Islamabad, September 7, 2026: Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday inaugurated the Founders’ Wall at Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) Towers, paying tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundations of the institution and calling for greater participation in Pakistan’s capital markets.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gilani emphasised the need to deepen the country’s capital markets, broaden financial participation and encourage businesses to make greater use of equity financing.
The Acting President recalled that he had inaugurated the ISE Towers during his tenure as prime minister and said he had always believed Islamabad should serve not only as the administrative centre of the country but also as a pillar of its economic dynamism.
He paid tribute to the late Ihsan-ul-Haq Piracha, who, as Minister of State for Finance in the government of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, played a key role in establishing the Islamabad Stock Exchange in 1989. He also acknowledged the contribution of the exchange’s first Board of Directors in developing the trading and settlement infrastructure that served the country for more than two decades.
Gilani said the Founders’ Wall represented the institutional memory of Pakistan’s capital markets and recognised the vision of those who worked to expand access to capital, democratise economic opportunities and integrate the northern regions into the country’s financial mainstream.
He observed that stock exchanges were more than indicators of trading volumes, index points and market capitalisation, describing them as vehicles of trust that could transform individual savings into national wealth.
According to the Acting President, stronger capital markets could help businesses expand, generate employment and build industries without relying solely on bank financing.
Gilani identified financial literacy, greater listing of family-owned and mid-sized businesses, and policy stability as key priorities for strengthening the capital market.
He said these efforts needed to be supported by sound macroeconomic fundamentals and long-term structural reforms.
The Acting President said Parliament remained a committed partner in Pakistan’s economic development and continued to exercise oversight to improve capital market legislation, strengthen regulatory frameworks under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and protect investors’ interests.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities across all provinces and regions.
Gilani congratulated the Pakistan Stock Exchange leadership for honouring the pioneers of the Islamabad Stock Exchange, saying recognition of institutional pioneers was a sign of a mature and forward-looking organisation.
Before delivering his remarks, the Acting President extended his greetings on Pakistan Air Force Day.
Earlier, Gilani cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Founders’ Wall and unveiled its plaque. He also attended a briefing by Chairman Haroon Ihsan Piracha and addressed the Board of Directors.
