Faraz Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb said the recently finalized peace agreement between the United States and Iran marks a &ldquo;very significant day&rdquo; for the global economy and a &ldquo;proud moment for Pakistan.&rdquo; He added that the development has already fed through to global markets and improved economic sentiment. Speaking exclusively to Pakistan TV Digital, Aurangzeb said the agreement has triggered a relief rally across global equity markets and commodity prices, particularly oil and has also lifted sentiment in Pakistan&rsquo;s own stock market. &quot;It&#39;s a very significant day. It&#39;s a very proud moment for Pakistan and a great moment for the global economy,&quot; said the minister. He said Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership had played a role in facilitating engagement between the parties, noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir had received trust and recognition from both the United States and Iranian leadership during the process.&nbsp; &quot;Since the time this conflict started, almost three months back, Pakistan has negotiated what I call the first-order challenges extremely well, as a whole government approach,&quot; he said. He described the outcome as the result of sustained diplomatic effort carried out with &ldquo;earnestness, zeal, fervor, not giving up,&rdquo; until the agreement was concluded. The minister said global financial markets have responded positively, with major stock indices rising and oil prices declining. He said Pakistan&rsquo;s stock market also reflected the improved sentiment. Aurangzeb said Pakistan had successfully managed the recent period of geopolitical tension over the past three months without major domestic disruption. He said there were no shortages or law-and-order breakdowns, although higher petroleum prices had increased pressure on the import bill. He said the situation was managed relatively well compared with other economies, including those in Southeast Asia and beyond. Aurangzeb added that the easing of tensions reduces, but does not eliminate, macroeconomic risks. According to him, the second- and third-order effects on growth and inflation have been mitigated, though energy infrastructure disruptions mean normalization will take time. &#39;Positive signal for inflation&#39;On monetary policy, Aurangzeb welcomed the State Bank of Pakistan&rsquo;s decision to keep the policy rate unchanged, calling it a positive signal for inflation expectations. He said inflation in recent months has largely been driven by imported shocks, particularly petroleum prices, which also contributed to earlier tightening in monetary conditions. Outlining the growth outlook, he said Pakistan&rsquo;s economy was originally expected to grow between 3.75% and 4.75% before the geopolitical shock, with growth exceeding 4%. Following the disruption, projections were revised to 3.7% for the current fiscal year and 4% for the next. He said there remains upside potential if conditions continue to improve, supported by trends in large-scale manufacturing and agriculture. Senator Aurangzeb said Pakistan&rsquo;s inflation target for the next fiscal year is 8.2%, but stressed that inflation must be assessed alongside external account pressures, including the current account balance. He said earlier projections were stronger before the shock and that imported inflation had been the main driver of recent increases. He added that easing geopolitical tensions could strengthen both fiscal and external buffers. On Iran, he said it was premature to speculate on the impact of any potential sanctions relief. However, he said that if sanctions are eased or removed, there would be meaningful opportunities for bilateral trade and investment, depending on how the final agreement framework evolves. He said Pakistan remains fully committed to its 36-month IMF program and that all policy measures are being implemented in consultation with the Fund. He said continued engagement with the IMF remains central to maintaining macroeconomic discipline. The finance minister also pointed to improving investor sentiment, citing stronger capital market activity, including 11 IPOs this year compared with three last year, as well as strong subscription levels in recent listings. He said this reflects growing confidence in Pakistan&rsquo;s economic direction. &#39;Lowest fiscal deficit&#39;On fiscal performance, he said Pakistan has achieved its lowest fiscal deficit in several years and is currently running a primary surplus. He said remittances and digital inflows are supporting external stability, but stressed that structural challenges remain, particularly the need to expand exports to ensure long-term sustainability. He said the government is shifting its focus from stabilization toward export-led growth, with reforms aimed at supporting industry, exporters, and salaried individuals. He said subsidies remain part of the fiscal framework but are being rationalized, with spending increasingly directed toward productive sectors that generate employment. He highlighted agricultural financing initiatives worth Rs300 billion, including collateral-free loans for small farmers, as well as more than Rs100 billion in youth-focused lending programs. He said these measures are intended to improve financial access and inclusion. Regarding Zerkhazy (agricultural) financing, the minister said that &quot;for which we have said we are going to have, you know, 300 billion of financing&quot; is available. &quot;This is for the small farmer...&quot; adding that &quot;this is collateral-free.&quot; Aurangzeb also addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market, warning that entry-level freelance coding jobs earning around $10 to $12 per hour are at risk of disruption. However, he said re-skilling in areas such as AI and blockchain could significantly increase earning potential, potentially raising incomes to between $50 and $250 per hour. He concluded that Pakistan is moving from macroeconomic stabilization toward a more sustainable growth model driven by exports and investment. While he said easing geopolitical tensions provides additional support, he emphasized that sustained progress depends on continued execution of structural reforms.

