Islamabad: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has expressed interest in exploring potential future investments in Pakistan’s energy transmission sector. This development was highlighted during a meeting between AIIB Vice President Konstantin Limitovskiy and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema, in Islamabad.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the discussions between the two officials revolved around AIIB’s current projects in Pakistan, its pipeline portfolio, and the opportunities for new financing initiatives. The meeting underscored AIIB’s support for Pakistan, especially during the 2022 floods, which was acknowledged by Minister Cheema. He emphasized the need for AIIB to strengthen its presence in Pakistan, particularly when the investment volume increases.

Minister Cheema also recognized AIIB’s commitment to the Project Preparation Special Fund, which aims to improve and widen the N-5 Project. He communicated the government’s priorities, which include enhancing regional connectivity and fostering economic growth, while appreciating AIIB’s role in infrastructure development. Furthermore, he urged the bank to consider financing the Sukkur-Hyderabad section of the Karachi-Peshawar Motorway (M-6), which is crucial for completing the motorway network connecting Karachi to Peshawar.

AIIB Vice President Limitovskiy expressed confidence in the Economic Affairs Division’s project review process, expecting timely resolutions to outstanding project issues. He reaffirmed AIIB’s dedication to prioritizing the N-5 Project, which is central to Pakistan’s infrastructure plans.