Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday celebrated a significant influx of foreign investment, with approximately $700 million in new pledges for Pakistan’s information technology sector. He urged global partners to continue supporting the nation’s digital transformation as Pakistan positions itself to lead the global digital economy.
Speaking at the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI-2025) conference, PM Shehbaz confidently stated, “Pakistan is not waiting for the future; it is actively shaping it.”
The conference, attended by prominent technology leaders, investors, and innovators, marked an important milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to become a central player in the global digital economy.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Pakistan a premier destination for tech investment. “Sixty percent of our population is between 15 and 30 years old. These young people are the architects of our digital future,” he noted.
He outlined the government’s strategic initiatives to boost the tech sector, including the establishment of IT parks, incubation centers, and a robust research and development (R&D) ecosystem both at the federal and provincial levels.
PM Shehbaz also revealed a new collaboration with global technology giant Huawei, aiming to train 200,000 young individuals annually through a skill development program. He further emphasized that in March 2025, Pakistan had received a record-breaking $4.1 billion in foreign remittances, underscoring growing global confidence in Pakistan’s digital potential.
“We are not merely building a digital economy; we are constructing a Digital Pakistan. From transforming agriculture with AI to boosting exports using smart technology, this is the perfect time for global investors to join us,” the Prime Minister stated.
In her address, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, spotlighted Pakistan’s rapid growth in IT exports, ongoing regulatory reforms, and the establishment of a solid digital infrastructure.
Deemah Al Yahya, Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, commended Pakistan’s vision and innovative approach.
“This is a historic moment where ambition, innovation, and opportunity intersect. Digital transformation is no longer just a trend; it’s a revolution. With 142 million broadband users, 65% smartphone penetration, and IT exports set to exceed $4 billion, Pakistan is ready for rapid digital acceleration,” she remarked.
Abu Bakar, CEO of the Pakistan Software Export Board, confirmed that IT exports are on track to surpass $4 billion this year, reflecting successful public-private collaboration and the nation’s skilled workforce.
Additionally, PM Shehbaz met with Jan Derck van Karnebeek, Global CEO of Royal FrieslandCampina and Engro Pakistan, who expressed a desire to expand investments in Pakistan’s livestock and dairy sectors. The Prime Minister assured that Pakistan would collaborate with companies like FrieslandCampina to improve the dairy sector, particularly in milk safety and nutrition, which would help enhance dairy exports.
The development of the dairy industry and the enhancement of farmers’ livelihoods remain key priorities, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office.