Economy

Says the agreement has triggered a relief rally across global equity markets and commodity prices, particularly oil, and has also lifted sentiment in Pakistan’s own stock market.

Finance minister sees Pakistan benefit from US-Iran peace deal

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presents his third federal budget, proposing tax cuts, higher salaries and pensions, export incentives and development spending as the government seeks to support investment, economic growth and fiscal stability.

Pakistan proposes $66.6 billion budget with tax relief and growth measures

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has re-entered international capital markets for the first time in four years, completing a privately placed Eurobond transaction that drew strong investor interest and was subsequently upsized, according to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. In a post on X (Twitter), the Finance Ministry reported that the minister shared those details during a meeting with the Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, who called on Aurangzeb at the Finance Division in Islamabad. Aurangzeb described the Eurobond transaction as a reflection of improving economic fundamentals and a signal of Pakistan&#39;s broader reintegration into global financial markets. The minister stated the government is pursuing a diversified capital markets strategy, including future international issuances and innovative financing instruments designed to strengthen external buffers and ensure sustainable financing. During the meeting, the EU ambassador invited Aurangzeb to the High-Level EU&ndash;Pakistan Business Forum, scheduled for April 28, 2026, in Islamabad. The minister accepted, and is expected to deliver the keynote address at the opening plenary session. The session&#39;s theme is &quot;Pakistan Rising: Incentives, Reforms, and the Next Investment Frontier.&quot; Aurangzeb praised the European Union&#39;s role in convening international and domestic business representatives, describing such forums as a platform to present Pakistan&#39;s improving business climate and investment potential, and to foster business-to-business engagement. The minister also addressed broader economic priorities, including maintaining macroeconomic stability, strengthening foreign exchange reserves, and advancing structural reforms for sustainable and inclusive growth. He acknowledged the continued support of bilateral partners in reinforcing Pakistan&#39;s economic resilience. On trade, Aurangzeb expressed hope for continued progress under the GSP+ framework, calling it a central pillar of Pakistan&ndash;European Union economic relations. The meeting concluded with both sides committing to further strengthen Pakistan&ndash;EU economic ties and expand trade, investment, and business collaboration.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb (right) meets Raimundas Karoblis, ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, during a meeting at the Finance Division on April 21, 2026. (Ministry of Finance/X)

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb meets with the EU ambassador ahead of a high-level business forum as Islamabad courts fresh international investment.

