Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the Digital Foreign Direct Investment Conference on Tuesday, announced a series of transformative initiatives aimed at revolutionising Pakistan’s IT sector.

He revealed that foreign direct investment worth $700 million would significantly contribute to the development of Pakistan’s talented youth, adding that the government is committed to offering full facilitation to investors in the sector.

Welcoming ministers, deputy ministers, and digital experts from more than 11 friendly countries, the Prime Minister highlighted that 60% of Pakistan’s population comprises youth who are making the country proud in the global digital arena.

He stated that a major education and training initiative in artificial intelligence and information technology has been launched, which is expected to bring revolutionary changes in key sectors such as agriculture, industry, and exports.

Rana Mashhood reveals plans for groundbreaking education model

Recalling his tenure as Punjab Chief Minister, PM Shehbaz said 400,000 laptops were distributed on merit, and with the World Bank’s assistance, the agricultural system was modernised to digitise the rural economy.

He further announced that intensive work is ongoing on IT parks, incubation centres, R&D hubs, and training projects at both the federal and provincial levels. Referring to the Lahore Safe City Project, he noted it was completed in collaboration with a world-class company, and that a partnership with Chinese tech giant Huawei is enabling 200,000 students annually to acquire IT skills.

The Prime Minister shared that Pakistan recorded $4.1 billion in remittances in March 2025 — the highest in the country’s history — and said that the commitments made during the conference would place Pakistan among the top global IT players.

He praised a Pakistani investor for announcing a $500 million joint investment with a Russian partner, and appreciated the total $700 million pledges made by Pakistani doctors and experts worldwide.

WLF signs letter of intent with PCC to boost DeFi initiatives

He also thanked DCO Secretary General Deemah Al Yahya and all international participants, vowing to personally lead Pakistan’s efforts to achieve digital transformation on a global scale.

Concluding his address, PM Shehbaz declared with determination that Pakistan will become a global IT hub through unwavering resolve and persistent efforts.