PSX investor count crosses 500,000 for first time

The number of investors at the Pakistan Stock Exchange has surpassed 500,000 for the first time, reaching 502,024 in February 2026, according to data maintained by the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL).

Business Recorder reported, citing NCCPL Chief Executive Naveed Qazi as saying that improved economic conditions, strong stock market returns and a sustained growth trend at the bourse contributed to the rise in new account openings.

Qazi said more than 20,000 new investors were registered in January 2026, while around 18,000 had joined during February so far. In previous months, average monthly additions stood at around 10,000, compared to 5,000–6,000 per month in recent years.

Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad said total investors at the PSX stood at 502,024 as of February 2026. He added that total investors across Pakistan’s public markets, including direct equity, commodities and mutual funds, were around 1.3 million.

According to Schehzad, more than 227,000 new investors have entered the PSX since June 2022, marking an 83% increase in just over three and a half years. The investor base had stood at 275,000 from inception until June 2022.

Market performance has supported investor participation. The benchmark KSE-100 Index delivered a 51% return in 2025, following gains of 55% in 2023 and 84% in 2024, according to brokerage data.