LONDON, September 29, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a series of meetings with senior executives of major global financial institutions in London on Tuesday, seeking to attract investment into Pakistan’s capital markets, expand banking partnerships and strengthen international investor confidence.
The meetings brought together representatives of Barclays, J.P. Morgan, Citi, BlackRock and Rothschild & Co, with discussions focusing on Pakistan’s economic reforms, sovereign debt markets, corporate banking, trade finance and investment opportunities.
Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation and Chairman Privatisation Commission Muhammad Ali also attended the meetings.
Barclays invited to explore Pakistan’s financial sector
During a meeting with Mohammad Kamal Syed, Head of Private Bank and Wealth Management UK at Barclays, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif outlined the government’s macroeconomic stabilisation measures and encouraged the bank to explore opportunities in Pakistan.
The prime minister welcomed Barclays’ interest in the country and discussed prospects for greater engagement with Pakistan’s financial sector.
J.P. Morgan discusses capital markets and trade finance
In a separate meeting, the prime minister held discussions with a high-level J.P. Morgan delegation led by Matthieu Wiltz, Co-CEO for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
The talks focused on strengthening cooperation in capital markets, trade finance and investment banking.
Shehbaz Sharif invited J.P. Morgan to expand its operations in Pakistan, while the delegation reaffirmed its interest in opportunities involving sovereign debt capital markets and corporate banking.
Citi encouraged to expand banking services in Pakistan
The prime minister also met senior Citi officials led by David Livingstone, Chief Client Officer.
He acknowledged Citi’s long-standing presence in Pakistan and encouraged the bank to expand its corporate and institutional banking services.
The discussions formed part of the government’s efforts to deepen relationships with international financial institutions and facilitate greater financial sector engagement.
BlackRock invited to increase investment in Pakistani stocks and bonds
In another meeting, Shehbaz Sharif invited global investment management firm BlackRock to consider increasing its allocations to Pakistani equities and fixed-income securities under its frontier markets investment strategy.
The BlackRock delegation included Gordon Fraser and Sam Vecht, Co-Heads of Emerging Markets and Frontiers, along with Emily Fletcher, Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst.
Both sides emphasised the importance of consistent economic policies in strengthening investor confidence and supporting long-term investment.
The discussions covered opportunities for international portfolio investment in Pakistan’s financial markets.
Rothschild & Co discusses investment strategy and advisory cooperation
The prime minister also held talks with representatives of Rothschild & Co, including Lord Mark Sedwill, Chair of Geostrategic Advisory, and Majid Ishaq, Head of UK Investment Banking.
The meeting focused on Pakistan’s geo-economic priorities and potential advisory cooperation in capital markets and investment strategy.
The two sides explored opportunities for engagement that could support Pakistan’s broader economic and investment objectives.
Government seeks sustained international capital inflows
According to the official statement, executives participating in the meetings expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic reform efforts and reiterated their institutions’ interest in strengthening engagement with the country’s financial sector.
The government views the meetings as part of its wider strategy to attract international capital, expand access to global financial markets and strengthen Pakistan’s investment environment.
The engagements covered potential banking, investment and advisory cooperation. The statement did not announce any signed investment agreements or specify new financial commitments resulting from the meetings.