Pakistan returns to global bond markets, eyes deeper EU investment ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, in a meeting with Francis Brooke, Deputy Secretary at the United States Department of the Treasury, on the sidelines of the World Bank&ndash;IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, discussed cooperation and collaboration in energy and mineral development&nbsp;sectors, said a post shared on X by Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance on Saturday. The finance minister shared an overview of Pakistan&rsquo;s macroeconomic stabilization, its planned re-entry into international capital markets, and its external debt management strategy. He highlighted key investment opportunities in Pakistan&rsquo;s minerals and energy sectors, and briefed the Treasury leadership on progress and prospects in digital and virtual asset regulation. Both sides discussed avenues for cooperation and collaboration in energy, mineral development, and strengthening the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2045346349961650512&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9eba5fae7b8021885d4040a30d196f03084a559e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2045346349961650512">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Meeting with S&amp;P Global representativesAurangzeb, held a constructive meeting with representatives of S&amp;P Global Ratings on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026, said a post shared on X by Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance on Saturday. During the meeting, the finance minister confirmed that Pakistan has successfully concluded a Staff-Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with approval by the IMF Executive Board expected shortly, paving the way for the disbursement of the next tranche under the program. Aurangzeb informed that Pakistan has met its external obligations in a timely manner, including the repayment of USD 1.4 billion on its Eurobond during the current month.&nbsp; He also highlighted additional financial support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including a USD 3 billion facility and the extension of an existing USD 5 billion deposit from an annual rollover to a three-year term through 2028, further strengthening the country&rsquo;s external position. The finance minister noted that Pakistan has successfully re-entered international capital markets with the launch of a Eurobond through private placement after a gap of four years, priced at just under 7%, reflecting renewed investor confidence in the country&rsquo;s macroeconomic trajectory. He outlined Pakistan&rsquo;s medium-term Global Medium Term Note (GMTN) strategy, which envisages diversified issuances across multiple instruments, including Eurobonds, Sukuk, and rupee-linked, dollar-settled bonds, aimed at broadening the investor base and mitigating foreign exchange risks. Senator Aurangzeb also briefed S&amp;P Global on progress towards Pakistan&rsquo;s inaugural Panda bond issuance, noting that regulatory submissions have been made and approval from the National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors (NAFMII) is awaited.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2045339500864512476&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9eba5fae7b8021885d4040a30d196f03084a559e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2045339500864512476">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Finance minister meets AIIB presidentAurangzeb, held a productive meeting with Zou Jiayi, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), on the sidelines of the World Bank&ndash;IMF Spring Meetings 2026, said a post shared by Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance on Saturday. During the meeting, the finance minister congratulated Jiayi on assuming office and appreciated AIIB&rsquo;s robust engagement in Pakistan through an ongoing portfolio of approximately USD 1.7 billion, with an additional USD 1 billion in the pipeline. Senator Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s recent return to international capital markets, including the launch of a Eurobond through private placement after a gap of four years, describing it as an important validation of the country&rsquo;s macroeconomic stabilization efforts. He also referred to Pakistan&rsquo;s inaugural Panda bond issuance as a landmark initiative aimed at diversifying financing sources. The finance minister briefed the AIIB president on the economic implications of the ongoing regional situation, particularly its impact on Pakistan&rsquo;s energy supply chain. Aurangzeb meets Citibank representativesAurangzeb, held a productive meeting with representatives of Citibank on the sidelines of the World Bank&ndash;IMF Spring Meetings 2026, said a post shared on X by Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance on Saturday. During the meeting, the finance minister informed the Citi team that Pakistan has successfully concluded a Staff-Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the third review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), with approval by the IMF Executive Board expected imminently. Senator Aurangzeb noted that Pakistan has met its external obligations in a timely manner, including the repayment of USD 1.4 billion on its Eurobond during the current month. He also acknowledged the continued and steadfast financial support extended by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. World Bank Roundtable on Digital Social Protection and InclusionAurangzeb, participated in a roundtable titled &ldquo;Delivering Social Protection Digitally: Lessons and Innovations from Pakistan, Middle East and North Africa,&rdquo; organized by the World Bank, on the sidelines of the World Bank&ndash;IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, said a post shared on X by Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance on Saturday. The roundtable featured presentations on two interconnected themes: Pakistan&rsquo;s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) journey and the digital transformation of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Opening the session, the finance minister drew a compelling parallel between COVID-19, described as the largest demand shock in recent history, and the ongoing Middle East conflict, which he characterized as the largest supply shock. He noted that countries that invested early in governance and technology were better positioned during COVID-19, and that Pakistan is now reaping similar dividends from its digital infrastructure as it navigates the current energy supply shock. The finance minister highlighted that targeted digital subsidies for two-wheelers, public transport, and small farmers are being disbursed seamlessly through an established digital payments ecosystem already in place. Meeting with JICA SVPAurangzeb also had a meeting with Senior Vice President, JICA, Hara Shohei. Shohei in a post on X on Saturday, stated: &ldquo;Had a very forward looking meeting with HE Mr Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue of Pakistan. I cherish our long partnership and am very excited to materialise future cooperation.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2045335626459816281&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9eba5fae7b8021885d4040a30d196f03084a559e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 849px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2045335626459816281">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>

Both sides discuss avenues for cooperation and collaboration in energy, mineral development, and strengthening the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.

