October 19, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan concluded its participation in the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington D.C. with a renewed focus on privatization, economic reforms, and climate finance, following a series of high-level engagements led by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.
On the final day, the Finance Minister held multiple meetings with senior executives of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), JP Morgan, Türkiye’s Minister of Treasury and Finance, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to deepening financial cooperation and sustainable growth.
In discussions with ADCB, the Minister shared updates on Pakistan’s financing initiatives, including the upcoming Panda Bond and the relaunch of the Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) programme.
He also discussed progress on privatization, expressing optimism about the national carrier’s accelerated sale and the nearing financial close of the Reko Diq project, where Exim Bank’s participation is anticipated.
During his meeting with JP Morgan, the Minister outlined Pakistan’s plans for the country’s inaugural Green Panda Bond in the Chinese market, designed to promote sustainable financing.
He also highlighted the Cabinet-approved government-to-government (G2G) sale of the First Women Bank and growing U.S. investor interest in the Reko Diq project.
The discussion further explored digital collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia through the GO AI Hub initiative.
The Finance Minister also met with Türkiye’s Minister of Treasury and Finance, H.E. Mehmet Şimşek, to review ongoing reforms in taxation, energy, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Both sides reaffirmed their intent to enhance bilateral economic cooperation, while acknowledging the importance of improving Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio and data integration efforts.
In his meeting with IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop, the Minister welcomed IFC’s decision to upgrade Pakistan as a regional hub and appreciated its support for projects in digital payments, electric vehicles, and the commodity exchange sector.
The Minister also attended the signing of a Swap Agreement between the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and IFC.
Participating in the 15th V20 Ministerial Dialogue on “Cost of Capital, Debt & Growth Pathways,” the Finance Minister drew attention to the recurring floods in Pakistan and emphasized the need for swift operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, alongside faster decision-making within the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
The visit concluded with an interactive session with U.S.-based Pakistani media, during which the Minister summarised his week-long engagements, highlighting Pakistan’s reform momentum, fiscal discipline, and commitment to strengthening partnerships for sustainable economic development.
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