- Pakistan rewards investors who take a long-term view and build enduring local partnerships.
Interview with Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, former Minister of Finance of Pakistan
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla:Â I have had the privilege of serving Pakistan as Finance Minister, Deputy Chairman of the Senate, and multiple times as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. My focus has been to align economic policy with the realities of our people. I believe in reforms that are pragmatic, people-centered, and institution-building, where stability is achieved through growth, transparency, and investor confidence rather than austerity alone.
PAGE: What is your standpoint on investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla:Â Pakistan offers significant untapped opportunities, particularly in export-oriented manufacturing, fintech and renewable energy. With macroeconomic stability taking hold, the priority now is to deepen capital markets, de-risk projects, and promote value-added exports. For investors with vision and strong local partnerships, Pakistan promises high long-term returns.
PAGE: How would you describe the investment policies in Pakistan.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla: Our policies are shifting from ad hoc decision-making to predictable, rules-based systems. Reforms in taxation, banking, and governance are creating a fairer playing field. The state’s role is evolving into that of a facilitator, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, digitizing processes, and ensuring consistency key for building investor trust.
PAGE: What are your recommendations for investors.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla: Investors in Pakistan must take a long-term view, guided by the country’s strong fundamentals rather than short-term fluctuations. Constructive engagement with policymakers is equally important, as open dialogue helps shape a more enabling business environment. The most rewarding opportunities lie in value-added sectors that enhance Pakistan’s export capacity, particularly IT, agro-processing, and light engineering. Above all, success comes from building enduring local partnerships that combine capital with knowledge transfer and integration into the domestic economy.
PAGE: What is your perspective on investment vis-a-vis GDP growth in Pakistan?
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla:Â Investment is indispensable for sustainable growth. Pakistan must attract both domestic and foreign capital to overcome low savings rates. Public investment in infrastructure should crowd-in private capital, while reforms unlock private sector potential. This virtuous cycle of investment driving growth, growth expanding revenues, and revenues funding development is the only path to break the cycle of low growth and high debt.