Pakistan, US discuss energy, anti-money laundering cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held a series of high-level meetings in Washington to project Pakistan&rsquo;s reform progress, strengthen ties with lenders and ratings agencies.&nbsp;Across engagements with the IMF, China&rsquo;s central bank, Moody&rsquo;s, JP Morgan, the OPEC Fund and IFAD, the emphasis remained on programme continuity, financial cooperation, development financing and investor confidence.&nbsp;&nbsp;IMF: Programme progress in focus &nbsp;Aurangzeb had a meeting with IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke. According to the official post, the minister briefed Clarke on Pakistan&rsquo;s external financing position, implementation of the IMF-supported programme and the broader external outlook, signalling Islamabad&rsquo;s effort to keep reform momentum aligned with macroeconomic stability.&nbsp;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044814357717250097&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fmedia-library%2F&sessionId=459175f3376a05d42cd3b385e09d99028e102825&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&nbsp; People&rsquo;s Bank of China: Financial cooperation and market access &nbsp;In his meeting with the Governor of the People&rsquo;s Bank of China, Aurangzeb discussed financial cooperation and market access, according to the Finance Ministry post. The engagement underlined the importance Pakistan attaches to China not only as a strategic partner, but also as a potentially important channel for deeper financial linkages and access to regional capital markets.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044954399597088886&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fmedia-library%2F&sessionId=459175f3376a05d42cd3b385e09d99028e102825&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&nbsp; Moody&rsquo;s: Economic outlook and market re-entry &nbsp;Aurangzeb also met Moody&rsquo;s to discuss Pakistan&rsquo;s economic outlook and market re-entry strategy. A mirrored post snippet said the minister stressed improved economic fundamentals, and progress under the IMF programme, arguing that these factors had strengthened investor confidence as Pakistan eyes a return to external markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;J.P. Morgan: Pitch to global investors &nbsp;At a J.P. Morgan seminar, the finance minister engaged institutional investors on Pakistan&rsquo;s economic outlook. The official post said he highlighted positive economic momentum driven by sound macroeconomic management and improved fiscal and external-sector stability, before taking questions from investors.&nbsp;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044951347452334436&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fmedia-library%2F&sessionId=459175f3376a05d42cd3b385e09d99028e102825&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&nbsp;OPEC Fund: Development financing expansion &nbsp;Aurangzeb&rsquo;s meeting with OPEC Fund CEO Abdulhamid Alkhalifa focused on expanded development financing cooperation. Public snippets indicate the discussion explored priority sectors and a stronger pipeline of projects, reflecting Pakistan&rsquo;s search for broader multilateral-backed development funding.&nbsp;&nbsp;IFAD: Agriculture and partnership &nbsp;The minister&rsquo;s meeting with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) President Alvaro Lario centred on agricultural transformation and future partnership. According to the official post, both sides agreed on the need for a more structured and scaled-up partnership, including the possible involvement of additional multilateral partners.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held a series of high-level meetings in Washington to project Pakistan’s reform progress, strengthen ties with lenders and ratings agencies.

