The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has increased the investment limit for Sahulat Accounts at the PSX from Rs1 million to Rs3 million. The change aims to make stock market investment easier for small retail investors.
Officials said the updated limit brings the PSX Sahulat Account framework in line with limits allowed in the banking sector. The decision is expected to encourage more people to participate in Pakistan’s capital market.
The SECP also announced that investors can now open Sahulat Accounts with multiple licensed securities brokers. This move gives investors more flexibility when choosing brokerage services. However, individuals will be allowed to maintain only one Sahulat Account with each broker.
According to the SECP, the reforms are designed to improve accessibility for investors entering the PSX for the first time. The Sahulat Account system was originally introduced to simplify the account opening process for small investors.
Under this facility, individuals can open a brokerage account using only their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC). This reduces the paperwork and documentation normally required for stock market investment.
The simplified process is especially helpful for low-risk retail investors. It also supports people who are new to the PSX and may have been discouraged by complicated procedures in the past.
Currently, all licensed securities brokers offer Sahulat Accounts to investors. These accounts can also be opened online, making the system more convenient for people across the country.
Investors who are classified as low risk through a broker’s risk assessment process can qualify for a Sahulat Account. In such cases, brokers apply simplified due diligence procedures.
Data from the SECP shows that the number of investors in the PSX has grown steadily in recent years. The commission reported that there are currently 542,748 individual sub-accounts in the market.
Out of these, around 144,634 are classified as Investor Accounts (Individual). This category also includes investors using the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) initiative.
Officials believe the increased investment limit will attract more retail investors to the PSX. The reform is also expected to strengthen Pakistan’s formal capital market.
The SECP said it will continue introducing measures to make investing simpler and safer. Authorities hope these reforms will encourage young investors to choose regulated financial markets instead of unapproved foreign investment platforms.
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Experts say the updated Sahulat Account policy could play an important role in expanding participation in the PSX and supporting long-term market development.
