Pakistan plans to issue green Sukuk bonds by December: Aurangzeb

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan plans to issue domestic green Sukuk bonds by December 2024.

The bonds will be utilised to finance sustainable development projects, Aurangzeb was quoted as saying in a statement released by the Finance Division on Friday.

The statement was issued after the finance minister delivered a keynote speech via the online platform at the UK-Pakistan Green Investment Forum, organised by the British High Commission in Pakistan.

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As per the statement, Aurangzeb outlined Pakistan’s plans to utilise innovative financing instruments to raise international climate finance.

While acknowledging the significant funding gap in adaptation, resilience, and mitigation projects, Aurangzeb also stressed the importance of bridging this divide.

Furthermore, the finance minister also acknowledged the need for a better portfolio of green investment projects.

He emphasised Pakistan’s reliance on the private sector for support and highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance investor confidence in bankable green opportunities.

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Meanwhile, Aurangzeb elaborated on the significant improvements in various macroeconomic indicators over the past 10 months, including improvement in inflation, GDP growth in the agricultural sector, increased foreign exchange reserves, upward trend in stock market and the projected reduction of the current account deficit.

The senator also “communicated the successful completion of the 9-month-long Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and expressed the intent to engage with the IMF for a medium-term fund-supported program which demonstrates Pakistan’s resolve to pursue sustained economic growth and stabilization”.

The federal minister reiterated Islamabad’s determination to make the business environment more conducive for international investors.

In his address, the finance minister also emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting green investment opportunities.

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Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change, despite its low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. In his address, the minister cited a recent World Bank study, estimating potential annual GDP losses of up to 1% due to climate-related risks.