Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Sharif’s London Investment Push Sparks Rothschild Israel Controversy
Pakistan’s prime minister went to London to encourage companies and investors to put money into Pakistan.
He met leaders from several large financial institutions.
One meeting with Rothschild & Co caused controversy in Pakistan.
Critics questioned why the meeting happened because Pakistan does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
Some critics also made claims about Rothschild & Co’s links to Israel.
The Pakistani government said the meeting was about improving international financial cooperation.
Sharif said Pakistan wanted advice on attracting both loans and private investment.
He also opened a trading session at the London Stock Exchange and launched a $3 billion bond.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met executives from major financial institutions in London to attract investment.
The meetings included representatives from Barclays, JPMorgan, Citi, BlackRock, and Rothschild & Co.
A Rothschild & Co meeting led by Mark Sedwill triggered criticism because Pakistan has no diplomatic relations with Israel.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and former minister Shireen Mazari questioned the meeting’s purpose and alleged links involving Rothschild & Co and Israel.
Sharif also opened a London Stock Exchange trading session and inaugurated Pakistan’s latest $3 billion sovereign Eurobond.
- Who
- Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, financial institution executives, and critics including Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and Shireen Mazari.
- What
- Sharif conducted an investment-promotion visit and met a Rothschild & Co delegation, prompting political criticism.
- When
- Tuesday, according to the report.
- Where
- London, including the London Stock Exchange.
- Why
- Sharif sought international investment, financial-market guidance, and deeper economic engagement for Pakistan.
Government and investment rationale
Political and diplomatic concerns
Purpose of the Rothschild meeting
Government and investment rationale
The Prime Minister’s Office described the meeting as part of Sharif’s effort to deepen international financial engagement and attract investment.
Political and diplomatic concerns
Critics questioned why the meeting took place and demanded that the government explain its agenda.
Israel-related concerns
Government and investment rationale
The government’s public description focused on finance and did not present the meeting as a diplomatic engagement with Israel.
Political and diplomatic concerns
Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and Shireen Mazari raised alleged links between Rothschild & Co and Israel, citing Pakistan’s lack of diplomatic relations with Israel.
Pakistan’s international economic strategy
Government and investment rationale
Sharif argued that Pakistan should engage international markets not only through sovereign borrowing but also through private investment.
Political and diplomatic concerns
Critics argued that financial outreach must be scrutinized in light of Pakistan’s political positions and support for the Palestinian cause.
- Main official
- Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
- Investment meetings
- Barclays, JPMorgan, Citi, BlackRock, and Rothschild & Co
- Rothschild delegation
- Headed by Mark Sedwill
- Financial milestone
- Pakistan’s $3 billion sovereign Eurobond was formally inaugurated
- Stock exchange event
- Sharif became the first Pakistani prime minister to open a London Stock Exchange trading session
- Government position
- The Rothschild meeting was part of efforts to deepen international financial engagement
- Political criticism
- Critics questioned the meeting because Pakistan has no diplomatic relations with Israel