Karachi: Listed companies in Pakistan are now mandated to disclose gender pay gap data in their annual reports and on their websites as per the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Circular No. 10 of 2024. This requirement, effective for financial years ending on or after June 30, 2024, aims to enhance transparency and promote gender equality within the corporate sector. The directive is part of the Prime Minister's Women Empowerment Package 2024 and is crucial in addressing gender disparities in the workplace.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) had previously issued multiple notices, the latest being Notice No. PSX/N-841 on July 6, 2026, emphasizing the importance of this disclosure. According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the requirement affects companies whose fiscal years ended on March 31 and June 30, 2026. These companies must ensure compliance in their forthcoming annual reports.

Non-compliance or submission of incomplete gender pay gap data can lead to enforcement actions by SECP, underscoring the significance of meticulous adherence to these guidelines. The SECP has provided a suggestive template for reporting, which includes mean and median gender pay gap calculations, to facilitate companies in preparing their statements.

This initiative is a continuation of SECP's earlier efforts to enhance gender diversity, as outlined in Circular No. 07 of 2021. By mandating gender pay gap disclosures, the SECP aims to create a more equitable corporate environment and improve diversity in Pakistan's business landscape.