LONDON, UK: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited London Stock Exchange to promote the country as an investment destination, highlighting economic reforms, privatisation and the successful launch of a $3 billion sovereign Eurobond.
Shehbaz became the first Pakistani prime minister to open trading at the London Stock Exchange, attending the Market Open Ceremony at the exchange’s headquarters in Paternoster Square.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, today, became the first prime minister from Pakistan to open the London Stock Exchange trading session and formally inaugurated Pakistan’s landmark US$3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond.
During his address at the LSE headquarters in… pic.twitter.com/yvm6hdA2Uh
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 29, 2026
A separate ceremony was held to mark the listing of Pakistan’s $3 billion dual-tranche Eurobonds, which the prime minister described as evidence of the government’s efforts to strengthen the economy.
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Addressing the gathering, Shehbaz said Pakistan offered opportunities for investments that could be “profitable, mutually beneficial, safe and secure,” while inviting international financial markets to play a greater role in the country’s economic development.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif opened trading at the London Stock Exchange on September 9, 2026, becoming the first Pakistani head of the government to perform this special ceremony. pic.twitter.com/PDIQzy5WPK
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) September 29, 2026
He said structural reforms, economic digitisation and other measures had helped put Pakistan’s economy back on track, adding that Islamabad wanted to deepen engagement with international investors beyond sovereign borrowing.
The prime minister also highlighted the government’s privatisation programme, saying the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines and First Women Bank had been completed, while several other state-owned enterprises were being prepared for transfer to the private sector.
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Shehbaz also referred to the economic challenges posed by the Gulf crisis and Pakistan’s efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran. He expressed hope that diplomatic efforts would contribute to a safer regional environment.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attending the Market Open ceremony at the London Stock Exchange, which also featured the unveiling ceremony for Pakistan’s $3 billion dual-tranche bonds listing. pic.twitter.com/FGqve0BaMD
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 29, 2026
The prime minister invited London Stock Exchange Group Chief Executive Officer David Schwimmer to visit Pakistan, saying he would receive a warm welcome.
Schwimmer and other senior LSEG officials received Shehbaz upon his arrival at the exchange.
It’s really a great pleasure and honour as we inaugurate today’s London Stock Exchange ceremony, which most definitely was not only a very moment of happiness for all of us, but of course rebuilding our wonderful connection with London Stock Exchange.
Pakistan in the recent… pic.twitter.com/ZlkpYeYxeT
— PMLN Punjab (@PMLNPunjabPk) September 29, 2026
The Market Open Ceremony at the LSE formally marks the beginning of the trading day in London. Shehbaz’s participation marks a high-profile moment in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its links with global financial markets and attract international investment.
