for economic growth.
He said “with 64–67% of Pakistan’s population under 30, the country has immense potential to expand financial inclusion, retail investment, entrepreneurship, and employment.”
He also stated that the SECP aims to increase Pakistan’s capital market investor base from approximately 500,000 to 2.5 million. According to him, achieving this goal will require stronger financial literacy and continuous skills development.
Nationwide Education Initiative Planned
The Board announced that IFMP will lead a nationwide financial literacy campaign targeting schools, universities, and professional communities.
The initiative aims to equip students and professionals with practical financial knowledge. It also seeks to encourage participation in Pakistan’s formal financial sector while strengthening investor confidence.
In addition, the Institute will offer professional courses to develop qualified human resources for the capital market and insurance industries.
Expanded Training and Certification Programs
Muhammad Ali Farid Khawaja emphasized that the Pakistan Stock Exchange should continue expanding its reach beyond traditional financial hubs.
He noted that investor participation is increasing in Punjab and other regions of the country.
According to him, IFMP will broaden its role by introducing free online financial literacy courses, continuous professional development programs, certification courses for capital market and insurance intermediaries, and specialized industry training.
These initiatives aim to create a more skilled workforce for Pakistan’s financial services sector.
Board Appreciates Outgoing Leadership
The Board also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing SECP nominee directors Osman Syed and Dr. Yasir Mahmood.
Members further appreciated the leadership of Shoaib Javed Hussain during his tenure as Chairperson of the IFMP Board.
The relocation to Islamabad and the expansion of educational initiatives reflect IFMP’s broader vision of improving financial awareness, strengthening professional skills, and supporting the long-term development of Pakistan’s financial markets.
