SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu has said expanding Pakistan’s investor base to 2.5 million is among the regulator’s top priorities as it works to deepen capital markets and promote financial inclusion.

Speaking at a gong ceremony held in his honour at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, Dr Sidhu formally inaugurated the trading session and outlined the regulator’s broader strategy to encourage investment, improve financial literacy and support digital finance.

He said creating avenues for young people to invest and build wealth was essential for the country’s long-term economic development.

As part of that effort, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan plans to launch short online financial literacy courses aimed at improving public understanding of investing and financial planning.

Dr Sidhu said the process for onboarding investors and opening investment accounts was also being simplified to encourage wider participation in capital markets and reduce barriers for first-time investors.

He added that the Institute of Financial Markets of Pakistan was being transformed into the country’s central institution for financial education and investor training in a bid to build a more informed investor base.

The SECP chief also said upcoming legislation for the insurance sector was expected to introduce significant reforms and support the industry’s growth.

Highlighting the role of technology in the financial system, he described fintech and digital finance as key pillars of Pakistan’s future financial architecture.

Dr Sidhu said strong capital markets were critical for economic growth, investment mobilisation and wealth creation, adding that broadening the investor base remained central to the regulator’s long-term vision.