Finance Minister, UK High Commissioner discuss digital finance, capital markets

July 09, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and the United Kingdom agreed to further strengthen economic and financial cooperation, with both sides identifying fresh avenues for collaboration in trade, investment, banking and capital markets.

Pakistan's newly appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Tipu Usman, called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss matters of mutual economic interest.

The Finance Minister welcomed the High Commissioner on his new assignment, expressing confidence that his experience and diplomatic acumen would help advance Pakistan's economic diplomacy objectives in the UK, according to a press release issued.

The meeting reviewed opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, banking, remittances, capital markets and financial services.

Discussions also focused on strengthening Pakistan's engagement with international investors and financial institutions, while leveraging London's position as a leading global financial centre to support the country's financing and capital market objectives.

The Finance Minister highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to diversify financing sources, deepen Pakistan's access to international capital markets and strengthen its financial architecture.

The two sides also exchanged views on developments in digital finance, blockchain-based financial solutions, virtual assets and emerging instruments such as tokenization, as part of Pakistan's broader digital transformation agenda.

The meeting further discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation in debt management and capital market development, including continued engagement with the United Kingdom Debt Management Office.

The High Commissioner briefed the minister on prospects for engaging institutional investors and facilitating future investment roadshows in coordination with leading financial institutions.

Senator Aurangzeb highlighted the important role of the Pakistani diaspora in the UK in strengthening economic linkages between the two countries, particularly through remittances, the Roshan Digital Account, investment and commercial engagements.

He also stressed the need for continued collaboration with UK-based financial institutions and the private sector to further promote bilateral economic ties.

The Finance Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability, strengthening fiscal discipline, improving the ease of doing business and creating an enabling environment for investment and private sector-led growth.

Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged to advance areas of mutual interest.

The High Commissioner reiterated Pakistan's commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with the United Kingdom across all domains, describing the relationship as one of long-standing importance with significant potential for further growth.

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