Pakistan's finance minister steps up economic diplomacy with IMF, China and investors

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday highlighted the country&rsquo;s forward-looking financing strategy and renewed engagement with international capital markets, underscoring improving macroeconomic stability and sustained reform momentum during high-level engagements at the IMF&ndash;World Bank Spring Meetings 2026. Speaking in an interview with Maria Bartiromo on the Fox Business Network program &ldquo;Mornings with Maria,&rdquo; the finance minister said Pakistan is preparing to re-enter global capital markets through diversified instruments, including its inaugural Panda bond issuance and potential Eurobond offerings. &ldquo;He noted that the government is preparing for its inaugural Panda Bond issuance, alongside exploring Eurobond and other commercial financing avenues to diversify funding sources and sustain investor confidence,&rdquo; the Ministry of Finance said in an official statement. Aurangzeb emphasized that Pakistan&rsquo;s return to international markets comes after a four-year gap and is part of a broader strategy to strengthen external financing channels and deepen investor engagement. During a separate meeting with Rothschild &amp; Co., the minister outlined plans for re-accessing capital markets through &ldquo;Eurobonds, a Panda bond, and dollar-settled rupee-linked transactions&rdquo; as part of a diversified financing framework. He noted that the Panda bond issuance is at an advanced stage, with regulatory approvals expected shortly. The finance minister also welcomed advisory input on liability management operations, describing them as &ldquo;a strategic tool to help compress Pakistan&rsquo;s yield curve and strengthen market confidence,&rdquo; according to the statement. IMF engagement and external financing outlookIn a separate meeting with Nigel Clarke of the International Monetary Fund, Aurangzeb reviewed programme implementation and Pakistan&rsquo;s external financing outlook, noting that key economic indicators remain broadly on track. He informed that the current account performance has been &ldquo;stronger than expected,&rdquo; supported by robust remittance inflows, particularly during Ramadan, while foreign exchange reserves are being reinforced through financial support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including deposit rollover arrangements. &ldquo;The Finance Minister outlined Pakistan&rsquo;s strategy to diversify its financing sources, including plans to access international capital markets through instruments such as an inaugural Panda bond, Eurobond issuances, and local-currency financing to mitigate foreign exchange risks,&rdquo; the finance ministry said. Aurangzeb also &ldquo;appreciated Mr. Clarke&rsquo;s positive assessment of Pakistan&rsquo;s programme implementation and financing strategy,&rdquo; particularly the emphasis on developing multiple funding avenues to enhance economic resilience. Both sides agreed that geopolitical and regional shocks may persist longer than anticipated, underscoring &ldquo;the importance of maintaining exchange-rate flexibility and preserving fiscal space, rather than pursuing growth through unsustainable public borrowing,&rdquo; according to the official statement. The minister welcomed the forthcoming IMF mission to Pakistan next month for discussions on the federal budget and programme review. Macroeconomic stability and reform momentumAurangzeb said Pakistan&rsquo;s improving economic fundamentals underpin its re-entry into global markets, citing stable macroeconomic indicators and strengthened fiscal and external buffers. &ldquo;He added that the country&rsquo;s macroeconomic indicators remain stable, supported by strengthened fiscal and external buffers,&rdquo; the statement said. The minister noted that remittances remained robust, reaching approximately $3.8 billion in March, while Pakistan also recorded a current account surplus. He expressed confidence that the economy would achieve around 4 percent growth in the current fiscal year and