Pakistan’s First PKR 3 Billion AAA-Rated Green Sukuk for Telecom Sector Launched by InfraZamin and Partner Banks

InfraZamin Pakistan Limited, in partnership with Infralectric, a Brillanz Group company, DIB Pakistan Limited, Bank Alfalah Limited, and Meezan Bank Limited, announced the signing of Pakistan’s first-ever PKR 3 Billion, ‘AAA’ Rated, Green Sukuk for the telecom sector, marking a major milestone in sustainable infrastructure financing and climate-aligned capital markets development.

Under the transaction, InfraZamin Pakistan is providing a 100% principal guarantee for the PKR 3 billion Green Sukuk issued by Infralectric Private Limited with DIB Pakistan Limited, as the Lead Arranger of the Green Sukuk transaction demonstrating how ethical capital markets can lead the transition toward scalable, climate-aligned infrastructure financing.

The proceeds will finance one of Pakistan’s largest commercial deployments of lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and solarization solutions for telecom tower infrastructure across the country. The transaction witnessed oversubscription by investors and initial disbursement is planned after completion of all formalities.

Commenting on the occasion, Maheen Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of InfraZamin Pakistan, said, “This landmark transaction demonstrates how innovative credit enhancement can unlock capital markets for transformative green infrastructure. By guaranteeing Pakistan’s first Green Sukuk for the telecom sector, InfraZamin is proud to catalyze sustainable private investment into climate-resilient infrastructure while deepening Pakistan’s debt capital markets. We are delighted to partner with Infralectric and Dubai Islamic Bank on this pioneering transaction.”

Bilal Qureshi, Group CEO, Brillianz Group, stated, “This landmark transaction sets a new benchmark for business model innovation, demonstrating how private capital can accelerate energy transition, reduce diesel reliance and forex pressure, and build a more resilient, AI-enabled telecom network for Pakistan.”

Muhammad Ali Gulfaraz, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited, highlighted, “This agreement represents a defining moment in the Bank’s commitment to the country’s green transition. By structuring this PKR 3,000 million Green Sukuk, DIB Pakistan is demonstrating how Islamic capital markets can effectively bridge the gap between critical infrastructure needs and climate-conscious investment. The solarization of Pakistan’s telecom backbone will significantly lower dependence on conventional energy while reinforcing the resilience of the digital economy, proving that ethical finance serves as a powerful catalyst for large-scale environmental impact.”

Atif Bajwa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank Alfalah Limited, stated, “Bank Alfalah is pleased to contribute to this landmark Green Sukuk, representing a significant advancement in green finance and sustainable infrastructure development in Pakistan. This transaction underscores Bank Alfalah’s continued commitment to developing climate-aligned capital markets and facilitating the mobilization of private sector investment into environmentally responsible projects. The initiative is expected to play a meaningful role in promoting cleaner energy solutions within the telecom sector, while strengthening the resilience and sustainability of critical infrastructure across the country. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Infralectric, InfraZamin, and all partners involved for their collaboration and efforts in successfully delivering this transaction.”

Syed Tanveer Hussain, Chief Operating Officer, Wholesale Banking, Meezan Bank added: “Meezan Bank’s participation in this landmark syndicated Green Sukuk transaction, reflects our continued commitment towards advancing the role of Islamic finance in supporting sustainable and infrastructure-led development in Pakistan. This initiative, focused on green energy solutions for telecom infrastructure, represents a meaningful step towards reducing carbon emissions while enhancing operational efficiency within a critical sector of the economy. The inclusion of Infrazamin’s financial guarantee further strengthens the structure by enhancing investor confidence and facilitating broader market participation. Such transactions will deepen Pakistan’s Islamic capital market while supporting a more sustainable and resilient economy.”

Pakistan’s telecom sector, serving nearly 190 million mobile subscribers, is among the country’s most energy-intensive and operationally critical industries, with over 50,000 tower sites nationwide, many operating on weak-grid or off-grid power.

This has historically resulted in heavy reliance on diesel generators, elevated operating costs, and significant carbon emissions. Through this transaction, Infralectric will deploy advanced battery storage, solar PV, Artificial-Intelligence enabled optimization, and remote monitoring solutions across approximately 1,955 telecom tower sites, significantly reducing diesel dependence, improving network reliability, lowering operational costs, and cutting emissions. Carbon emission reduction and fuel import bill reduction are among the key expected outcomes of the project.

In addition to InfraZamin Pakistan as Guarantor, Infralectric Private Limited as Issuer, and DIB Pakistan Limited, as Lead Arranger, the transaction has been supported by Bank Alfalah Limited as Joint Lead Arranger, Meezan Bank Limited as LC (Import) Bank, BankIslami Pakistan Limited as Investment Agent, DIB PF, DIB GF, Alfalah Asset Management Limited and NBP Fund Management Limited as investors, Ahmed & Qazi as Investor’s Legal Counsel, HP | FKM as Issuer’s Legal Counsel, Al Hilal as Shariah Advisor, Pakistan Environment Trust (PET) as Green Bond Consultant, and Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) as Rating Agency.

The transaction is expected to support hundreds of direct and indirect jobs through installation, maintenance, local manufacturing, remote monitoring, and technical field operations. By replacing diesel generators with clean distributed energy solutions, the initiative advances environmental sustainability while strengthening the resilience of Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure.

The transaction contributes to Pakistan’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goals relating to Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Climate Action, and Partnerships for the Goals.

This milestone reflects InfraZamin Pakistan’s continued commitment to enabling innovative financing solutions that mobilize private capital into sustainable, climate-aligned, and development-focused infrastructure projects across Pakistan.