Welcome to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)! Getting started with investing here is actually quite simple, but your first major decision will be choosing the right kind of trading account.
The PSX offers two main choices for investors looking to open a trading account in Pakistan: the Sahulat Account (the easy starter account) and the Normal Account (the full-access account). Knowing the difference is key to ensuring your PSX investment journey starts smoothly.
This guide breaks down how to choose the right PSX account type for you.
The Two Choices: Which PSX Trading Account is Right for You?
Choosing your account comes down to two simple questions:
Your ID: Are you a Pakistani resident (SNIC) or an Overseas Pakistani (NICOP)?
Your Investment History: Do you already have another stock market trading account in Pakistan?
Account Type | Who Can Get It? | Investment History |
Sahulat | You hold an SNIC (Pakistani Resident) | You must be a first-time investor (No previous trading account) |
Normal | You hold an SNIC or NICOP | Open to everyone (First-timers or experienced investors) |
1. The Sahulat Account: The Easy Way to Start PSX Investing
The Sahulat Account (which means 'convenience') is specifically designed as the hassle-free gateway for first-time investors in Pakistan to easily buy and sell shares.
Documents and Eligibility
Eligibility: You must be a resident of Pakistan (SNIC holder) and a first-time investor.
Simple Documents: A major benefit is that you generally don't need to provide proof of income (like salary slips or bank statements). Your broker simply classifies you as a "low-risk" customer.
The Crucial Limits You Must Know
While the minimal paperwork is appealing, the Sahulat Account has important ceilings you must respect:
Investment Cap: You can only invest up to a total maximum value of PKR 1,000,000 (One Million Rupees).
Trading Restriction: You can only trade in the regular "ready market" (simple buying and selling). You cannot use complex or riskier products like Futures, Options, or Margin Trading (trading with borrowed money).
One Account Rule: You are prohibited from opening any other trading account with any broker while your Sahulat Account is active.
What if you want to invest more or use advanced tools?
You will need to either close your Sahulat Account or provide the necessary income documents to your broker to upgrade it to a full Normal Account.
2. The Normal Account: Full Access for PSX Investors
The Normal Account PSX is the standard, all-access trading account that gives you maximum flexibility and the ability to use all products offered by the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Documents and Eligibility
Who can open a Normal Account?
Eligibility: It's open to both Pakistani Residents (SNIC Holders) and Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP Holders), whether you're a first-timer or an expert.
Required Documents: Because this account has no limits, you must provide more comprehensive documents, including proof of income (salary slip, business income statement, etc.) and information about a nominee (who receives the assets if something happens to you).
StockIntel's Quick Comparison: Which PSX Account Fits You?
Feature | Sahulat Account (Starter) | Normal Account (Full Access) |
Ideal For | Beginners, students, housewives, low-risk investors | Anyone seeking full market flexibility and access |
Residency | Pakistani Resident (SNIC) ONLY | Pakistani Resident (SNIC) or Overseas (NICOP) |
Investment Limit | Capped at PKR 1,000,000 | No Cap |
Access | Limited to regular share buying/selling | Full access to futures, margin, and all PSX products |
Document Need | Minimal (No income proof needed) | Comprehensive (Proof of income required) |
How to Open Your PSX Trading Account Quickly with StockIntel
We've streamlined the entire onboarding process so you can focus on investing in the PSX, not paperwork. Opening your account is quick and follows four easy steps:
Sign Up on StockIntel.com: Create your free user profile on our platform.
Go to the Trading Page: Navigate to the dedicated trading page.
Choose Your Broker: Select the broker of your choice from our approved panel.
Fill Out the Form: Complete our simplified application form.