ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday inaugurated the Pakistan Stock Exchange, saying on the occasion that the exchange's launch was a historic day for Pakistan, one that could be the start of a new era.

A new integrated national bourse, the Pakistan Stock Exchange began functioning Monday, replacing the stock markets of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad as all three exchanges have now been formally inducted into the unified PSX.

Prior to the formal launch today, the Karachi Stock Exchange held a two-day pre-production mock trading session for all certificate holders of the three bourses on Saturday and Sunday.

The integration is expected to help reduce market fragmentation and create a strong case for attracting strategic partnerships necessary for providing technological expertise and assistance.

“I think Pakistan has a great future and I have great faith but we still have to go a long way,” said Dar during his address at the ceremony.

He said a number of countries had shown interest for investment in Pakistan in different fields, Radio Pakistan reported.

The finance minister said a stock exchange can play a major role in the development of an economy, and assured that his ministry will continue to offer support and assistance.

Dar said the PML-N government has put in untiring efforts focusing on “the four Es – economy, extremism, energy, and education.”

Today, he said, the country was performing well on all metrics, with the economy now showing signs of consolidation.

“Now the predictions are that Pakistan will take off and the PSX will play a critical role in this process.”

The integration of the three exchanges has completed the second phase of the Stock Exchanges Demutualisation and Integration Act 2012, passed by a joint session of parliament.

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Impending slaughter
Updated 07 May, 2024

Impending slaughter

Seven months into the slaughter, there are no signs of hope.
Wheat investigation
07 May, 2024

Wheat investigation

THE Shehbaz Sharif government is in a sort of Catch-22 situation regarding the alleged wheat import scandal. It is...
Naila’s feat
07 May, 2024

Naila’s feat

IN an inspirational message from the base camp of Nepal’s Mount Makalu, Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani stressed...
Plugging the gap
06 May, 2024

Plugging the gap

IN Pakistan, bias begins at birth for the girl child as discriminatory norms, orthodox attitudes and poverty impede...
Terrains of dread
Updated 06 May, 2024

Terrains of dread

Restored faith in the police is unachievable without political commitment and interprovincial support.
Appointment rules
Updated 06 May, 2024

Appointment rules

If the judiciary had the power to self-regulate, it ought to have exercised it instead of involving the legislature.