PM Shehbaz applauds $700M foreign investment pledges in Pakistan’s IT sector

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised $700 million in new foreign investment pledges for Pakistan’s IT sector.
• He urged international stakeholders to continue supporting Pakistan’s progress in the global digital economy.
• A joint skill development program with global technology giant Huawei will train 200,000 boys and girls annually.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday praised the nearly $700 million in new foreign investment pledges for Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) sector. He urged international stakeholders to continue supporting Pakistan’s progress, emphasizing that the country is prepared to play a leading role in the global digital economy.

The prime minister addressed the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI-2025) Conference, declaring that Pakistan is actively shaping the future rather than waiting for it.

Global tech leaders, investors, and innovation champions attended the conference, which marked a significant step in establishing Pakistan as a key player in the global digital economy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, delivering his inaugural keynote address, drew on his four decades of public service to highlight the “sea change in global dynamics driven by digital transformation.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to turning Pakistan into the world’s next major tech destination.

“Our youth, aged between 15 and 30, constitute 60% of the population. They are the architects of our digital future,” said the prime minister.

He highlighted that the government has launched strategic initiatives such as federal and provincial IT parks, incubation centers, and a large-scale research and development ecosystem.

He announced that the government has partnered with global technology giant Huawei to launch a joint skill development program that will train 200,000 boys and girls annually. He also shared that Pakistan received a record-breaking $4.1 billion in foreign remittances in March this year, reflecting growing trust in the country’s digital potential.

“We’re not just building a digital economy—we’re creating a digital Pakistan. From transforming agriculture through AI to expanding exports with smart technology, this is the moment for global investors to join us,” he said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz invited the world to invest in, guide, and grow alongside Pakistan. He added, “Together, we will make Pakistan a leading light in the digital era.”

In her address, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted how Pakistan has rapidly increased its IT exports, strengthened its regulatory framework, and developed a robust digital infrastructure.

“Pakistan’s youth—over 100 million strong—is our greatest digital asset. Under the prime minister’s direct supervision, we have trained over 300,000 young professionals in IT skills this year alone,” she noted.

Deemah AlYahya, Secret-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, praised Pakistan for demonstrating strong ambition and driving innovation.

“This is a historic moment where ambition, innovation, and opportunity converge. Digital transformation is now a revolution, not a trend and with 142 million broadband subscribers, 65% smartphone penetration, and IT exports poised to exceed $4 billion, the country is primed for digital acceleration.”

CEO of the Pakistan Software Export Board, Abu Bakar, said that Pakistan is on track to exceed $4 billion in IT exports this year, reflecting the strength of public-private collaboration and the talent of the nation.

At the inaugural session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presented a special memento to Deemah AlYahya and personally thanked all participants for supporting Pakistan’s digital advancement.