maintain foreign exchange reserves at levels covering about three months of imports. Highlighting Pakistan&rsquo;s track record, he said the country had &ldquo;successfully repaid its USD 1.4 billion Eurobond on time,&rdquo; reinforcing its commitment to meeting sovereign obligations. At multiple engagements during the Spring Meetings, Aurangzeb underscored Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing reform programme supported by the IMF, including fiscal consolidation, structural reforms, and improvements in public financial management. He reaffirmed that Pakistan has secured sufficient external financing to meet its fiscal year 2026 obligations. Global engagement and climate finance pushIn meetings with global leaders, including Ant&oacute;nio Guterres, the finance minister highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s role in promoting regional stability and addressing global economic challenges, particularly the impact of ongoing Middle East tensions on energy and food security. &ldquo;He noted that Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership is actively engaged in advancing diplomatic efforts&hellip; aimed at sustaining the ceasefire and paving the way for further negotiations,&rdquo; the finance ministry said. Aurangzeb also pointed to Pakistan&rsquo;s growing focus on climate finance and sustainable growth, citing support from the World Bank Group under its Country Partnership Framework and collaboration with international partners on blended finance solutions. &ldquo;Both sides agreed on the importance of developing a robust pipeline of blended finance transactions&hellip; to reduce overall borrowing costs,&rdquo; the statement said following discussions with financial institutions. The minister highlighted structural shifts in Pakistan&rsquo;s economy, including digital transformation, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and expansion of renewable energy capacity, noting that these reforms are aimed at improving governance, enhancing competitiveness, and attracting long-term investment. Managing global shocksAddressing external risks, Aurangzeb described the ongoing Middle East situation as a &ldquo;major global supply shock,&rdquo; noting its implications for energy procurement, pricing, and logistics. He said the government&rsquo;s immediate focus remains on ensuring supply chain continuity, while monitoring second- and third-order impacts on inflation, growth, and the external sector. &ldquo;The extent of second and third-order impacts&hellip; would depend on the duration and intensity of the conflict,&rdquo; the statement noted. Finance chief expresses deep appreciation for China&rsquo;s long-standing, unwavering support On the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026, the finance minister also met his Chinese counterpart Lan Fo&rsquo;an, where Senator Aurangzeb expressed deep appreciation for China&rsquo;s long-standing and unwavering bilateral support to Pakistan. He briefed his Finance Minister Lan on Pakistan&rsquo;s performance under the IMF program, noting the successful conclusion of a Staff-Level Agreement for the third review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), with IMF Executive Board approval expected in early May. The finance minister informed that Pakistan has successfully repaid its USD 1.4 billion Eurobond and has secured significant additional financial support from Saudi Arabia to strengthen its external position. He also provided an update on the progress of Pakistan&rsquo;s inaugural Panda bond issuance, as part of efforts to diversify financing sources and deepen engagement with international capital markets. Highlighting growing economic linkages, the finance minister noted that the share of Pakistan-China trade settled in Renminbi (RMB) has increased significantly, underscoring the need for an expanded currency swap arrangement to support rising trade volumes. The finance minister appreciated Minister Lan&rsquo;s acknowledgement of Pakistan&rsquo;s active role in facilitating dialogue and promoting stability in the region.

