SECP eyes 2.5m investors as 10 IPOs raise over Rs20bn

August 11, 2026 (MLN): The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) held the fourth session of its Guest Lecture Series in Islamabad.

SECP Chairman, Commissioners, key industry representatives and media representatives attended the session. The heads of Service Long March Tyres, Sitara Petroleum and Select Technologies also participated in the Guest Lecture Series.

SECP Commissioner Muzaffar Ahmed Mirza, in his welcome address, said Pakistan’s population of 255 million and its young population offer significant business, consumer and investment potential for the country.

He said the number of investors in Pakistan’s capital market remains extremely low compared to the country’s population, while SECP aims to increase the number of investors to 2.5 million.

He said access to investment is being made easier through digital onboarding and mobile platforms, particularly for young people and new investors.

Muzaffar Ahmad Mirza said 10 IPOs were approved from January to June 2026, through which more than Rs20 billion in capital was raised.

Umar Saeed, CEO of Service Long March Tyres, said IPO proceeds account for 24.6% of the funding mix for the Rs22.56 billion passenger vehicle radial tyre project.

He said 100% of the funds raised through the IPO are being used to expand production capacity, with 66% allocated to plant and machinery and 34% to buildings and construction.

Zaheer Baig, CEO of Sitara Petroleum Services Limited, said listing provides businesses with access to capital for growth, better valuation, enhanced credibility, future expansion and institutional investors.

He said bringing businesses together on a single platform has created opportunities for institutional scale, stronger governance and growth for investors.

Adnan Aftab, CEO of Select Technologies, said Rs3.02 billion was raised through the IPO and is being used to expand production capacity for smartphones, air conditioners and smart TVs.

According to Select Technologies, SECP’s guidance and support during the listing process played an important role in the timely and effective completion of the IPO, Adnan Aftab said.

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