Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has marked a major milestone for Pakistan’s economy, becoming the first Pakistani prime minister to open a trading session at the London Stock Exchange.
During the ceremony in London, Shehbaz Sharif formally inaugurated Pakistan’s landmark three-billion-dollar dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond, marking the country’s return to international capital markets.
The bond attracted nearly six billion dollars in global investor demand, almost twice the amount raised, with participation from a broad range of international institutional investors.
Addressing investors and financial officials, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s economic indicators had strengthened in recent years. He highlighted structural reforms, digitisation and measures aimed at putting the economy back on track.
The prime minister also pointed to the government’s privatisation programme, including Pakistan International Airlines and First Women Bank, and invited British investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan.
He praised Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his economic team for their role in arranging the bond and implementing economic reforms.
Shehbaz Sharif also said Pakistan was seeking to play a constructive role in regional diplomacy, including efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott congratulated Pakistan on the successful three-billion-dollar Eurobond, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s economic outlook.
The landmark issuance is part of Pakistan’s strategy to diversify funding, extend maturities and reduce refinancing risks, while attracting greater international investment.
