           ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (DNA):Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday met with a Lazard delegation on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, and discussed mining investment, financing diversification and Pakistan’s sovereign credit outlook.
The minister welcomed proposals for blended finance, sustainability-linked loans, guaranteed Sukuk and debt swaps to broaden funding sources and improve financing terms, said a news release.
Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s restored access to international capital market and plans for further issuances, including Panda bonds.
He emphasized cost discipline, alignment with the medium-term financing strategy, and advance preparation to benefit from favourable market conditions.
Both sides discussed sovereign rating advisory support, policy predictability and stronger economic resilience to support progress towards the BB rating category.
It was agreed that follow-up would be coordinated through the Debt Management Office and the State Bank of Pakistan, with Lazard proposing a short note outlining its recommendations.
