The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has increased the investment limit for Sahulat Accounts from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 3 million, a move aimed at making stock market participation easier for small retail investors.
The regulator said the revised limit aligns Sahulat Account rules with investment thresholds allowed in the banking sector and is intended to expand access to Pakistan’s capital market for individuals with smaller investment portfolios.
Under the new framework, investors will also be allowed to open Sahulat Accounts with multiple licensed securities brokers, giving them greater flexibility in choosing brokerage services. However, each investor will still be permitted to maintain only one Sahulat Account with a single broker.
The Sahulat Account facility was originally introduced to simplify stock market participation by allowing individuals to open brokerage accounts through a streamlined process. Investors can open an account with a licensed broker using only their Computerised National Identity Card, reducing documentation requirements and making the process more user-friendly.
The initiative is particularly designed for first-time investors and low-risk retail participants who may have previously been discouraged by complex account opening procedures. Sahulat Accounts are currently offered by all licensed securities brokers and can also be opened online, making access easier for investors across the country.
According to the commission, there are currently 542,748 individual sub accounts in the market, including 144,634 investor accounts, which also include participants investing through Roshan Digital Accounts.
SECP said it will continue introducing reforms to simplify investment processes and encourage young investors to participate in Pakistan’s regulated capital market instead of turning to unregulated foreign investment platforms.
