A significant step towards increasing the retail investment in the stock market of Pakistan has been made by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The regulator has formally increased the Sahulat Account investment limit of 1 million to 3 million in a move that is aimed at empowering small investors.
This significant expansion aims to simplify capital market participation, bringing the Sahulat Account framework closer to the investment thresholds currently available in the traditional banking sector. Here is a complete breakdown of what this means for first-time and retail investors in Pakistan.
Key Changes to the Sahulat Account Framework
The recent reforms introduced by the SECP offer greater flexibility and higher investment ceilings for the public. The primary updates include:
Increased Investment Cap: The maximum limit on holding has been increased significantly by 3 million to 1 million, whereby the retail investors will be in a position to increase their stock portfolio without the need to upgrade to a complex standard trading account.
Multiple Broker Accounts: Investors can now open Sahulat Accounts with multiple licensed securities brokers, in a major policy change. However, an investor can still only maintain a maximum of one Sahulat Account per individual broker.
Simplified Onboarding: Brokers will continue to apply simplified due diligence. Individuals categorized as low-risk can easily open these accounts online by submitting just their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), bypassing heavy documentation requirements.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) increased on Saturday the investment limit for Sahulat Accounts from Rs1 million to Rs3 million.https://t.co/94ojC4msbw#SECP #SahulatAccounts
— Business Recorder (@brecordernews) March 14, 2026
What is the Purpose of the Sahulat Account?
The Sahulat Account was originally launched by the SECP to facilitate small retail investors and individuals entering the stock market for the very first time. By minimizing complex account-opening hurdles, the initiative targets low-risk investors who might have previously felt discouraged from participating in the formal capital markets.
According to recent market data, there are currently 542,748 individual sub-accounts in the market, out of which 144,634 are classified as Investor Accounts (Individual), including those operating through the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) framework. The SECP hopes this new Rs 3 million limit will confidently attract young investors, steering them away from unregulated and unauthorized foreign trading platforms.
What is the new Sahulat Account investment limit?
The SECP has officially increased the investment limit for Sahulat Accounts from Rs 1 million to Rs 3 million to encourage wider participation in the stock market.
Can I open more than one Sahulat Account?
Yes. Under the new guidelines, you can open Sahulat Accounts with multiple licensed securities brokers, provided you only open one account per broker.
What documents are required to open a Sahulat Account?
The process is highly streamlined. Low-risk retail investors can open a Sahulat Account online by simply submitting their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
READ: More informative news
