Speaking to his cabinet, PM Shehbaz shared outcomes from his recent diplomatic trips to Saudi Arabia and Qatar
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recently highlighted the positive outcomes of his diplomatic engagements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, focusing on the expanding opportunities for collaboration between Pakistan and these Gulf nations, particularly in the Information Technology (IT) sector. During a cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz revealed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has specifically requested millions of skilled IT workers from Pakistan to support the kingdom’s ambitious technological infrastructure initiatives.
Saudi Arabia is actively seeking to bolster its workforce in the IT sector as part of its broader Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify its economy away from oil dependency and enhance its technological capabilities. The Pakistani IT sector is well-positioned to contribute, given the country’s growing pool of talented IT professionals. Following discussions with the Crown Prince, PM Shehbaz indicated that a Pakistani delegation is expected to visit Saudi Arabia soon to explore further cooperation in IT, solar energy, mining, and agriculture.
In parallel, PM Shehbaz’s visit to Qatar has also yielded promising developments. He reported fruitful discussions with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to enhancing economic ties with Pakistan. Notably, Qatar has expedited its previously announced $3 billion investment in Pakistan, with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) preparing to dispatch a team to Pakistan this month to identify specific projects in the IT and mineral sectors. This investment is expected to have a significant positive impact on the Pakistani economy, particularly in creating jobs and improving infrastructure.
Moreover, plans for establishing an IT park in Pakistan were also discussed during these talks, underscoring the commitment of both nations to strengthening technological collaboration. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar further emphasized that the anticipated Qatari investments would not only bolster economic growth but also benefit the general population by improving access to jobs and technology.
Overall, PM Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomatic trips have opened new avenues for Pakistan to enhance its economic landscape through strategic partnerships in critical sectors such as IT, showcasing the government’s proactive approach to leveraging international relations for national development. The upcoming visits and discussions with Saudi and Qatari officials are poised to materialize these commitments, marking a significant step toward fostering bilateral cooperation that could lead to substantial economic benefits for Pakistan.
