Maaz Mahmood hails bond rally and economic momentum amid strategic diplomacy

APBF sees investor confidence rising, urges continuity of reforms
Islamabad
The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has expressed optimism over Pakistan’s improving economic trajectory, terming the surge in the country’s international bond prices as a clear indicator of growing investor confidence and macroeconomic stability.
APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood, while commenting on the latest developments, welcomed the upward trend in Pakistan’s long-term dollar bonds, which climbed to their highest level in three years. The rally follows key diplomatic and economic engagements, including the high-profile visit of Pakistan’s Field Marshal to China, as well as overall improvement in Pakistan’s global financial image. He said such developments were encouraging signs of economic revival and international trust in Pakistan’s reform process.
Syed Maaz Mahmood stated that Pakistan’s return to financial favour among global investors signals a turning point. He said that the momentum we are witnessing in international markets reflects the confidence that investors are placing in Pakistan’s policy direction, fiscal discipline and stability efforts. This is a milestone for the business community.
Pakistan’s outreach to China has sent a clear signal to international markets that the country is prioritising economic revival through strategic partnerships. He emphasised that political and economic stability is essential to fully benefit from this momentum
APBF Chairman Ibrahim Qureshi urged the government to continue engaging the private sector for policy consultation and business facilitation. They reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with economic managers to achieve sustainable growth create employment and improve the overall business climate.
Maaz Mahmood added that these trends must be capitalised on through continued economic discipline, export-led policies, domestic industrial revival, and investment-friendly governance. Our message is simple: Pakistan is open for business, and we’re moving in the right direction.
Ibrahim Qureshi also welcomed the bond rally and stated that while the international market has shown its trust, the government must now focus on removing internal bottlenecks to facilitate trade, industry and job creation. The global shift in sentiment must translate into tangible ease for our business community, especially SMEs. This is the moment to push ahead with structural reforms, he added.
He particularly lauded the strengthening ties between Pakistan and China, citing the recent visit of Pakistan’s Field Marshal to Beijing as a strategic moment. The deepening of bilateral cooperation, especially in areas of industrial investment, energy, and logistics, is a sign of long-term planning and mutual trust. Such high-level exchanges have sent a positive message across global financial circles, he stated.
He noted that the Chinese leadership’s commitment to fast-tracking key economic corridors and energy infrastructure projects underlines Pakistan’s renewed strategic importance in the region. This will not only benefit Pakistan’s export potential but will also encourage technology transfer, skills training, and capital inflow,” he added.
APBF leaders urged the government to ensure consistency in its reform agenda, avoid ad hoc taxation, and promote digital governance, saying that without long-term economic policies and tax fairness, investor optimism may weaken.
The forum also emphasized the need for timely policy consultation with stakeholders from the business and industrial community. We must not lose this momentum by ignoring the voices of those who drive Pakistan’s economy, said Maaz Mahmood.
The APBF reiterated its full support for efforts aimed at reducing the fiscal deficit, strengthening foreign exchange reserves, enhancing exports, and improving industrial output.