The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has raised the investment limit for Sahulat Account holders from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 3 million. The move aims to make stock market participation easier for small retail investors.
According to the SECP, the revised limit brings Sahulat Account rules in line with investment thresholds allowed in the banking sector. The regulator said the change will help expand access to Pakistan’s capital market for individuals with smaller investment portfolios.
Under the updated framework, investors can open Sahulat Accounts with multiple licensed brokers. This provides greater flexibility in choosing brokerage services. However, each investor can maintain only one account with a single broker at a time.
The Sahulat Account was originally introduced to simplify stock market entry. Investors can open an account using only their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), reducing the need for extensive documentation. This makes the process faster and more user-friendly.
The initiative is particularly aimed at first-time investors and low-risk retail participants. Previously, complex account opening procedures discouraged some people from entering the stock market. Now, anyone can open a Sahulat Account online or through licensed brokers across Pakistan.
Currently, there are 542,748 individual sub-accounts in Pakistan’s market. This includes 144,634 investor accounts, which also cover participants using Roshan Digital Accounts. SECP officials say the new limit will encourage more individuals to invest in the regulated market instead of seeking unregulated foreign platforms.
The regulator also highlighted that it will continue introducing reforms to make investing simpler and safer. Officials emphasized that these changes aim to attract young investors and help them participate in Pakistan’s growing capital market.
By increasing the investment limit and simplifying account access, the SECP hopes to strengthen retail participation. Experts believe that the updated Sahulat Account rules will improve transparency, ease of use, and overall confidence in Pakistan’s stock market.
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The SECP’s move is seen as a positive step to encourage small investors to take part in the country’s financial growth and benefit from regulated investment opportunities.
