What has launched

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) launched its Shariah-Compliant Trading Counter on 29 October 2026, after the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) approved the Shariah Trading Counter Regulations. The launch was marked with a gong ceremony attended by representatives of the SECP, the State Bank of Pakistan, the Central Depository Company, the National Clearing Company of Pakistan and the Pakistan Stock Brokers Association, alongside Shariah scholars and participating brokerage houses.

Thirty-nine brokers have been onboarded to offer Shariah-compliant trading through Islamic windows, and two more brokerage houses are licensed as full-fledged Shariah-compliant brokers.

What can and cannot be traded

Trading is limited to Shariah-compliant equities, Government Ijarah Sukuk and corporate Sukuk, and non-compliant securities are barred. Interest-based leverage products such as the Margin Trading System are blocked, with Murabaha Share Financing offered as the Shariah-compliant alternative. Short selling and derivatives are also not permitted on the counter.

PSX has also launched a new Shariah Portal on the PSX Data Portal listing every Shariah-eligible stock and Sukuk. Investors can open accounts, including Sahulat Accounts, through a Shariah-compliant customer relationship and risk disclosure document.

Why the exchange says it matters

PSX Managing Director and Chief Executive Farrukh H. Sabzwari said the dedicated environment, backed by system-based compliance controls, would raise investor confidence and widen access to Islamic investment. SECP Commissioner Imtiaz Haider said a significant share of listed equities and mutual fund assets is already Shariah-compliant.

Next steps outlined by SECP Head of Islamic Finance Dr Tariq Naseem include expanding digital retail Sukuk, Shariah-compliant liquidity and risk-management tools, and strengthening the legislative framework for Islamic financial services. The figures in this report come from the PSX announcement as reported by multiple outlets.

Sources: Mettis Global News