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ISLAMABAD, July 31: The Board of Directors of the Institute of Financial Markets of Pakistan (IFMP) has approved the relocation of the institute’s head office to Islamabad as part of a broader strategy to strengthen financial market education, professional training, and capacity building nationwide. However, IFMP will retain a regional office in Karachi.
Meanwhile, the Board unanimously elected Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), as its new Chairperson. It also inducted Muhammad Ali Farid Khawaja, Commissioner of the SECP’s Securities Market Division (SMD), as the regulator’s nominee on the Board.
The meeting was attended by IFMP Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mubbashar Sadiq, Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Chief Operating Officer Jawad Hashmi, Central Depository Company (CDC) Chief Financial Officer Shariq Jaffrani, Karachi School of Business and Leadership (KSBL) Dean Dr. Ahmed Junaid, IFMP Company Secretary Shahrukh Usmani, and Finance Manager Ahmad Javed.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Sidhu said Pakistan’s young population presents a significant opportunity to expand financial inclusion, retail investment, entrepreneurship, and employment. He noted that nearly two-thirds of the country’s population is under the age of 30.
Furthermore, he said the SECP aims to increase Pakistan’s capital market investor base from around 500,000 to 2.5 million. He added that improving financial literacy and professional skills will play a critical role in achieving that target.
Dr. Sidhu also announced that IFMP will lead a nationwide financial literacy campaign. The institute will take financial education to schools, universities, and professional communities across Pakistan. In addition, it will equip students and professionals with practical financial skills, strengthen investor confidence, and offer professional courses to develop qualified talent for the capital market and insurance sectors.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Ali Farid Khawaja said the Pakistan Stock Exchange must expand its outreach beyond major cities as more investors emerge from Punjab and other parts of the country.
He added that IFMP will broaden its mandate by launching free online financial literacy courses, continuous professional development programmes, certification courses for capital market and insurance professionals, and specialized industry training to build a skilled financial services workforce.
Finally, the Board thanked outgoing SECP nominee directors Osman Syed and Dr. Yasir Mahmood for their contributions. It also acknowledged the leadership of former IFMP Chairperson Shoaib Javed Hussain for his services to the institute.
