What a trading platform is
A trading platform is the software you use to see prices, open and close positions, place orders and review your account. The broker supplies the account and the prices. The platform is the screen and the tools you work with.
Most forex apps used in Pakistan fall into a few groups:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is an older terminal from MetaQuotes. It is still widely used for forex and for automated trading with Expert Advisors, which are programs that trade by rules.
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is the newer MetaQuotes terminal. It has more order types and timeframes, a Depth of Market window, a multi-asset strategy tester, and both hedging and netting position modes.
- MT WebTerminal is the browser version of MetaTrader. It needs no installation but has fewer tools than the desktop programs.
- Broker apps are a broker's own terminals and mobile apps, separate from MetaTrader.
Among the Exness platforms, the broker offers its own Exness Terminal and the Exness Trade app next to MetaTrader. Check their current features on the official site.
Comparison by device and feature
The table shows general MetaTrader features. For the broker's own terminal and app, check the current features on the official site or in your personal area.
| Feature | MT4 | MT5 | MT WebTerminal | Broker's own terminal and app |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows desktop | Yes | Yes | Runs in a browser | Check the official site |
| Mac | Via workarounds, see MetaTrader on Mac | Via workarounds, see MetaTrader on Mac | Runs in a browser | Check the official site |
| Mobile (iOS, Android) | Official MetaTrader app | Official MetaTrader app | Mobile browser | Check the official site |
| Expert Advisors | Yes (MQL4) | Yes (MQL5) | No | Check the official site |
| Custom indicators | Yes | Yes | No | Check the official site |
| Depth of Market | No | Yes | Limited | Check the official site |
| Strategy tester | Single-currency | Multi-currency | No | Check the official site |
| Position modes | Hedging | Hedging or netting | Depends on account | Check the official site |
For a fuller side-by-side view, read MT4 vs MT5 and Platforms compared.
Ready to try it on a real or demo account?
Partner link · trading carries a high risk of loss
How to use this section
If you are new, start with the basics in this order:
- Read MT4 vs MT5 to choose a terminal.
- Practise on a demo account, which uses virtual money, through the MT5 demo account guide.
- Learn to open a trade and to set a stop loss and take profit. A stop loss is an order that closes a losing position at a level you choose.
- Read Contract specifications to see the lot size, margin and swap terms of each instrument before you trade it.
If you already trade, the section goes deeper:
- order handling: pending orders, trailing stops, one-click trading
- automation and testing: Expert Advisors, the strategy tester, MQL4 and MQL5
- account logic: hedging vs netting and trade history for reviewing results
- fixes: MetaTrader errors and keyboard shortcuts
The full list of guides appears below this text.
Get apps only from official sources
Download MetaTrader and broker apps only from the official app stores or the official websites. Copies shared through messaging groups or unknown links can steal logins or show fake prices. This site does not host downloads or login forms. See Login for how official access works.
Risk and the legal position in Pakistan
A platform does not reduce risk. Leveraged forex and CFD trading can lose money fast, including your whole deposit. Read Risk management before you trade with real money.
Know the local rules too: per the SECP, offshore platforms have no Pakistani licence or oversight and offer no legal protection or recourse. Also, per the SBP, remitting foreign exchange to overseas forex/margin/CFD platforms is not allowed through any payment channel (FERA s.5(1)). Details are on Law and regulators and Regulation and Safety.
Frequent questions
Which platform should a beginner choose?
MT5 covers more order types and instruments. MT4 has a long history with forex Expert Advisors. Try both on a demo account and compare them using MT4 vs MT5.
Can I trade without installing anything?
Yes. MT WebTerminal runs in a browser, though it has fewer tools. See MT WebTerminal.
Do MetaTrader apps work on phones?
Yes. MetaQuotes publishes official MT4 and MT5 apps for iOS and Android. See Mobile apps.
Can I use TradingView charts?
TradingView is a charting service. Whether it links to your trading account depends on the broker. See TradingView charts and TradingView basics.
Does the platform affect my costs?
Spreads, commissions and swaps depend on the account type and instrument, not on the terminal you use. See Account types and Swap fees.
