ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed relevant authorities to accelerate the establishment of a private equity fund aimed at increasing private sector investment, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and promoting sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.
Chairing a review meeting on private investment and macroeconomic stability, the prime minister instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening public equity markets and developing alternative private equity channels.
The initiative is expected to expand investment opportunities and help attract greater foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country.
“Fostering private investment is essential for the country’s economic progress,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said during the meeting.
He said private equity funds play an important role in providing capital to businesses, expanding commercial activities and creating employment opportunities.
The prime minister highlighted minerals, agriculture, livestock, energy and information technology as key sectors with strong growth potential. He stressed that public equity markets should play a central role in financing development and investment in these sectors.
Addressing financial challenges, Shehbaz Sharif said bank financing for long-term commercial projects remained limited, making it necessary to develop alternative investment mechanisms.
“The government is prioritising measures that build Pakistan’s economy on strong and sustainable foundations through private-sector-led investment, industrial expansion and export growth,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar and senior officials from relevant ministries and financial institutions.
