By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Dr Shamshad Akhtar, chairperson of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Board, said Pakistan’s strategic location positions it well to serve as a hub for the region’s capital markets.
Speaking virtually at the joint International Capital Market Conference and Expo 2025, organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Capital Market Infrastructure, Dr Akhtar highlighted the benefits of regional integration.
“History shows that regional harmonization brings advantages,” she said, noting that connectivity and coordination across South Asia would promote sustainable and inclusive investment growth. Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Jameel Ahmad, also addressed the conference, congratulating the SECP on organizing the event.
Governor Ahmad said Pakistan’s capital market currently relies heavily on banks, while private-sector credit remains limited, a trend influenced by global economic conditions. He emphasized that supply chain challenges make regional market integration essential.
Harmonized markets would reduce investment risks, provide better opportunities for investors, and strengthen the region’s voice on the global stage. He stressed the need for aligned regulatory frameworks and oversight systems to support this integration. Both speakers said collaborative efforts by the government and its institutions could turn Pakistan into a central market for the region, offering historical opportunities and tangible benefits for local and regional investors alike.
