Problems at Pakistan’s banks, including fines and falling profits, have seen foreign investors head for the exit. Could interest from China and a growing Islamic finance sector improve their prospects? Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Pakistan has enjoyed some economic growth, largely on the back of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, while security has improved and more reliable power supply should aid investment. But the deep-seated problems of tax avoidance and corruption persist. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Pakistan’s central bank governor, Tariq Bajwa, remains sanguine about the country’s prospects in the face of rising inflation and trade deficits, and appears unfazed at the possibility of an IMF bailout. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Small businesses are underserved in Pakistan but Telenor Microfinance Bank is hoping a deal with Chinese fintech giant Ant Financial will increase their access to electronic banking and help push up microfinance lending. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Amid the China-funded infrastructure push in Pakistan, concerns are starting to mount about rising deficits. Go Yamada, Nikkei senior deputy editor, reports.

Riaz Riazuddin, Pakistan’s acting central bank chief, tells Edward Russell-Walling how it will target inflation and why he disagrees with the IMF suggestion that the country’s strong currency should be allowed to weaken in the face of a deficit.

Following the 2008 global financial crisis, Pakistan Stock Exchange former managing director Nadeem Naqvi was recruited to steer a course via consolidation and regulation of the regional exchanges, and regain emerging market status for the PSE and oversee its listing. Edward Russell-Walling reports. 

While relatively healthy, Pakistan’s banks are looking for ways to diversify in a bid to boost profits. These include digital branches, non-branch banking and more innovative lending, reports Edward Russell-Walling.

Pakistan’s GDP growth is up, its budget deficit is down and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor promises to bring with it major investment. But observers are warning against government complacency as its privatisation programme stalls and power debts remain unpaid. 

As a country with severe issues of financial exclusion, Pakistan is setting up an institutional framework supporting microfinance institutions. The latest innovation is the launch of the Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company. Edward Russell-Walling maps the sector's development.