The Pakistan Stock Exchange has crossed the 500,000 mark in total investors for the first time in its history, reflecting a sharp rise in retail participation over the past few years.
According to official data, total investors reached 502,024 as of February 26. More than 227,000 new investors have entered the market since June 2022, marking an 83 percent increase in just over three and a half years.
Before June 2022, the exchange had accumulated around 275,000 investors since its inception. In comparison, nearly the same number of new investors have joined in less than four years, signaling accelerating interest in equity markets.
January 2026 recorded the highest-ever monthly increase, with 20,600 new accounts opened. February has already added more than 18,000 investors so far, indicating sustained growth momentum.
Khurram Schehzad, adviser to the finance minister, said a large portion of the new investors are young retail participants. He added that total investors across Pakistan’s public markets, including equities, commodities, and mutual funds, now stand at approximately 1.3 million.
He described the milestone as a sign of expanding capital market participation and a broadening investor base, as policymakers aim to deepen financial inclusion and strengthen domestic investment channels.
