Islamabad: A delegation of Jefferies Investors met with Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, in Islamabad to discuss the country’s economic reforms and investment climate. The meeting highlighted Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook and ongoing efforts to engage with global investors.

According to a statement by Press Information Department, the delegation, led by Ms. Alia Moubayed from Jefferies, included representatives from HBK Investment Management, Barings, Ashmore, Fidelity, and Ktrade Securities. The group extended an invitation to Senator Aurangzeb for the Pakistani Investors Day in London, set for May 2025.

During the meeting, Senator Aurangzeb addressed Pakistan’s economic stabilization and structural reforms in taxation, energy, state-owned enterprises, and privatization. He detailed the government’s strategies for fiscal discipline and investment facilitation, including the activation of the National Tax Council to improve federal and provincial coordination.

The Minister also discussed tax reforms, emphasizing the inclusion of the wholesale, retail, and real estate sectors in the tax net. He noted the approval of the agricultural income tax bill by all four provinces, expected to be effective from July 1, 2025. The shift of tax policy oversight from the Federal Board of Revenue to the Finance Division was highlighted as a strategic move.

Senator Aurangzeb reiterated the government’s commitment to export-led growth and efficient public finance management. He also addressed capital markets and investment facilitation, updating the delegation on ongoing Panda Bond discussions.

The delegation expressed interest in investment opportunities in Pakistan’s capital markets, infrastructure, and emerging sectors. They acknowledged the country’s economic progress and appreciated the government’s reform agenda. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthening economic ties and enhancing collaboration in financial markets.