Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said Pakistan is preparing to re-enter international capital markets after an absence of approximately four years.

He was talking to the representatives of JP Morgan Chase in Washington, D.C.

The Finance Minister apprised the JP Morgan team on Pakistan’s Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) programme, under which rupee-linked, dollar-denominated instruments are expected to be issued in the near term.

The Finance Minister expressed appreciation for the financial support extended by Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said Pakistan’s inaugural Panda Bond issuance is targeted for May following the signing of counter-indemnity agreements with Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

He was addressing the Citi Macro Forum, attended by institutional investors in Washington D.C.

The Finance Minister confirmed the launch of Pakistan’s Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) programme, noting that requests for proposals for lead managers are being issued across three segments: Eurobonds, Islamic Sukuk and a first-ever dollar-settled, rupee-linked bond.

Reflecting on lessons drawn from the current Middle East crisis, the Finance Minister highlighted the importance of building strategic petroleum reserves and accelerating the transition towards renewable energy.

He also flagged emerging opportunities, including a surge in transit volumes at Karachi Port and the potential for renewed momentum in developing Gwadar as a strategic trade corridor.