Steps afoot to deepen local bond market

According to The Express Tribune, SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said the regulator is moving to deepen Pakistan's domestic currency bond market. He spoke at a gong-striking ceremony at the PSX on Thursday, marking the listing of Naya Nazimabad Apartments REIT, which he described as a significant milestone. He added that the sector's scale now surpasses Rs7 trillion.

Sidhu said REITs could play a role in formalising the property sector and offering everyday citizens a chance to invest in it, adding that the SECP is introducing major reforms and easing access to the REIT segment. Over the past eight months the regulator has reached several milestones and proposed law changes meant to support business and grow the market. Changes to insurance and company laws are now with parliament, and key amendments have also been proposed for rules governing the non-banking financial sector.

Figures cited in the remarks show Rs26 billion raised through 13 IPOs so far in 2026, with issuers spanning manufacturing, agriculture, property, energy and technology. Investor numbers climbed 36% as market access improved, with 168,000 new investors joining since January to reach a total of 630,000. Sidhu also said long-standing problems faced by foreign investors, especially Chinese investors, have been resolved, and company registration has been simplified further.