• Briefs visiting delegates about regulatory reforms, fiscal incentives
• Talks to global IT execs, conveys govt’s desire to collaborate on AI, data science education initiatives

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Sheh­baz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s full support for foreign IT investors, highlighting Pakistan’s vision of becoming a regional hub for technology, finance and innovation.

He made these remarks while addressing global technology executives attending Pakistan’s inaugural two-day Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum 2025, held in Islamabad from April 29 to 30.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz said the country stood on the threshold of a transformative leap in its digital economy. Welcoming all the investors and business leaders in Islamabad, he appreciated the announcement of over $700 million investment pledges during the opening session of the forum and expressed deep appreciation for their confidence in Pakistan’s potential.

The premier briefed the visiting delegates about the ongoing regulatory reforms, fiscal incentives and digital infrastructure investments. He also informed the delegates about his government’s ongoing efforts to train the youth and digitise the economy.

During his interaction with the global IT executives, he conveyed the government of Pakistan’s strong desire to collaborate with them on AI and data science education initiatives to prepare Pakistani youth for future technology-driven jobs.

Executives who called on the prime minister included Jabbar Rahim Khan of Russoft, who pledged to invest $500m; Taha Naseem and Ahsan Jamil of sAi Venture Capital, announcing $100m; Fernando Morillo and Muhammad Hamayun Sajjad of Mashreq Bank, pledging $30m; and Belal Kemal Faruki of Mindhyve.ai, who committed $22m.

FBR’s digital reforms

Earlier, PM Shehbaz said the people of Pakistan could play a central role in the development of the country as well as the global economy, recognising the existing contribution of Pakistan’s business and IT companies on the global stage.

He made these remarks during a meeting on investment opportunities related to the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) digital reforms.

Appreciating the investment pledges of $700m in Pakistan’s IT sector during the Digital Investment Forum held under the Digital Cooperation Conference, he said that Pakistan was home to some of the world’s best experts in IT and other fields who could deliver excellent results if given opportunities in line with their capabilities and potential.

He stressed the importance of domestic investment for achieving sustainable, long-term growth. He directed officials to hold a dedicated webinar to brief IT sector stakeholders on emerging opportunities within FBR’s ongoing digital transformation.

During the meeting, participants were briefed on the various phases of the digital reform process in the FBR and available investment opportunities.

They were told that work was in progress on digital monitoring, track-and-trace systems, digital research and analytics, and other reforms in the FBR, many of which had already been implemented.

The participants were told that there were investment opportunities worth over $100m in digital invoicing, faceless technology, cargo tracking and other digital reforms in the FBR.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2025