PM Shehbaz Sharif Reaffirms Commitment to Making Pakistan a Global Tech Hub
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to becoming a leading global tech destination, following a landmark $700 million foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country’s IT sector. Speaking at the first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) conference in Islamabad, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan is not waiting for the future; it is actively shaping it.
“We’re not just building a digital economy — we’re creating a Digital Pakistan,” PM Sharif stated, as delegates from 45 countries and representatives from over 50 global companies gathered for the event. This high-profile conference marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to position itself as a leader in the global digital economy.
The event saw participation from more than 75 foreign investors, showcasing strong international interest in Pakistan’s growing digital infrastructure. While the digital sector has long been recognized as a key area for FDI, Pakistan has faced challenges in attracting significant foreign investment. However, the recent influx of $700 million promises to change that dynamic, setting the stage for a prosperous future.
During his address, PM Shehbaz highlighted the government’s initiatives to foster growth in the IT sector, including the development of federal and provincial IT parks, incubation centers, and an expanding research and development ecosystem. He also pointed to Pakistan’s young population, with 60% of the country’s citizens aged between 15 and 30, as a key driver for its digital future.
In an effort to empower the youth, PM Sharif revealed that Huawei would partner with the government to train 200,000 young people in a joint skill development program. “The youth are the architects of our digital future,” he declared.
In addition to the impressive investment, Pakistan’s digital sector has shown strong signs of growth, with a record $4.1 billion in foreign remittances received in March, reflecting increased global confidence in the country’s digital potential.
“We are not just building a digital economy — we are creating a digital Pakistan,” PM Sharif continued. “This is the moment for global investors to join us as we transform agriculture through AI and boost exports with smart technology.”
Information Technology and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who also addressed the conference, underlined the country’s rapid growth in IT exports, with more than 100 million young people, Pakistan’s greatest digital asset, driving this transformation. The government has already trained over 300,000 young professionals in IT skills this year alone.
Pakistan Software Export Board CEO, Abu Bakar, added that IT exports are on track to exceed $4 billion this year, demonstrating the power of public-private collaboration and the country’s growing talent pool.
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, praised Pakistan’s ambition and innovation, calling this moment a historic convergence of ambition, innovation, and opportunity. With 142 million broadband subscribers and 65% smartphone penetration, AlYahya highlighted that Pakistan is poised for significant digital acceleration.
As the country continues to make strides in its digital transformation, international stakeholders are being urged to join in Pakistan’s journey toward becoming a global leader in the tech industry.