Bangkok: The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, engaged in discussions with the senior management of Mashreq Bank regarding the bank’s expanding presence in Pakistan and the opportunities in digital banking and financial inclusion.

According to Press Information Department, the Finance Minister emphasized the macroeconomic gains Pakistan has achieved and the renewed access to markets, offering support for Mashreq Bank’s growth in the region. The meeting addressed the potential for advancing financial inclusion through technology and microfinance, leveraging digital banking for broader economic development.

The discussions included the possibility of expanding offshore service operations by utilizing Pakistan’s skilled workforce. The agenda also covered innovative approaches like digital accounts for overseas Pakistanis, foreign-currency products, and broader outreach strategies across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Collaboration on emerging technologies such as tokenization, blockchain, and digital assets was also on the table, within the context of Pakistan’s evolving regulatory framework. The Finance Minister reviewed the potential for supporting financial instruments like Sukuk, further issuance of Panda bonds, and innovative financing methods aligned with Pakistan’s medium-term debt strategy.