The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) officially inaugurated Pakistan Financial Literacy Week 2025 (PFLW 2025) with a ceremonial gong event at its Trading Hall, signaling the start of a comprehensive, nationwide campaign aimed at boosting financial literacy and promoting inclusive economic participation. The week-long initiative, running in collaboration with key financial regulators and institutions, represents a unified effort to democratize financial knowledge and encourage informed financial decision-making among citizens across Pakistan.
Organized in close partnership with 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 campaign underscores the vital role of collaboration in building a financially empowered society. The opening ceremony brought together senior leadership from these organizations, symbolizing a shared commitment to making financial education accessible to every Pakistani, regardless of background or geography.
This year’s Financial Literacy Week will include a diverse range of activities targeting students, professionals, and underrepresented communities. Educational workshops, seminars, awareness sessions, and digital outreach campaigns are set to take place across schools, colleges, universities, and local communities. These events are designed to equip individuals with the practical tools and knowledge needed to manage personal finances, understand investment opportunities, and avoid financial fraud.
Adding a dynamic and interactive element to the week’s agenda, PSX has launched the National Trading Simulation Contest, titled “Battle of the Bulls – The Ultimate Investment Challenge.” Open for registration from April 14 to May 5, 2025, the contest will offer participants a risk-free virtual trading experience. Over the course of three months, contestants will learn the fundamentals of stock trading, with top performers receiving substantial cash prizes in a concluding award ceremony. The initiative is expected to spark interest among younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, in financial markets and investment strategies.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson of PSX, emphasized the foundational importance of financial education. “There is no doubt that literacy—and particularly financial literacy—is critical for any society. It serves as the bedrock for an inclusive economy,” she stated. Dr. Akhtar called for the development of a supportive ecosystem that empowers individuals, especially youth and women, to take charge of their financial futures.
Governor SBP, Mr. Jameel Ahmad, also addressed the audience, reaffirming financial literacy as a cornerstone of SBP’s Strategic Vision 2028. He highlighted that increasing financial inclusion, alongside building a robust and inclusive digital financial ecosystem, remains a top priority. Key initiatives under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) 2024–28 aim to raise financial inclusion from 64% to 75% and reduce the gender gap in financial services from 34% to 25% by 2028.
Mr. Ahmad also acknowledged PSX’s vital role in capital market development, stating that its platform not only enables corporations to raise capital but also offers investors significant opportunities for returns on their savings. He praised the continued efforts of PSX in enhancing access to financial markets and cultivating investor confidence.
Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Zeeshan Rehman Khattak, Commissioner at SECP, stressed the role of financial literacy in protecting the public from misinformation. “It’s essential that regulators, institutions, and stakeholders work together to build an ecosystem where people can make sound financial decisions,” he noted.
Mr. Naveed Qazi, CEO of NCCPL, detailed the planned agenda for the week, emphasizing that cross-institutional collaboration is crucial in achieving deep-rooted financial inclusion in Pakistan.
Reflecting PSX’s long-term vision, MD & CEO Mr. Farrukh H. Sabzwari highlighted the untapped potential in Pakistan’s investor base, which currently stands below 400,000 individuals. He stressed the importance of engaging younger generations through strategic literacy programs. “Our goal is to expand IPOs to 40 over the next three years, deepen the market, and boost investor confidence,” he stated.
The PSX-led Financial Literacy Week 2025 demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to financial education and economic empowerment. As efforts unfold nationwide, this initiative is set to lay the foundation for a more financially aware, inclusive, and prosperous Pakistan.