The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is overhauling the regulatory framework for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to make the sector easier to access, commercially viable and more attractive to investors.
SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said the reforms are intended to bring a larger portion of Pakistan’s real estate market into regulated structures and give the public an opportunity to participate in its growth.
He was speaking at a gong ceremony at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) held to mark the listing of Naya Nazimabad Apartment REIT.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb attended the event as chief guest. State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad, senior government officials and representatives of PSX, Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited, Javedan Corporation, Central Depository Company and other capital market institutions were also present. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif joined the ceremony virtually.
Sidhu said Pakistan’s real estate sector is valued at more than Rs7 trillion and that REITs can help document the market, improve transparency and provide ordinary investors with regulated exposure to real estate without requiring them to buy an entire plot, apartment or building.
He said the SECP is introducing reforms and investment facilitation measures for REITs and has proposed amendments to several regulations to improve ease of doing business and support development of the market.
According to Sidhu, proposed amendments to insurance and company laws are currently under consideration by Parliament. Changes have also been proposed to the regulatory framework governing the non-banking financial sector.
He said 13 initial public offerings had raised Rs26 billion through the capital market so far in 2026. Companies from manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, energy and technology sectors have raised funds through the stock market.
Sidhu added that easier market access had helped increase the number of investors by 36 percent.
He said the SECP has also made progress in regulatory reforms, digitalization and market development during the past eight months.
Digitalizing the regulatory system, simplifying legal compliance and improving access to the capital market remain key priorities for the Commission, he added.
Sidhu said the SECP is enforcing applicable laws to improve market transparency and protect investors while facilitating legitimate businesses, innovation and sustainable growth.
