The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has officially launched the Sustainable Finance Advisory Group for Capital Markets, marking a significant step in advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices within Pakistan’s financial sector. The inaugural session focused on strengthening sustainability reporting, fostering gender-smart reforms, and building institutional capacity to align local practices with international standards.
The meeting, convened by SECP Executive Director Ms. Musarat Jabeen, brought together prominent representatives from across the financial and corporate ecosystem. Attendees included Farrukh H. Sabzwari, CEO of the Pakistan Stock Exchange; Saif Ullah, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan; Assad Hameed Khan, Head of ACCA Pakistan; Shauzab Ali, representing the Asian Development Bank (ADB); Ms. Naz Khan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC); Ms. Fareeha Ummar from UN Women; and Ms. Nazish Shekha from the Pakistan Business Council.
The group’s discussions revolved around improving ESG disclosure practices and ensuring more companies are integrated into SECP’s ESG Sustain Portal. Members also highlighted the importance of scaling up training initiatives to help firms report in line with global sustainability benchmarks, particularly as Pakistan prepares to implement phased adoption of international standards beginning in July 2025.
A key highlight of the session was the collective endorsement of the forthcoming Women EquiSmart Policy. The policy aims to embed gender-smart reforms across SECP-regulated sectors, ensuring women’s greater participation in leadership roles and mainstreaming gender equality in financial decision-making. Members committed to supporting the policy’s action plan through collaborative initiatives and institutional partnerships.
Ms. Jabeen outlined the group’s core objectives, emphasizing the need for measurable outcomes and achievable targets. She stressed that the advisory body would act as a high-level forum to guide sustainable finance reforms while ensuring accountability through regular progress reviews.
Participants reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration and stronger partnerships between regulators, professional bodies, and international development organizations. They also emphasized closing existing gaps in sustainability reporting, establishing clear key performance indicators, and maintaining ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to ensure transparency and momentum.
The Sustainable Finance Advisory Group will meet on a quarterly basis, serving as a platform to evaluate progress, co-develop solutions, and address emerging challenges in embedding sustainable finance practices across Pakistan’s capital markets. Over the past three years, the SECP has worked closely with industry stakeholders to build capacity in ESG adoption, and the launch of this advisory forum is viewed as a timely move to institutionalize those efforts.
By creating a unified platform for collaboration, the SECP aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable finance, strengthen investor confidence, and align Pakistan’s capital markets with evolving global standards. With climate risks, gender gaps, and governance issues taking center stage worldwide, this initiative reflects a growing recognition that sustainable finance is no longer optional but essential for long-term economic resilience.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updated across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.