Pakistan’s stock market investor base surpasses 683,000: SECP

November 04, 2026 (MLN): The number of investors in Pakistan’s stock market has exceeded 683,000, with 26,843 new accounts opened at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) during October 2026, according to data released by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

The investor base has increased by more than 200,000 during 2026 alone, showing growing participation in the country’s capital market.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) recorded 1,077 new accounts in October, taking its total number of investors to 61,915.

Young investors accounted for a significant share of new registrations, with individuals aged 18–30 contributing 55% of the newly opened accounts.

Small investors accounted for 77% of new accounts, while 801 accounts were opened by large investors and 42 by corporate investors.

Gender-wise, men accounted for 85% of new accounts, while women represented 15%. Men opened 22,878 accounts compared to 3,923 accounts opened by women.

Among age groups, individuals aged 18–30 opened 14,634 accounts, while those aged 31–45 opened 9,290 accounts.

Region-wise, Punjab led with 14,891 new accounts, followed by Sindh with 7,643 and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 1,894. Islamabad recorded 1,419 new accounts, while Balochistan and Azad Kashmir recorded 370 and 340 accounts, respectively.

Gilgit-Baltistan recorded 150 new accounts, while overseas investors opened 136 accounts.

The SECP said opening an account at the Pakistan Stock Exchange has been made significantly easier. The regulator also highlighted that 13 new public offerings have taken place in the stock market so far in 2026.

The KSE-100 Index delivered a return of 43.5% during FY2025–26.

SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Sidhu said making investment easier and safer and protecting investors' rights remain the regulator's priorities.

He added that the commission would ensure transparency and effective oversight to strengthen investor confidence.

The SECP chairman further said a nationwide awareness campaign is underway to increase the number of investors to 2.5 million.

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