Karachi: All companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) are now required to disclose gender pay gap data in their annual reports and on their respective websites, according to an announcement by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). This mandate aims to enhance transparency in the corporate sector and is part of the broader Prime Minister’s Women Empowerment Package (PM-WEP) 2024.

The directive was issued as a continuation of previous notices, including PSX/N-1140 dated November 26, 2024, PSX/N-072 dated January 13, 2025, and PSVN-174 dated February 11, 2025. These notices were in line with Circular no. 10 of 2024, dated April 17, 2024, from the SECP. The circular emphasizes the critical role of gender pay gap reporting in fostering gender equality within companies.

According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), non-compliance with the SECP’s directive may result in enforcement actions against companies that fail to submit the required information or provide incomplete data. The companies are expected to follow a specific template suggested by the SECP to ensure uniformity and clarity in reporting.

The introduction of mandatory gender pay gap disclosures reflects an ongoing effort to advance women’s rights and opportunities in the workplace. The PSX’s move is also seen as aligning with global trends toward greater corporate transparency and accountability in gender-related issues.

The designated market category for these listed companies is the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which serves as the primary stock exchange in the country, overseeing the compliance of all its listed entities with regulatory requirements.