KARACHI: Pakistan’s finance chief and prime minister’s aide on privatization on Tuesday arrived in London on a mission to unlock new investment channels, the Pakistani finance and privatization ministries said, amid the country’s push to drive sustainable economic progress.
Pakistan is striving to draw overseas investment amid a gradually healing macroeconomic environment after a prolonged downturn that forced Islamabad to seek external financing from friendly nations and multiple loan programs with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In recent months, the Pakistani government has pursued aggressive economic diplomacy in recent years, signing several agreements and memoranda of understanding with countries in Central Asia and the Middle East.
During the visit, the Pakistani delegation, comprising Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and PM’s aide Muhammad Ali, will hold crucial meetings with executives from renowned firms, including TTB Partners, STJ Partners, Deutsche Bank, Berenberg Bank, and Amundi Fund Group, to spotlight Pakistan’s privatization roadmap and its growing potential as a hub for strategic, long-term investment.
“Accompanied by the finance minister, the visit marks a strategic push to deepen Pakistan’s ties with top-tier global investors and financial institutions. A centerpiece of the visit will be Mr. Muhammad Ali’s participation in Pakistan Investors Day, hosted by [US-based investment bank] Jefferies on May 8,” the Pakistani privatization ministry said.
“This exclusive event offers a powerful platform to showcase Pakistan’s robust investment landscape, ongoing economic reforms, and the government’s unwavering commitment to transparency and investor confidence.”
The officials aim to project the South Asian country as a compelling destination for global capital, with an ambitious reform agenda and a firm focus on private sector-led development.
During the three-day visit, Finance Minister Aurangzeb will meet British officials, investors, financial institutions, investment banks, business firms and organizations. He will attend multiple investment forums and seminars where he will outline Pakistan’s economic trajectory, according to his ministry.
In addition to meetings with private sector leaders, Aurangzeb will visit the UK Treasury Department for talks with Financial Secretary Lord Livermore and senior officials. He will also meet Hamish Nickells-Falconer, the UK’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
During the trip, he is expected to hold a series of question-and-answer sessions with selected representatives from international and British media outlets.
“This visit reflects Pakistan’s forward-looking vision,” Ali was quoted as saying by the privatization ministry. “We are here to build trust, forge partnerships, and demonstrate that Pakistan is open for business— with a clear agenda for growth, stability, and opportunity.”
Top Pakistani officials arrive in London on ‘mission’ to unlock new investment channels
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Top Pakistani officials arrive in London on ‘mission’ to unlock new investment channels
- The development comes amid Islamabad’s push to drive sustainable economic progress after a meltdown forced it to seek external financing
- The finance chief, PM’s aide will spotlight Pakistan’s privatization roadmap and its growing potential as a hub for long-term investment
Pakistan denies role in Afghan regime change, says military operation will continue
- Pakistan, Afghanistan have been embroiled in military conflict since last week after Afghan forces launched retaliatory attacks against Islamabad
- Pakistan not targeting indiscriminate sites but specific infrastructure, installations being used to support “terrorist groups,” says security official
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad is not seeking a regime change in Afghanistan, state media reported this week quoting a senior security official, who vowed that Pakistan’s military operation against Afghan forces will continue until the Taliban government stops facilitating militants.
The statement comes in response to the ongoing military conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which began after Afghan forces on Thursday launched attacks in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes earlier this month.
Since then, Pakistan has carried out military operations along the border, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claiming the killing of 435 Afghan forces and the capture of 31 Afghan positions. Afghanistan, on the other hand, has also claimed capturing several Pakistani military posts along the border and carrying out strikes targeting military bases in Pakistan. Arab News could not independently verify these claims.
“He clarified that Pakistan has nothing to do with any change of government in Afghanistan, calling it an internal choice of the Afghan people,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Monday, citing a senior security official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Islamabad accuses the Afghan Taliban government of sheltering militants, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan and facilitating their attacks against Pakistan.
Afghanistan has denied these charges and urged Pakistan to focus on resolving its security challenges internally without blaming Kabul.
The official said the Afghan Taliban will have to either pick sides between Pakistan or the “terrorist groups” operating from their soil.
“A senior Pakistani security official has said that ‘Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq’ will continue until the Afghan Taliban government provides verifiable assurances to Pakistan that it will stop facilitating Fitna Al-Khwarij and Fitna Al-Hindustan,” Radio Pakistan reported.
Pakistan’s government and military use the terms “Fitna Al-Khwarij” for the TTP and “Fitna Al-Hindustan” for separatist militant outfits that operate mostly in southwestern Balochistan province. Islamabad accuses its chief rival India of supporting these militant groups, charges that New Delhi has always denied.
The security official rejected Afghanistan’s claims Pakistan has killed numerous civilians in its operations.
“He stressed that Pakistan is not targeting indiscriminate sites but only specific infrastructure and installations being used to support terrorist groups,” the state broadcaster said.
The latest cross-border fighting ended a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkiye in October. The two sides failed to reach a permanent agreement during talks in Istanbul.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday reiterated Islamabad’s calls for talks with Afghanistan.
“We have never walked away from dialogue,” he said.
