The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has increased the investment limit for Sahulat Accounts from Rs1 million to Rs3 million, a move aimed at making stock market investment more accessible for small and retail investors.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, the revised limit brings Sahulat Accounts in line with investment thresholds allowed in the banking sector.
In another major reform, the SECP has also allowed investors to open Sahulat Accounts with multiple licensed securities brokers, giving individuals greater flexibility in selecting brokerage services.
However, investors will be permitted to maintain only one Sahulat Account with each broker, ensuring regulatory oversight while expanding investor choice. The updated framework mirrors practices already in place in the banking and mutual fund sectors.
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The Sahulat Account was introduced by the SECP to help small, first-time, and low-risk investors enter the stock market through a simplified account opening process. Under the facility, individuals can open a brokerage account with a licensed securities broker by submitting only their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
This streamlined process is particularly beneficial for retail investors who may have previously been discouraged by complex onboarding procedures associated with traditional brokerage accounts.
Currently, all licensed securities brokers in Pakistan offer Sahulat Accounts, which can also be opened online. Individuals classified as low-risk through a broker’s risk assessment process are eligible for the facility, with brokers applying simplified due diligence measures in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
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Market data shows that there are 542,748 total individual sub-accounts in Pakistan’s capital market. Of these, 144,634 are classified as Investor Accounts (Individual), a category that also includes Roshan Digital Account (RDA) investors.
Regulatory experts believe the enhanced investment limit and increased flexibility will help deepen market participation, improve financial inclusion, and support long-term growth of Pakistan’s stock market by attracting new retail investors.
The SECP said the reforms are part of its broader strategy to modernise the capital market framework, reduce barriers to entry, and encourage responsible investment among individuals.