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday highlighted the country’s forward-looking financing strategy and renewed engagement with international capital markets, underscoring improving macroeconomic stability and sustained reform momentum during high-level engagements at the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings 2026.

At IMF-World Bank meetings, Pakistan outlines global market return strategy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb held a series of meetings on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings and separate engagements in Washington, according to posts the Ministry of Finance shared on X. The minister&rsquo;s meetings covered global economic issues, Pakistan&rsquo;s reform program, debt and development finance, sovereign credit, bilateral cooperation, privatization, capital markets and investor outreach. US Commerce Secretary Howard LutnickIn a meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the discussion focused on advancing trade and broader economic interests between Pakistan and the United States.&nbsp; Both sides discussed avenues to deepen bilateral economic partnership, focusing on enhancing trade, promoting investment flows, and facilitating private-sector engagement.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044554714440782273&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=886b2172d64ae80ba4f3b023633c5cb1ffa39203&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 600px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>The discussions also covered cooperation in key sectors, including mining, energy, and information technology, with an emphasis on unlocking new opportunities for mutually beneficial economic collaboration. United Nations Secretary-General Ant&oacute;nio GuterresMinister Aurangzeb also met with United Nations Secretary-General Ant&oacute;nio Guterres, during which the discussion focused on global economic challenges and international cooperation.&nbsp; The two sides discussed the global economic implications of the ongoing situation in the Middle East, particularly its impact on food and energy security in developing countries.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044602031093280899&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=886b2172d64ae80ba4f3b023633c5cb1ffa39203&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>The UN Secretary-General lauded Pakistan&rsquo;s role in facilitating peace and stability in the region and beyond and expressed confidence in its continued constructive engagement on the global stage. IMF Managing Director Kristalina GeorgievaAccording to Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance, the finance minister also met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who commended Pakistan&rsquo;s reform progress and economic stability. She credited strong program implementation with helping maintain macroeconomic stability and build investor confidence, and said sound policies and deeper structural reforms would be important for sustaining growth. Borrowers&rsquo; PlatformAurangzeb also participated in the launch of the Borrowers&rsquo; Platform. He said that the platform addresses a long-standing gap as borrowing countries have lacked a dedicated forum to share experiences, identify emerging risks, and bring coherence to their collective perspectives.&nbsp; He said that the platform is not intended as a negotiating bloc but rather as a voluntary, Member State-led initiative focused on peer learning, experience sharing and amplifying the voices of borrowing countries in global financial discourse. Fitch RatingsMinister Aurangzeb later met with Fitch Ratings, during which discussions covered Pakistan&rsquo;s credit profile and market strategy. The meeting came shortly after Fitch affirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at B- with a Stable Outlook, citing progress on fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stability measures in line with the IMF program. President, Asian Development Bank, Masato KandaThe minister also met with the president of the Asian Development Bank, Masato Kanda, to discuss bilateral cooperation.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2044619726949867882&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=886b2172d64ae80ba4f3b023633c5cb1ffa39203&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>According to Radio Pakistan, the finance minister highlighted the recent signing of the Country Partnership Strategy as an important milestone in advancing bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank. He thanked President Kanda for ADB&rsquo;s support in providing credit enhancement for the issuance of Pakistan&rsquo;s inaugural Panda Bond. JP Morgan ChaseAurangzeb also met senior management of JP Morgan in Washington and briefed them on Pakistan&rsquo;s planned inaugural Panda Bond issuance as a green bond, acccording to Radio Pakistan. Radio Pakistan said he also discussed privatization, interest in Reko Diq, EXIM Bank participation and Saudi Arabia-Pakistan digital collaboration through the GO AI Hub initiative. Franklin TempletonThe finance minister also met the senior leadership of investment firm Franklin Templeton. The discussion focused on privatization and capital markets.&nbsp; The minister updated the delegation on the government&rsquo;s ongoing privatization program. He also discussed the outsourcing of airports, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Sialkot, as well as the privatization of electricity distribution companies, according to Radio Pakistan. Citi Macro ForumAurangzeb then addressed the Citi Macro Forum, where he briefed investors on Pakistan&rsquo;s economic strategy.&nbsp; He said that Pakistan has reached a Staff-Level Agreement with the IMF for the third review under the EFF and second review under the RSF, with Executive Board approval expected in early May.&nbsp; The finance minister described the Middle East crisis as one of the most significant supply shocks in recent history, outlining a three-stage government response to address its cascading economic effects and expressing gratitude for Saudi Arabia&#39;s financial support. On the capital markets front, the minister said Pakistan has launched its Global Medium-Term Note program, with RFPs issued for Eurobonds, Islamic Sukuk, and a novel dollar-settled, rupee-linked bond. Additionally, the country&#39;s first-ever Panda Bond issuance is targeted for May, following the signing of counter-indemnity agreements with the ADB and AIIB. Looking ahead, the finance minister stressed the need to build strategic petroleum reserves and accelerate the shift toward renewable energy as key lessons from the current crisis. He also pointed to emerging opportunities, including rising transit activity at Karachi Port and renewed potential for Gwadar to emerge as a major strategic trade corridor.

Pakistan’s finance minister held a string of important meetings on his official trip to the US, including US Commerce Secretary, UN Secretary General, IMF MD and several others.

