Govt seeks wider issuer base, deeper liquidity in corporate debt market

The government called for more corporate debt issuers and investors as companies raised Rs291bn from debt offerings in January-September 2026, after securing Rs326bn during 2025, Mettis Global reported. Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb made the comments at a Capital Market Development Council meeting reviewing reform progress.

The council discussed a proposed Shariah-compliant Sukuk programme by National Grid Company of Pakistan, worth up to Rs100bn, with an initial offering of up to Rs20bn for a term of up to 10 years, subject to approvals and market conditions. It also reviewed efforts to simplify listings, expand SME access and improve secondary-market liquidity, where average daily trading value rose from Rs3.93bn in FY2026 to more than Rs10bn in FY2027 through October 15. The government wants reforms to broaden financing options beyond bank lending and increase participation in corporate debt.