The Ministry of Finance on Sunday rejected what it described as misleading media reports regarding Pakistan’s sovereign financing transactions, including the Eurobond and the country’s inaugural Panda Bond issuances.
In a statement, the ministry said recent reports were based on incomplete information and lacked critical context, categorically rejecting allegations surrounding the transactions.
It said both the Eurobond and Panda Bond issuances fully complied with all applicable legal, regulatory, procurement and approval requirements.
The ministry noted that comparing sovereign financing transactions solely on the basis of headline coupon rates or tenor was misleading, as such decisions involve a comprehensive assessment of pricing, execution certainty, underwriting commitments, timing, total transaction costs, credit spreads, prevailing market conditions and alignment with Pakistan’s Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDS).
It said the government selects financing options that provide the optimal balance of pricing, tenor, execution certainty, timing and risk in line with the MTDS.
Responding to concerns over institutional appointments, the ministry said administrative matters had no bearing on the legality or governance of sovereign financing transactions, adding that the Debt Management Office and Finance Division possess the expertise and capacity to manage such transactions in full compliance with applicable laws and procedures.
The ministry also warned that the dissemination of inaccurate and misleading information could undermine investor confidence, damage Pakistan’s credibility in international capital markets, increase future borrowing costs and adversely affect the country’s strategic financing objectives.
It urged that public discourse on sovereign financing be based on verified facts, complete information and responsible reporting.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and prudent debt management, the ministry said it would continue to make sovereign financing decisions in Pakistan’s best economic and strategic interests.