The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan approved 10 initial public offerings between January and June 2026, through which more than Rs20 billion was raised, Commissioner Muzaffar Ahmed Mirza said on Tuesday.

Addressing a guest lecture series in Islamabad, Mirza said Pakistan’s population of 255 million – driven by a large youth segment – offers significant business, consumer and investment potential. However, investor participation in the capital market remains extremely low relative to the population, with the SECP aiming to increase the investor base to 2.5 million.

Digital onboarding and mobile-based access to investment are being streamlined, particularly for young and first-time investors, he added.

Umar Saeed, Chief Executive of Service Long March Tyres, said IPO proceeds account for 24.6% of the funding mix for the company’s Rs22.56 billion passenger car radial tyre project, with 66% allocated to plant and machinery and 34% to buildings and construction.

Zaheer Baig, Chief Executive of Sitara Petroleum Service Limited, said listing provides businesses with access to growth capital, improved valuation, enhanced credibility and institutional investors.

Select Technologies Chief Executive, Adnan Aftab, said the company raised Rs3.02 billion through its IPO to expand production capacity for smartphones, air conditioners and smart TVs.