LONDON, September 29, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Pakistani prime minister to open a trading session at the London Stock Exchange (LSE), where he also formally launched Pakistan’s $3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond.
The landmark ceremony at the exchange’s headquarters in Paternoster Square marked a historic first for Pakistan’s political leadership and coincided with a major international bond transaction that attracted nearly $6 billion in investor demand.
Addressing a ceremony at the LSE headquarters in Paternoster Square, the prime minister described the transaction as a significant development in Pakistan’s efforts to regain access to international capital markets and attract foreign investment.
The ceremony was attended by London Stock Exchange Group Chief Executive Officer David Schwimmer, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Pakistan High Commissioner Tipu Usman, members of the Pakistani delegation and British officials.
Pakistan’s $3bn Eurobond attracts nearly $6bn in demand
According to the official announcement, Pakistan’s dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond attracted nearly $6 billion in demand from international institutional investors, approximately twice the amount raised.
The $3 billion issuance was described as Pakistan’s largest-ever international bond transaction, drawing interest from a geographically diversified investor base.
It was also the first issuance under Pakistan’s renewed Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) Programme, following the country’s inaugural Panda Bond and successive sovereign credit-rating upgrades.
The transaction forms part of the government’s debt-management strategy aimed at diversifying financing sources, extending debt maturities and reducing refinancing risks.
Key highlights of Pakistan’s Eurobond launch
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Eurobond issuance | $3 billion |
| International investor demand | Nearly $6 billion |
| Demand relative to issuance | Almost twice the amount raised |
| Bond structure | Dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond |
| Programme | Renewed Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) |
| Launch venue | London Stock Exchange |
| Date | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 |
PM highlights Pakistan’s economic reforms
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government had worked to strengthen Pakistan’s economy through structural reforms, digitisation and measures aimed at improving macroeconomic stability.
He credited the finance minister and his team for arranging the $3 billion Eurobond transaction and pursuing changes intended to restore confidence in Pakistan’s financial outlook.
“As I speak, we have strengthened our macroeconomic indicators, which are very promising and augur very well for the future,” the prime minister said.
He maintained that Pakistan offered opportunities for foreign investors and expressed the government’s interest in attracting international capital beyond sovereign borrowing.
The prime minister also sought guidance from the London Stock Exchange Group on expanding Pakistan’s engagement with global financial markets.
Privatisation offers opportunities for UK investment
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the government’s privatisation programme, referring to Pakistan International Airlines and First Women Bank.
He said the government intended to move forward with the transfer of additional state-owned enterprises to the private sector, arguing that commercial operations should increasingly be managed through private investment.
The prime minister identified privatisation as an area where Pakistan and the United Kingdom could strengthen economic cooperation.
He also invited London Stock Exchange Group CEO David Schwimmer to visit Pakistan and explore opportunities for deeper financial-sector engagement.
Gulf crisis remains a challenge for emerging economies
Referring to the ongoing Gulf crisis, the prime minister said regional instability had affected economic prospects and created additional challenges for emerging markets.
He expressed the view that Pakistan’s economy could have made stronger progress had the crisis not emerged.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was navigating the economic consequences of the situation while also pursuing a diplomatic role in efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran.
He observed that changing geopolitical conditions were prompting international investors to reassess markets and investment risks.
The prime minister stressed the importance of maintaining economic reforms and strengthening international financial partnerships in this environment.
Pakistan seeks stronger links with global capital markets
Shehbaz Sharif described the opening of the London Stock Exchange trading session as an important moment for Pakistan and an opportunity to rebuild its relationship with the institution.
He thanked the finance minister, economic team and relevant government officials for their work on economic reforms and the international bond transaction.
The prime minister and his delegation were received at the exchange by David Schwimmer and senior London Stock Exchange Group officials.
The government said the Eurobond transaction reflected renewed international investor interest in Pakistan and supported its efforts to broaden access to international financing.