Investment hinges on economic stability

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told a sustainable investment conference that Pakistan has the framework and financing in place. According to Express Tribune, he argued the country has already met its basic prerequisites by controlling its deficit, building up foreign exchange reserves, winning a better credit rating and issuing Panda and Eurobonds. He also urged global partners to provide the means required to finish ventures.

Aurangzeb said the State Bank had shared a draft Green Taxonomy Framework, while the Pakistan Stock Exchange is working on an ESG Index alongside a 14-day programme under the Climate Prosperity Plan. He noted that domestic resources are being used alongside backing from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other lenders. He stressed that boosting local investment would open the door to larger foreign inflows, and that investors in London and New York believe Pakistan is on the right track.

He also said economic stability is fundamental to attracting investment, and that public-private partnerships are an effective route when government and business cooperate on development projects. Senator Sherry Rehman, speaking at the same event, identified population growth as the greatest danger to long-term sustainability, noting that 36 million children are out of school. She said climate concerns and shifting conditions make bankable projects harder to develop, and that public and private sectors working together could help.