LONDON, 29 September, 2026 (Ghufran): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday became the first Pakistani prime minister to open a trading session at the London Stock Exchange (LSE), while also formally inaugurating Pakistan’s landmark US$3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond. Addressing the ceremony at the LSE headquarters in Paternoster Square, the prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s potential to attract high-yield, secure and mutually beneficial foreign investment. He said the government had worked extensively in recent years to strengthen the national economy and noted that key macroeconomic indicators had improved, creating positive prospects for the future. The ceremony was attended by London Stock Exchange Group CEO David Schwimmer, Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatization Mohammad Ali, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK Dr. Mohammad Faisal, members of the Pakistani delegation and relevant British officials. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the successful arrangement of the US$3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond reflected the efforts of the finance minister, economic team and government officials, as well as structural reforms, economic digitization and measures aimed at restoring the country’s economy. He also highlighted the government’s privatization initiatives, including Pakistan International Airlines and First Women Bank, and said further state-owned enterprises were being considered for transfer to the private sector. The prime minister said Pakistan and the United Kingdom could cooperate closely in the field of privatization and investment. Referring to regional economic challenges, he said Pakistan was facing emerging difficulties while continuing to contribute to peace efforts and mediation. He also emphasized the importance of learning lessons from recent developments as international investors increasingly assessed markets on the basis of safety and stability. Addressing the LSE chief executive, the prime minister sought guidance on ways to further connect Pakistan with international financial markets, not only through sovereign debt but also by attracting investment into the country. He described his participation in opening the LSE trading session as an important moment and a step towards strengthening Pakistan’s longstanding relationship with the London Stock Exchange. He also invited David Schwimmer to visit Pakistan. The US$3 billion Eurobond issuance, described as Pakistan’s largest-ever international bond transaction, attracted nearly US$6 billion in global investor demand from a broad and geographically diversified institutional investor base. The transaction was the first issuance under Pakistan’s renewed Global Medium-Term Note Programme and formed part of the government’s broader debt-management strategy aimed at diversifying funding sources, extending maturities and reducing refinancing risks. Upon his arrival at the London Stock Exchange, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation were warmly received by David Schwimmer and senior officials of the London Stock Exchange Group.