The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) inaugurated Pakistan Financial Literacy Week 2025 (PFLW 2025) with a symbolic Gong Ceremony held at the PSX Trading Hall, launching a nationwide initiative to promote financial education and inclusion. The campaign is being organized in collaboration with key financial institutions, including the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Central Depository Company (CDC), and National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL).
The launch marks a unified effort by financial sector stakeholders to democratize access to financial knowledge and empower citizens to actively engage in the country’s economic development. The ceremony brought together top leadership from collaborating institutions, demonstrating their collective commitment to bridging knowledge gaps and advancing an inclusive financial ecosystem.
Throughout the week, activities will take place across educational institutions and local communities nationwide, including financial awareness sessions, interactive workshops, and digital campaigns aimed at enhancing individuals’ ability to make informed financial decisions. These efforts underscore the critical role of financial education in enabling economic empowerment and sustainable development.
As part of its youth engagement strategy, PSX also announced the launch of the National Trading Simulation Contest titled “Battle of the Bulls – The Ultimate Investment Challenge.” Registration for the contest opens on April 14, 2025, and closes on May 5, 2025. Participants will engage in a virtual stock trading simulation over three months, providing a risk-free opportunity to learn investment strategies. The contest will conclude with a prize distribution ceremony, with winners receiving valuable awards.
The initiative aligns with broader national objectives, including the SBP’s Strategic Vision 2028 and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) 2024-28, which aims to increase overall financial inclusion to 75% and reduce the gender gap in financial services to 25% by 2028. The role of PSX in facilitating access to capital markets and encouraging investment is also being emphasized as essential to Pakistan’s economic growth.
Chairperson of PSX, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, stated: “There is no doubt that literacy—and particularly financial literacy—is critical for any society. Financial literacy serves as the bedrock for an inclusive economy. We must work together on building an ecosystem that enables meaningful impact. Educating people about financial products is key to empowering them, especially youth and women, to take charge of their financial futures.”
Governor SBP, Mr. Jameel Ahmad, reaffirmed the SBP’s commitment to financial inclusion as a top strategic priority, and highlighted the bank’s initiatives to create an innovative and inclusive digital financial ecosystem as part of its Strategic Vision 2028.
SECP Commissioner Mr. Zeeshan Rehman Khattak emphasized the importance of collective action across regulators and institutions to empower citizens to make sound financial decisions, while NCCPL CEO Mr. Naveed Qazi outlined the educational activities scheduled for the week.
Reflecting on PSX’s long-term vision, Managing Director & CEO Farrukh H. Sabzwari noted: “Pakistan’s investor base remains below 400,000, showing that there is considerable room to grow. Our focus on Gen Z is essential to ensure that future generations are equipped with financial awareness. At PSX, financial literacy is a core strategic priority. We are working closely with all stakeholders to educate the public on investment avenues and diversity in participation. With continued support, our aim is to expand the number of IPOs to 40 over the next three years, increasing market depth and investor confidence.”
The Pakistan Financial Literacy Week 2025 initiative stands as a testament to the country’s dedication to fostering a financially informed society, supporting national development through inclusive financial practices and education.
