A high-level delegation from Acumen, led by Founder and CEO Jacqueline Novogratz, met Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday to discuss investment opportunities, climate resilience, and ongoing economic reforms in Pakistan.
The delegation included senior officials such as Poul Carsten Stendevad, President and Chief Investment Officer, Dr. Ayesha Khan, CEO of Acumen Pakistan, and members of Acumen’s Global Board and international investors.
During the meeting, Senator Aurangzeb briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability and structural reforms, particularly in taxation and the energy sector. He highlighted that the government aims to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to 11 percent by the end of the current fiscal year, using AI-led technology, data analytics, and digital integration to broaden the tax base.
The Finance Minister also outlined efforts to reduce high energy and financing costs, improve the investment climate, and strengthen public–private partnerships.Â
He cited 24 new joint ventures signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China, ongoing State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) reforms, the final stage of PIA privatization, outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport, and planned privatization of power distribution companies.
Aurangzeb emphasized that the private sector should drive Pakistan’s economic growth, with government support focused on providing a conducive ecosystem. He noted moves toward an export-led growth model, tariff reforms, and responsible fiscal management. The Finance Minister also shared plans to issue Pakistan’s first Panda Bond and access USD, Euro, and Islamic Sukuk markets, along with digitizing all government payments by the end of the fiscal year.
Addressing climate challenges, Aurangzeb highlighted the impact of increasingly severe floods and stressed the importance of decarbonization, child nutrition, girls’ education, and reducing learning poverty. He also cited Pakistan’s Country Partnership Framework with the World Bank and recent clearance of foreign profit and dividend repatriation, including a $500 million Eurobond repayment.
Novogratz reaffirmed Acumen’s long-term commitment to Pakistan, noting the country’s young talent and entrepreneurial potential. She emphasized the need to expand access to finance for innovators and highlighted Acumen’s focus on agriculture, climate resilience, energy, and poverty reduction.
The delegation discussed progress on Acumen’s $90 million Agriculture Resilience Fund, a blended finance facility supporting climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture in Pakistan. The visit follows the delegation’s September 2025 meeting with the Finance Minister and included engagements in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi to explore investment opportunities amid improving macroeconomic conditions.
