Aurangzeb holds financing talks with banks, UNDP on sidelines of IMF-World Bank meetings

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held talks with three banks and UNDP chief Alexander De Croo on financing and investment on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok, the finance ministry said Saturday.

The minister held separate meetings with delegations from Sharjah Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Ajman Bank, as well as the UNDP official, to discuss financing options, investment opportunities, debt management, infrastructure development and climate resilience.

Sharjah bank ready to participate in Pakistan’s Sukuk issuance

Aurangzeb discussed prospective Sukuk issuance, Panda bonds and other financing options with a delegation of Sharjah Islamic Bank, which reaffirmed its readiness to participate in a Sukuk issuance.

The minister highlighted improvements in Pakistan’s fiscal and external indicators, stronger foreign exchange reserves, credit rating upgrades and progress under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

The discussions covered prospective Sukuk, rupee-denominated dollar-settled instruments, further Panda bond issuance and possible tokenisation of Eurobonds.

The finance minister stressed the need to replace costly short-term debt, extend maturities and reduce repayment concentrations without increasing overall external debt.

The two sides also discussed financing backed by the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the impact of rising global funding costs.

Aurangzeb outlined investment opportunities in refinery upgrades, power distribution privatisation and airport outsourcing. The meeting also covered the development of capital market benchmarks through financial institution issuances and expanding lending to businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises and the agriculture sector.

Finmin, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank discuss financing, infrastructure investment

Aurangzeb has discussed financing transactions, infrastructure investment and digital finance with a delegation of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings.

According to a finance ministry, Aurangzeb highlighted progress under the IMF programme, fiscal consolidation, stronger foreign exchange reserves and the government’s commitment to sustainable, export-led growth.

The discussions covered capital market issuances and debt management measures aimed at replacing costly short-term borrowing, extending maturities and reducing repayment concentrations.

Aurangzeb welcomed the bank’s interest in several transactions, including the restoration of Pakistan credit limits, participation in International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) financing, MIGA-backed financing and an International Finance Corporation-supported Diversified Payment Rights transaction.

The finance minister also highlighted investment opportunities in refinery upgrades, privatisation, airport outsourcing, electricity transmission and the ML-1 railway project.

Both sides explored data centre financing and digital finance, including the importance of competitive electricity prices and an effective regulatory framework.

The meeting also reviewed the economic impact of regional conflict, energy security and targeted relief measures. Follow-up on the discussions will be coordinated through the Finance Ministry’s Debt Management Office.

Aurangzeb, UNDP chief discuss climate financing, jobs and small-business lending

Aurangzeb and UNDP Administrator and UN Under-Secretary-General Alexander De Croo have discussed development financing, climate resilience and employment on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Aurangzeb stressed the need to strengthen implementation capacity to turn available financing and policy frameworks into bankable projects.

The meeting covered the UNDP’s Implementation Bridge and the development of an investable project pipeline through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Investment Fair and the V20 platform.

The two sides explored integrated financing, blended finance, public-private partnerships and closer cooperation between the UNDP and World Bank. They also discussed biodiversity financing and potential debt-for-nature and debt-for-climate swaps, taking into account Pakistan’s external debt composition.

Aurangzeb emphasised private sector-led job creation and the expansion of cash-flow-based lending, digital finance and guarantees for small businesses and farmers.

The discussions also covered opportunities for cooperation on climate risk insurance, including through the Global Shield and parametric insurance mechanisms.

Aurangzeb, Ajman Bank discuss future financing transactions

Aurangzeb has discussed Pakistan’s economic outlook and potential financing cooperation with a delegation of Ajman Bank.

According to a press release, the minister highlighted improvements in Pakistan’s fiscal and external indicators and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to macroeconomic stability and reforms.

The discussions covered prospective Sukuk issuances, rupee-denominated dollar-settled instruments and diversification of funding sources.

The finance minister emphasised the need to replace expensive short-term debt, extend maturities and avoid concentrations in repayment obligations without increasing overall external debt.

Aurangzeb welcomed Ajman Bank’s interest in expanding cooperation and its willingness to provide advice on future financing transactions.

The two sides also discussed the economic effects of regional conflict, the resilience of the banking sector and targeted fuel subsidies consistent with fiscal discipline.

The meeting further covered Pakistan’s de-escalation efforts and the availability of fertiliser, which the press release said had helped safeguard food security.