Karachi: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and private sector-led development during a Gong Ceremony at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in Karachi. The event, organized by Arif Habib Corporation, celebrated the listing of Naya Nazimabad Apartments REIT.
According to Press Information Department, the Finance Minister noted the robust performance of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, with the KSE-100 Index rising from approximately 67,000 points in March 2024 to around 170,000 points. Investor participation has significantly broadened, with 25,281 new investors joining PSX in September 2026, increasing the total investor base to 656,218, more than double the figure from March 2024. He highlighted that 11 companies entered the market in FY26, the highest in over two decades, with five additional IPOs completed in the first quarter of FY27.
Senator Aurangzeb underscored the importance of capital formation, noting that market confidence must translate into tangible investments in business and infrastructure. He also discussed the Prime Minister’s Apna Ghar Programme, which involved Rs60 billion in financing, with banks approving an additional Rs340 billion for housing development. The role of the private sector, including ABAD, and REITs was highlighted as crucial for investment mobilization in real estate.
The Finance Minister commented on local business consortiums, such as those involving Arif Habib and Tabba, participating in significant transactions like the PIA deal, representing close to US$1.2 billion in investment. He also mentioned growing international interest from Turkish and US investors in various sectors, emphasizing the need for a supportive ecosystem to attract foreign capital.
With Pakistan’s economy transitioning from contraction to growth, Senator Aurangzeb stressed the need for sustainable development driven by productivity and investment. He highlighted the government’s structural reform agenda in areas like taxation and energy, with tax filer numbers rising to over 5.7 million from around 3.9 million the previous year.
The Finance Minister reiterated the government’s role in creating a conducive environment for the private sector, emphasizing the importance of shifting from aid to trade and investment in Pakistan’s bilateral economic relationships. He also pointed to emerging opportunities in digitalization and other technologies as vital for the country’s economic positioning.
In discussing the Naya Nazimabad Apartments REIT, he noted the offering’s strong investor response, with high subscription rates, reflecting confidence in structured investment opportunities. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening capital markets and fostering an enabling environment for private sector-driven economic progress.