UK eyes role in Pakistan’s PPP, investment reforms

October 2, 2026 (MLN): The United Kingdom has expressed interest in supporting Pakistan’s efforts to mobilise private capital through public-private partnerships (PPPs), improve the investment climate and strengthen trade and investment ties, as Islamabad seeks to shift the economy toward investment-led and export-oriented growth.

The development came during a meeting between British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott and Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad, where the two sides discussed economic reforms, investment facilitation, trade and Pakistan’s external financing strategy.

The British side indicated its willingness to provide technical expertise for PPP development, including at the provincial level, according to a press release issued by the Finance Ministry.

The discussions come as the government seeks to strengthen project preparation, develop commercially viable PPP structures and build institutional capacity to execute transactions capable of attracting private capital.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s reform agenda is focused on bringing permanence to macroeconomic stability and moving from stabilisation toward sustainable, inclusive and responsible growth.

He identified six key government priorities: maintaining macroeconomic stability, pursuing sustainable growth, continuing structural reforms, shifting from aid toward trade and investment, expanding access to finance and positioning Pakistan for the New Economy.

Focus shifts toward investment

The meeting placed significant emphasis on improving the environment for domestic and foreign investors through regulatory reforms, investor facilitation and aftercare, stronger investment-promotion mechanisms and greater efficiency at key regulatory institutions.

Muhammad Aurangzeb stressed the need for effective coordination among institutions to ensure consistent implementation of reforms and create a more predictable operating environment for businesses and investors.

The two sides also discussed fiscal management, tax administration, digitalisation, expenditure efficiency, trade promotion and public investment.

The Finance Minister highlighted progress in macroeconomic stability, capital markets and the government’s privatisation programme, saying these measures are intended to create greater room for domestic and international investment.

UK support for private sector

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott said the UK remains interested in supporting Pakistan’s economic transformation through technical assistance aimed at strengthening institutional and policy frameworks for investment, trade and private-sector development.

She was accompanied by Development Director Sam Waldock and Senior Economist Louie Dane.

The British side also highlighted the potential contribution of UK companies and Pakistani diaspora networks to private-sector development, particularly in helping small and medium-sized enterprises expand and internationalise.

The meeting also explored ways to increase bilateral trade and encourage greater participation by UK businesses in Pakistan.

Aviation financing discussed

Potential investment and international financing opportunities in Pakistan’s aviation sector also came under discussion.

The British side highlighted the potential role of international financing partners, while Muhammad Aurangzeb said technical and commercial considerations would determine the way forward.

The discussions add another area to the broader Pakistan-UK economic cooperation agenda, as Islamabad seeks to attract private and foreign capital into infrastructure and development projects.

Pakistan seeks longer-term financing

Muhammad Aurangzeb also briefed the British delegation on Pakistan’s external financing strategy, including efforts to strengthen access to international capital markets, improve the quality and sustainability of financing and reduce refinancing pressures.

The government is also seeking greater access to longer-term and more competitive sources of capital, according to the Finance Ministry.

The discussion followed Pakistan’s recent successful issuance of a $3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond, which Marriott described as significant for investor confidence and Pakistan’s access to international capital markets.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation on economic reforms, institutional strengthening, trade and investment, focusing on sustainable growth and greater private-sector participation.

Copyright Mettis Link News