Pakistan, Mashreq Bank explore digital finance, Panda bonds

October 13, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan is exploring new avenues for digital finance, foreign investment and innovative debt financing as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held discussions with Mashreq Bank’s senior management on expanding the bank’s operations in the country.

The meeting focused on opportunities in digital banking, technology-driven financial inclusion and microfinance, with Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighting Pakistan’s macroeconomic improvements and renewed access to international markets. He reaffirmed the government’s support for Mashreq’s expansion and sustainable growth in Pakistan.

Both sides also discussed the potential to expand offshore service operations by leveraging Pakistan’s skilled workforce, alongside developing digital account services and foreign-currency products for overseas Pakistanis. Opportunities to extend the bank’s outreach across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets also came under consideration.

The discussions further covered emerging financial technologies, including tokenization, blockchain and digital assets, within Pakistan’s evolving regulatory framework.

On the financing front, the meeting examined potential collaboration in Sukuk and additional Panda bond issuances, as well as innovative financing options aligned with Pakistan’s medium-term debt strategy.

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