KARACHI: The Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu on June, has asked the management of the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) to prepare a practical plan for launching agricultural futures contracts that allow physical delivery.
He said these contracts should work with an Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) system that is directly linked with warehouses and PMEX in real time.
He explained that this step is important for improving Pakistan commodity markets. It will help farmers, traders, and processors get fair and transparent prices.
It will also make the market more efficient and easier to access. He added that modern systems can improve price discovery and reduce market problems.
Modernizing Pakistan’s Agricultural Markets: SECP Chairman Directs PMEX to Fast-Track Agricultural Futures Contracts
Chairman SECP, Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, has directed the management of the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) to develop a practical roadmap for launching… pic.twitter.com/YcgbiDvfid
— SEC Pakistan (@SECPakistan) June 18, 2026
Dr. Sidhu gave these instructions while leading a meeting of the PMEX Board of Directors and senior officials during his visit. The meeting was attended by SECP Commissioner Ali Farid Khwaja, Executive Director Imran Inayat Butt, Director Muhammad Shamoun, and PMEX CEO Khurram Zafar.
They discussed how to improve the commodity futures market through better technology and innovation.
He also said that strong commodity markets can support farmers and businesses by giving them better tools for risk management. These markets can also help in getting formal financing.
He stressed that improving market infrastructure is a key goal for SECP. He also encouraged new products and more participation to unlock the sector full potential.
The PMEX management also shared updates on ongoing work to increase futures trading in major agricultural products. During the visit, the SECP Chairman also went to the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL).
He met the board members and was briefed about clearing and settlement systems, risk management, and tax services. He was also informed about current and future projects aimed at strengthening market systems.
He highlighted that strong post trade systems are important for market trust, stability, and investor confidence.
He also confirmed that SECP will continue working on reforms to improve transparency, efficiency, and technology in Pakistan capital and commodity markets to support long term economic growth.
