In a major milestone for sustainable finance and agriculture in Pakistan, InfraZamin Pakistan, Sunridge Foods, and BankIslami officially launched the country’s first-ever Agri-Infrastructure Sukuk at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) through a ceremonial gong-striking event on July 21, 2025. The fully subscribed PKR 2 billion Sukuk is backed by a 100% principal credit guarantee from InfraZamin and carries a long-term AAA rating, offering investors high confidence under a robust, Shariah-compliant structure.
This pioneering Islamic financial instrument, arranged by BankIslami as the Mandated Lead Arranger and supported by AKD Securities, Al-Hilal Shariah Advisors, and Pak Brunei Investment Company, sets a new precedent for financing Pakistan’s agricultural infrastructure through capital markets. The funds raised will help Sunridge Foods modernize its production facilities via sustainable technologies, including wind and solar power installations, and expand storage infrastructure for wheat and rice across Karachi and Lahore.
The event was graced by Deputy British High Commissioner Lance Domm, who called the Sukuk a bold step towards climate-friendly, Shariah-compliant financing. He noted the UK’s support in building Pakistan’s financial ecosystem through partnerships like these.
InfraZamin CEO Maheen Rahman emphasized that the Sukuk reflects their mission to unlock capital market access for sustainable sectors like agriculture. Sunridge Chairman Amir Shahzad said the issuance would allow them to scale their renewable energy use and boost food processing capabilities, driving both operational efficiency and food security.
BankIslami CEO Rizwan Ata reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to innovative Islamic finance that fuels economic and environmental progress. Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson of PSX, and PSX CEO Farrukh Subzwari both applauded the initiative as a powerful response to Pakistan’s intertwined climate and food challenges, urging deeper collaboration among stakeholders to scale sustainable finance across the country.
This historic Sukuk not only strengthens Shariah-compliant capital market instruments in Pakistan but also charts a path for future-ready, inclusive, and resilient growth in the agriculture and infrastructure space.
