InfraZamin Pakistan, in alliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the British High Commission, and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), hosted a groundbreaking seminar titled “Green Financing via Debt Capital Markets” in Islamabad on April 30, 2025. The event gathered distinguished industry leaders and global experts from regulatory, financial, and developmental spheres to discuss the pivotal role of credit enhancement in harnessing debt capital markets for sustainable growth in Pakistan.
The seminar featured influential speakers, including SECP Chairman Akif Saeed, British High Commission’s Development Director Jo Moir, and InfraZamin Pakistan CEO Maheen Rahman, among others. They underscored the significance of innovative financial mechanisms and the necessity for supportive regulatory frameworks in advancing infrastructure projects.
One of the seminar’s highlights was an engaging dialogue on “How Rupee Bonds Can Power Pakistan’s Recovery,” led by Boo Hock Khoo and moderated by Maheen Rahman. The discussion emphasized the urgent need to expand domestic bond markets, decrease dependency on foreign debt, and bolster financial resilience through local currency funding.
Another significant session focused on “Creating a Green Financing Ecosystem,” featuring insights from Claudine Lim of InfraZamin, Khalida Habib from SECP, and others. This discussion centered on embedding credit guarantees in sustainable finance products and promoting longterm investments in ecofriendly infrastructure.
SECP Chairman Akif Saeed reiterated the commission’s dedication to fostering a transparent and efficient capital market by streamlining bond issuance processes and encouraging private sector adoption of disclosure standards. He highlighted the importance of credit enhancement in boosting investor confidence and broadening the investor base.
Jo Moir from the British High Commission emphasized Pakistan’s potential to lead in sustainable development by leveraging global green finance trends with the UK’s support. Meanwhile, Boo Hock Khoo lauded the development of green financing through local markets as a critical step for Pakistan, praising InfraZamin’s efforts in providing credit guarantees to foster investor trust.
InfraZamin CEO Maheen Rahman shared insights into the organization’s recent ventures, like the AgriInfrastructure Sukuk with Unity Foods, aimed at modernizing agricultural infrastructure and promoting renewable energy. These projects reflect InfraZamin’s commitment to attracting private investment in underserved sectors.
Karandaaz Pakistan CEO Waqas ul Hasan stressed that green finance is essential for sustainable economic progress, advocating for capital mobilization towards climateresilient investments. He emphasized the collaboration between regulators and the financial sector to unlock Pakistan’s debt capital market potential.
Pakistan Stock Exchange CEO Farrukh Subzwari highlighted the growing importance of ESG principles and the global surge in sustainabilitylabeled bond issuance, emphasizing PSX’s commitment to advancing green financing and sustainable infrastructure development.
Philip Skinner from PIDG discussed the role of private capital in green financing, presenting case studies like East Africa’s first green bond. He emphasized the critical role of certifying green issuances to attract foreign investment and enhance market understanding of climate risk.
The seminar concluded with a consensus on the need to deepen Pakistan’s green financing ecosystem through debt capital markets. Participants highlighted the importance of publicprivate collaboration to introduce innovative financial tools, strengthen credit enhancement frameworks, and unlock capital for sustainable infrastructure development.