SECP Focuses on Expanding Investor Base
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has set an ambitious SECP investor target of 2.5 million participants in the country’s capital market, highlighting the need to expand investment access among Pakistan’s large and predominantly young population.
The regulator shared the target during the fourth session of its Guest Lecture Series held in Islamabad, which was attended by the SECP chairman, commissioners, industry representatives and media personnel.
Senior executives from Service Long March Tyres, Sitara Petroleum Services and Select Technologies also participated in the session and shared their experiences of raising capital through initial public offerings (IPOs).
SECP Commissioner Muzaffar Ahmed Mirza, while welcoming participants, said Pakistan’s population of around 255 million, particularly its large young population, represents significant potential for businesses, consumers and investors.
He noted that despite the country’s large population, the number of people participating in the capital market remains relatively low.
The regulator is working to make investment more accessible to ordinary citizens, particularly young people and first-time investors.
According to Mirza, digital onboarding and mobile-based platforms are being used to simplify the process of entering Pakistan’s capital market.
The regulator believes digitalisation can remove some of the barriers that have traditionally prevented individuals from investing in listed companies and other capital market instruments.
The SECP investor target of 2.5 million reflects the regulator’s broader objective of increasing public participation and creating a deeper and more inclusive capital market.
Greater participation could also help companies access a wider pool of domestic capital while providing investors with additional opportunities to participate in economic growth.
10 IPOs Raise More Than Rs20bn
Mirza also highlighted the performance of Pakistan’s IPO market during the first half of 2026.
He said the SECP approved 10 IPOs between January and June 2026, through which companies raised more than Rs20 billion in capital.
The IPO activity demonstrates the role of the capital market in providing businesses with an alternative source of financing for expansion and investment.
Companies can use IPO proceeds to increase production capacity, purchase machinery, construct facilities and finance other growth initiatives.
The experience of companies that recently completed listings was also discussed during the session.
Service Long March Tyres Uses IPO Funds for Expansion
Umar Saeed, CEO of Service Long March Tyres, explained how the company’s IPO contributed to financing its passenger vehicle radial tyre project.
According to Saeed, IPO proceeds represented 24.6% of the total funding mix for the Rs22.56 billion project.
He said the company is using 100% of the funds raised through the IPO to expand production capacity.
Around 66% of the IPO proceeds have been allocated to plant and machinery, while the remaining 34% is being used for buildings and construction.
The example highlights how public listings can help manufacturing companies mobilise capital for large-scale industrial projects.
Sitara Petroleum Highlights Benefits of Listing
Zaheer Baig, CEO of Sitara Petroleum Services Limited, said listing on the stock exchange provides businesses with several long-term advantages.
He highlighted access to capital for growth, improved valuation, greater corporate credibility, future expansion opportunities and access to institutional investors.
Baig said bringing businesses together on a single platform can create opportunities for institutional-scale growth while strengthening governance and generating opportunities for investors.
His comments reflected the broader role of capital markets in connecting businesses seeking financing with investors looking for investment opportunities.
Select Technologies Raises Rs3.02bn Through IPO
Adnan Aftab, CEO of Select Technologies, said the company raised Rs3.02 billion through its IPO.
The funds are being used to expand production capacity for smartphones, air conditioners and smart televisions.
Aftab also credited the SECP’s guidance and support during the listing process, saying the regulator’s assistance contributed to the timely and effective completion of the IPO.
The company’s experience was presented as another example of how capital market financing can support expansion in Pakistan’s manufacturing sector.
Digital Access Key to Future Investment Growth
The SECP’s latest investor expansion drive comes as Pakistan seeks to increase participation in formal investment channels.
With digital onboarding and mobile platforms making account opening and investment access easier, the regulator expects more young Pakistanis to participate in the capital market.
The continued growth of IPO activity could also provide companies with greater access to domestic financing while reducing their dependence on traditional sources of funding.