On May 21, 2016, Central Depository Company (CDC), in collaboration with all partner entities of Abbottabad Sarmayakari Markaz (ASM) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), organized a large scale Investor Awareness Seminar in Abbottabad. The seminar, held at Jalal Baba Auditorium, was arguably the biggest Capital Market event in the history of Abbottabad. The core objective was to enhance participation of KPK residents in the Capital Market.
Senior officials of CDC, SECP, partner entities of the ASM and Abbottabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry were present at the event. Furthermore, people from all walks of life including students, businessmen and women, lawyers, press and media representatives participated in the seminar.
Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani, Minister for Higher Education and Information, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the chief guest. While addressing the seminar, Mr. Ghani encouraged participants to save and invest in legitimate and government approved investment schemes. He further emphasized on the need to create awareness among common citizens about safe investment avenues and appreciated the ongoing efforts of CDC and SECP in this regard. Moreover, he appreciated the idea of establishing capital market hubs like Abbottabad Sarmayakari Markaz to facilitate residents of smaller cities of Pakistan.
Special Guest, Commissioner Securities Market Division, SECP, Mr. Akif Saeed read a message on behalf of the Chairman SECP. He said that SECP is making all out efforts to enhance financial inclusion across country. He further announced that more such capital market investment hubs would be established soon in other second and third tier cities.
Other prominent guests at the event included Ms. Khalida Habib, Director/HoD Investor Education and International Relations, SECP and Mr. Shahid Ghaffar, Managing Director of National Investment Trust Limited and Chairman MUFAP.
A Quick Look: Abbottabad Sarmayakari Markaz
Abbottabad Sarmayakari Markaz (ASM) is Pakistan’s first ever Capital Market business hub launched last year by CDC. The project was envisioned by Chairman – SECP, Mr. Zafar ul Haq Hijazi who constituted a committee under the convener ship of CEO-CDC, Mr. Muhammad Hanif Jakhura, assigned with the task to enhance collaboration between Capital Market entities to increase outreach to smaller cities of Pakistan. The untapped savings in small cities of Pakistan if directed to right investment options can contribute immensely to economic growth of the country.
Located in the heart of the city at Main Mansehra Road opposite Radio Pakistan Abbottabad, ASM serves as a central location where citizens of Abbottabad and other small cities located on the Hazara belt including Haripur, Mansehra, and Balakot etc. have access to all major capital market entities under one roof. The strategic partners of CDC for this venture include two renowned brokerage houses, 6 leading AMCs, Pakistan Stock Exchange and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
Mr. Shahid Ali Khan, a Capital Market expert who served as the CEO of a leading brokerage company, explained to participants the modus operandi of stock exchange and shared his insights on making sound investment decisions. He further said that Pakistan’s stock exchange is one of the world’s best performing markets and it is time that citizens of Pakistan are made aware of the gains offered by investing in the Capital Market.
Another guest speaker, Mr. Yasir Qadri, CEO-UBL Funds enlightened the participants about mutual funds and the specific benefits associated with this investment avenue while Mr. Aftab Diwan, Chief Operating Officer, CDC spoke about the rights and responsibilities of Capital Market Investors.
The ceremony was moderated by Mr. Murtaza Abbas, Joint Director SECP. An exhibition area was also setup at the event where all partner entities of Abbottabad Sarmayakari Markaz displayed their product portfolios and briefed the visitors about the services offered at the hub. Hi-tea was served at the conclusion of the event.