Youth Drive Pakistan Stock Market Growth as Investor Base Surges 48%

Over 190,000 new investors join capital market in one year, with young people accounting for largest share

Islamabad: Pakistan’s stock market has witnessed a significant increase in investor participation, with the total number of investors rising by 48% in one year, driven largely by growing interest among young people, according to data released by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

The number of stock market investors in Pakistan has crossed 583,000, with more than 190,000 new investors joining the market during the past year.

According to SECP figures, young investors are playing a leading role in this growth, with 45% of new investors aged between 18 and 30 years, while 41% belonged to the 31-45 age group.

The regulator said the increasing participation of younger investors reflects a growing interest in capital markets and investment opportunities among Pakistan’s youth.

Karachi Leads New Investor Growth

Among major cities, Karachi recorded the highest share of new investor accounts at 25%, followed by Lahore with 16%.

Islamabad and Rawalpindi collectively contributed 13% of new investors joining the stock market during the period.

SECP said several reforms aimed at simplifying investment procedures contributed to the increase in participation.

Digital Access Boosts Stock Market Participation

The regulator highlighted that increasing the limit of the Sahulat Account from Rs1 million to Rs3 million has made stock market participation easier for investors.

Other measures, including account opening facilities through banks and digital platforms, IBAN verification and minor trading accounts, have also helped improve accessibility.

SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Siddhu said connecting young people with the capital market remains a key priority for the commission.

He said a digital onboarding mobile application is also being introduced to make the investment process faster and more convenient for citizens.

Dr Siddhu added that capital markets can play an important role in economic growth by converting public savings into productive investments.

The SECP chairman said the regulator’s objective is to make investment opportunities easier, faster and accessible for a wider segment of the population.

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