The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is revamping the regulatory framework for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to make them more accessible, commercially feasible and investable, with the aim of bringing Pakistan’s Rs. 7 trillion real estate sector under regulated REIT units.
SECP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said the reforms are aimed at bringing a larger share of Pakistan’s real estate sector into regulated structures and enabling public participation in its growth.
Dr. Sidhu was speaking at a gong ceremony at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) to mark the listing of Naya Nazimabad Apartment REIT.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb attended the ceremony as chief guest, while State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad, senior government officials and representatives of PSX, Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited, Javedan Corporation, Central Depository Company and other capital market institutions were also present. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif participated virtually.
Sidhu said Pakistan’s real estate sector is valued at more than Rs. 7 trillion and that REITs could help document the sector, improve transparency and allow ordinary investors to gain regulated exposure to real estate without purchasing an entire plot, apartment or building.
He said the SECP is introducing significant reforms and investment facilitation measures for the REIT sector and has proposed amendments to various regulations to improve ease of doing business and support market development.
Sidhu said proposed amendments to insurance and company laws are under consideration by Parliament, while important changes have also been proposed to the regulatory framework governing the non-banking financial sector.
Reviewing capital market performance, he said 13 initial public offerings had raised Rs. 26 billion so far in 2026. Companies from the manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, energy and technology sectors have mobilized capital through the stock market.
He said easier access to the market had contributed to a 36 percent increase in the number of investors. The SECP has also achieved milestones over the past eight months in regulatory reform, digitalization and market development.
Sidhu said digitalizing the regulatory system, simplifying compliance with legal requirements and improving market access remain among the Commission’s foremost priorities.
He added that the SECP is enforcing applicable laws to strengthen market transparency and protect investors while continuing to facilitate genuine businesses, innovation and sustainable market growth.
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