Glossary · PSX Mechanics
Sahulat Account
A simplified, low-cost brokerage account introduced by the PSX to encourage new and small investors to participate in the stock market. Designed with minimal documentation requirements and a straightforward fee structure.
01—What is Sahulat Account?
The definition — and what it means in practice.
A Sahulat Account is a simplified, low-cost brokerage account introduced by the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) to help new and small investors participate in the stock market. It is designed with minimal documentation requirements and a straightforward fee structure compared with a full-featured brokerage account. The core idea is to reduce onboarding friction while still allowing investors to buy and sell listed shares through a broker.
For an investor, the Sahulat Account matters because it can lower the practical barriers to getting started: fewer forms, clearer charges, and a simpler setup. Even with a simplified account, your trades still follow normal market rules and processes, such as settlement on T+1 (one business day) and holding shares electronically. Understanding what the account includes (and what it may not) helps you avoid surprises around services, limits, and costs.
A Sahulat Account is a simpler PSX brokerage account that lets you start investing with less paperwork; for example, you can open it and buy shares worth Rs 10,000 through a broker.
- Introduced by the PSX to bring new and small investors into listed equities.
- Designed to be low-cost with minimal documentation and a simple fee structure.
- It is still a brokerage account: trades happen through a broker and settle on T+1.
- Shares are held electronically rather than as paper certificates.
- Always confirm what services and charges are included before trading.
02—How sahulat account works on the PSX
The Pakistan-specific rules, conventions, and numbers.
On the PSX, a Sahulat Account is the simplified, low-documentation account aimed at small investors. It is opened with a broker (brokers must hold a Trading Right Entitlement Certificate (TREC) licence). Like any PSX investor account, it operates within the same market infrastructure: you need a Unique Investor Number (UIN), trades clear through the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL), and shares are held electronically at the Central Depository Company (CDC).
In day-to-day use, you encounter the Sahulat Account when placing orders in the cash market during PSX trading days (Monday–Friday, including pre-open and continuous trading sessions). Settlement remains T+1, so funds and securities move on the next business day after a trade. Price movement in most equities is also subject to daily price limits (circuit breakers) around the last day close price (LDCP), which affects how quickly orders may fill in volatile sessions.
03—Common misconceptions
Where investors most often get this wrong.
A Sahulat Account is the same as a bank account.
It is a brokerage account for trading listed securities. Money and shares move through the broker and the market’s clearing and depository systems, not like everyday banking transactions.
With a Sahulat Account, settlement is instant.
PSX equity settlement is T+1 (one business day). Even with a simplified account, trades follow the standard settlement cycle.
Minimal documentation means there are no investor requirements.
The account is simplified, but PSX investors still operate under the formal market setup, including having a Unique Investor Number (UIN) and holding shares electronically.
04—Using sahulat account on BSL
Where this term shows up across the platform — with live data.
- Compare listed shares you can buy through your account on Stocks.
- Filter opportunities by sector before placing orders via Sectors.
- Check market activity and movers you can trade using Market.
- Learn how trade completion works on the PSX in T+1 Settlement.
05—Frequently asked questions
What investors ask about sahulat account on the PSX.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Sahulat Account is a simplified, low-cost brokerage account introduced by the PSX for new and small investors. It uses minimal documentation and a straightforward fee structure, while still allowing you to trade listed shares through a licensed broker.
Yes. Every PSX investor needs a Unique Investor Number (UIN). A Sahulat Account is simplified, but it still sits within the same PSX investor identification and trading framework.
Shares are held electronically through the Central Depository Company (CDC). You do not receive paper share certificates for normal PSX trading and settlement.
Settlement for PSX trades is T+1 (one business day). That means the transfer of funds and securities is completed on the next business day after the trade, through the normal clearing process.
No. The account type does not change market rules. Trading runs Monday–Friday with pre-open and continuous sessions, and most equities are subject to daily price limits (circuit breakers) around the LDCP.
06—Related terms
Keep building the picture.
A licensed financial intermediary authorised by the SECP to execute buy and sell orders on the Pakistan Stock Exchange on behalf of clients.
A licensed member of the stock exchange who executes buy and sell orders on behalf of clients and may also provide investment advice. All PSX stockbrokers must hold a valid TREC and be registered with the SECP.
A unique identification number assigned to every investor registered on the PSX. Required to trade on the exchange. Issued by a licensed broker upon account opening.
The current standard settlement cycle on the PSX, where trades are finalised one business day after the transaction date. The shift from T+2 to T+1 was implemented to reduce counterparty risk and improve market efficiency.
The institution responsible for maintaining electronic records of securities ownership in Pakistan. All PSX-traded shares are held in dematerialised form through the CDC. Investors access their holdings via a CDC Investor Account or through their broker's sub-account.
The entity responsible for clearing and settlement of trades executed on the PSX. Ensures that both the buyer and the seller receive shares and payment upon settlement of the trade.
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