SECP moves to revamp REIT rules to widen public access – mettisglobal.news

October 1, 2026 (MLN): The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) modernizes REIT regulations to enhance investor accessibility and commercial viability, as SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu stated on Thursday.

The reforms aim to incorporate a greater portion of Pakistan’s real estate market into regulated REIT frameworks, allowing the public to invest via REIT titles, according to Dr Sidhu who announced these steps at a gong ceremony unveiling the Naya Nazimabad Apartment REIT listing on PSX.

Proposed amendments to insurance and corporate law statutes are undergoing parliamentary review, while parallel adjustments are being considered for the broader non‑banking financial services framework.

Beyond structural changes, the SECP is rolling out new investment‑facilitation measures and proposes extensions to related policies designed to simplify the business environment and nurture the REIT marketplace.

Stakeholders indicate that reforms to real‑estate governance will help document sector performance, boost transparency, and give everyday investors entry points to property assets without the need to buy full plots, apartments or entire complexes.

At the capital‑market level, SECP leadership reported that thirteen initial public offerings have collectively raised Rs 26 billion so far in 2026, buoyed by participants from manufacturing, agriculture, real‑estate, energy and technology industries.

Investor numbers have climbed 36 percent since implementation of expanded market‑access measures, underscoring the impact of recent reforms.

Dr Sidhu emphasized that digitizing the regulator’s systems, streamlining legal obligations, and widening market access are the Commission’s primary strategic objectives.

The SECP remains committed to enforcing existing legislation, safeguarding transparency, protecting investors, and fostering sustainable growth in the regional capital markets.

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