Pakistan Has Secured External Financing for FY2026, Says Finance Minister
WASHINGTON: Pakistan has completed arrangements for external financing for the fiscal year 2026, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said during a series of meetings in Washington.
The finance minister met officials of Fitch Ratings, where Pakistan’s credit profile was discussed in detail. He welcomed Fitch’s decision to maintain Pakistan’s “B- negative” credit rating and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to remaining active in global financial markets.
Aurangzeb stated that international confidence in Pakistan’s economic reform agenda remains intact, adding that the country has reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund. He further said that external financing requirements for FY2026 have been fully arranged.
He noted that Pakistan’s financing strategy continues to include Panda bonds, Eurobonds, and Sukuk instruments to diversify funding sources.
Speaking at the Citi Macro Forum in Washington, the finance minister briefed investors on Pakistan’s broader economic strategy, confirming that approval from the IMF Executive Board is expected in early May.
Aurangzeb also described the current Middle East tensions as one of the most significant supply shocks in recent history, stressing the importance of building petroleum reserves in response to global volatility.
He outlined a three-phase government response framework and expressed deep appreciation for financial support from Saudi Arabia, which he said has played an important role in stabilizing Pakistan’s external position.