Pakistan finance minister holds talks on trade, reform and investment

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday said that the country has entered the current period of global uncertainty with strengthened policy buffers, having learned important lessons from past external shocks, including the devastating floods in recent years. While speaking at a meeting on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington DC, the finance minister characterized the ongoing Middle East crisis as one of the most significant supply shocks in recent history.&nbsp; According to a statement issued by the finance ministry on X, Aurangzeb outlined the immediate measures undertaken by the government &ldquo;to address its first-order effects, including adjustments in procurement strategies, pricing frameworks, and logistics chains.&rdquo; He underscored the government&rsquo;s commitment to transitioning from broad-based subsidies to well-targeted support mechanisms to protect the most vulnerable segments of the population. The government was conducting a comprehensive assessment of the second and third-order effects of the crisis across key macroeconomic indicators, including inflation, economic growth, exports, remittances, and the current account, the finance minister said.&nbsp; While reaffirming the government&rsquo;s commitment to the &nbsp;structural reform agenda, Minister Aurangzeb emphasized that &quot;any necessary policy recalibration would be undertaken in a responsible manner, without compromising the hard-won gains in macroeconomic stability.&rdquo; Pakistan&rsquo;s emergence as constructive force in global affairsSeparately, while addressing the Atlantic Council on Pakistan&rsquo;s Reform and Resilience Agenda, the finance minister underscored Pakistan&rsquo;s emergence as a constructive force in global affairs, including its role in brokering a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. He reaffirmed that the country had achieved meaningful macroeconomic stabilization, underpinned by the ongoing program with the International Monetary Fund, and supported by strong performance across both fiscal and external accounts While talking about Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s commitment of an additional $3 billion in deposits to Pakistan, the minister noted that the meeting with the Saudi government had yielded positive outcomes, including agreement on extended maturities and additional financial support to help offset repayment pressures.

Finance Minister Aurangzeb says ongoing Middle East crisis one of the most significant supply shocks in recent history; outlines offset measures undertaken by the government, including adjustments in procurement strategies, pricing frameworks, and logistics chains.

Pakistan's policy buffers strengthened ahead of global uncertainty: Finance minister

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Tuesday that the country&#39;s leadership is not giving up on efforts to help the US and Iran negotiate.&nbsp; &quot;We would very much like to see if we can continue to pursue the dialogue,&quot; he said during an interview with the Associated Press on the sidelines of the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. &quot;We&#39;ll keep at it, and our leadership is at it.&quot; Aurangzeb said&nbsp;the&nbsp;talks marked the first direct discussion between the two nations in nearly 50 years. The finance minister said he also met this week with US officials, including Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, to discuss trade and finance concerns. He plans to meet Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday. In a phone call with The New York Post, President Trump said Tuesday a second round of talks with Iran &quot;could be happening over the next two days,&quot; indicating that the venue could be Islamabad.

Muhammad Aurangzeb - (File Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Foreign Affairs

Pakistan's Finance Minister says Pakistan will continue to push US-Iran dialogue as talks resume, and Donald Trump signals a possible second round soon.

Pakistan won't quit US-Iran mediation, says finance minister

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday briefed participants at a luncheon of the US-Pakistan Business Council on the country&#39;s macroeconomic outlook and reform progress. The finance minister departed for the United States to participate in the World Bank Group&ndash;IMF Spring Meetings 2026, to be held in Washington, from April 13 to 18, 2026. The minister met the United States Trade Representative on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026 to discuss trade and investment cooperation. In a post on the Finance Ministry&rsquo;s X account, Finance Minister Aurangzeb interacted with representatives of US companies operating in Pakistan on the sidelines of the World Bank&ndash;IMF Spring Meetings 2026. Highlighting the approval of a staff-level agreement on the third review under Pakistan&rsquo;s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), the finance minister outlined the economic impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly in terms of energy procurement, pricing, and logistics. According to the statement, the finance minister elaborated on the &ldquo;government&rsquo;s policy response, including measures focused on supply chain stabilization, demand management, and the provision of fiscally-neutral targeted subsidies.&rdquo; He also highlighted emerging positive developments, including a &ldquo;significant surge in transshipment volumes through Karachi Port and record inflows under the Roshan Digital Account initiative.&rdquo; Underscoring the ongoing efforts to broaden the tax base, the finance minister talked about the &ldquo;particular focus&rdquo; the government has &ldquo;on bringing segments of the informal professional economy into the tax net through targeted Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) audits and sector-specific engagement.&rdquo; An interactive question-and-answer segment was held at the end of the discussion, reflecting strong interest from participants in Pakistan&rsquo;s economic trajectory and reform agenda.

Finance minister interacts with representatives of US companies operating in Pakistan on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026.



Articles tagged with "Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb"