ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on 7 September 2026 inaugurated the Founders’ Wall at the Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) Towers Limited, paying tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundations of the institution. Mr. Gilani emphasized the urgent need to deepen Pakistan’s capital markets, broaden public participation, and encourage a greater reliance on equity financing as a driver for national economic development.

Honouring Institutional Memory

During the ceremony, the Acting President recalled the seminal contributions of the late Ihsan-ul-Haq Piracha. Serving as the Minister of State for Finance under the government of Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Mr. Piracha was instrumental in the establishment of the Islamabad Stock Exchange in 1989. Mr. Gilani also paid tribute to the inaugural Board of Directors, whose vision established the robust trading and settlement infrastructure that served the nation for over two decades. He noted that the Founders’ Wall stands as a testament to the institutional memory of Pakistan’s capital markets, acknowledging those who sought to democratize financial opportunity and integrate the northern regions into the country’s economic mainstream.

Vision for Economic Dynamism

Reflecting on his personal history with the site, Acting President Gilani noted that he had previously laid the foundation stone of the ISE Towers during his tenure as Prime Minister. He reiterated his long-held conviction that Islamabad must serve as more than an administrative hub; it must also act as a vital pillar of the nation’s economic dynamism. As the government continues to work on modernizing infrastructure, initiatives such as the new administrative units are often discussed to ensure efficient governance alongside economic growth. Mr. Gilani emphasized that stock exchanges serve as critical vehicles of trust, capable of converting individual savings into national wealth while allowing businesses to expand and create employment without an over-reliance on traditional bank debt.

Priorities for Market Growth

Mr. Gilani outlined three core priorities for the future trajectory of the capital market: the promotion of financial participation through targeted literacy programs, the encouragement of family-owned and mid-sized enterprises to pursue public listing, and the maintenance of policy stability anchored by sound macroeconomic fundamentals. In the broader context of regulatory reforms, the PIDE calls for structural reforms remain a frequent point of discussion among experts looking to improve the national investment climate. The Acting President affirmed that Parliament remains a committed partner in this economic journey, maintaining active oversight to refine capital market legislation and strengthen regulatory frameworks under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to safeguard investor interests.

Commitment to Equitable Growth

The Acting President further stressed that national economic success must be shared equitably across all provinces and regions. He extended his congratulations to the leadership of the Pakistan Stock Exchange for their initiative in honouring the pioneers of the ISE, remarking that acknowledging historical contributions is a hallmark of a mature and forward-looking institution. Preceding his formal address, Mr. Gilani acknowledged the significance of the day by extending warm congratulations on Pakistan Air Force Day. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Acting President attended a briefing led by Chairman Haroon Ihsan Piracha and participated in a meeting with the Board of Directors.