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Pakistan is seeking to expand its access to international capital markets and restructure its debt profile to ease repayment pressures, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said, outlining the government’s strategy to strengthen economic stability and diversify external financing.
Speaking in an interview in Bangkok, Aurangzeb said Pakistan had raised funds through international bond issuances in recent months and accessed China’s Panda bond market as part of efforts to broaden its financing options.
He also referred to Pakistan’s issuance of US$3 billion in Eurobonds, saying the country had attracted investors from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the United States. According to the finance minister, Pakistan has regained access to global capital markets after a four-year gap.
The government is also exploring Islamic Sukuk and rupee-denominated bonds, alongside measures to convert short-term loans into longer-term financing. The move is intended to reduce the pressure of frequent loan renewals and repayment obligations.
Aurangzeb said Pakistan was prioritising trade and investment over aid to support sustainable economic growth. He added that trade negotiations with the United States were continuing.
The finance minister further stated that Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves had increased to a level equivalent to approximately three months of imports, while the relative stability of the rupee reflected improvements in the country’s broader economic outlook.
He added that the government had managed energy requirements during the Middle East conflict, with energy and food security remaining among its key priorities.
Pakistan’s strategy reflects a broader effort to diversify financing sources, manage debt-related risks and strengthen investor confidence amid continuing economic challenges.
