How do I open a share-trading account in Pakistan?

To buy shares on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) you need an account with a licensed securities broker. The broker places your orders, and your shares are held in your name at the Central Depository Company (CDC).

The simplest route for a new investor is a Sahulat Account, introduced by the PSX in 2022. It needs only your CNIC, with no proof of income, and every licensed broker offers it, many of them online. It is meant for low-risk investors: there is a limit on how much it can hold, it cannot be used for borrowing to trade, and you can convert it to a normal account later. Ask your broker for the current limit.

The steps are short. Choose a broker from the list of licensed brokers on the PSX website, fill in the account form and identity checks online or at a branch, and fund the account by bank transfer. Many brokers let you start with a small amount.

Before you choose, compare commission rates, check that the broker is licensed by the SECP, and never hand your money to an individual agent in cash. Your broker should give you login details for CDC's own system, so you can check your holdings independently.