IHC acquires govt stake in Rs5bn privatisation deal

October 20, 2025 (MLN): In a major boost to Pakistan’s reform and investment drive, the UAE-based International Holding Company (IHC) has acquired the government’s Rs5 billion stake in a landmark privatisation, the country’s first strategic sale in years, Advisor to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad said in a post on X.

This deal marked a historic milestone, signalling a revival of investor trust and renewed foreign interest in Pakistan’s economy.

According to Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister, this achievement sets strong momentum for the government’s broader economic reform program, which aims to promote transparency, efficiency, and private sector–driven growth.

🇵🇰 Landmark Privatisation by One of the Largest Global Investors — Sets Momentum in Pakistan’s Reform Agenda

- Historic Milestone: Pakistan achieves its first strategic privatisation in years, marking a strong revival of economic reform and investor trust.

- Acquisition by IHC… pic.twitter.com/VrVMxbaVnB

— Khurram Schehzad (@kschehzad) October 19, 2025

IHC, one of the world’s largest investment conglomerates with a market capitalization exceeding AED 880 billion ($240 billion), operates more than 1,300 subsidiaries across financial services, technology, infrastructure, mining, energy, and healthcare sectors.

The company’s entry into Pakistan’s financial landscape is expected to bring advanced global practices in governance, digitalization, and automation.

Under its strategic vision, IHC plans to transform the newly acquired institution into a fully-fledged, AI-driven commercial bank.

The move is aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s banking ecosystem through cutting-edge technology, automation, and best-in-class risk management frameworks.

The acquisition is also part of IHC’s larger multi-billion-dollar investment plan for Pakistan.

Its subsidiary, International Resources Holding (IRH), already holds major stakes in the country’s mining and energy sectors, including involvement in projects tied to the Reko Diq mine, demonstrating the group’s expanding footprint across high-growth industries.

Khurram Schehzad noted that this transaction sends a strong message to global markets about Pakistan’s improving investment climate, supported by recent high-level economic diplomacy and multilateral engagement.

Following the Finance Minister’s meetings in Washington with key global stakeholders, renewed interest has been observed from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, and the United States.

He added that combined with improved credit ratings, a successful IMF review, and a revived privatization pipeline, Pakistan is now positioning itself as a credible and reform-oriented investment destination.

The government’s focus remains on translating these developments into sustainable, private sector–led economic growth that can generate jobs, attract capital, and strengthen long-term financial stability.

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