Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday that Pakistan has secured approximately $700 million in fresh foreign investment commitments for its rapidly growing information technology sector. Speaking at the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI-2025) conference, he urged international stakeholders to continue supporting Pakistan’s efforts to establish itself as a major player in the global digital economy.
Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s youthful population and expanding digital infrastructure as key drivers of the country’s digital future. “We are not waiting for the future, we are shaping it,” he stated, emphasizing the potential of the country’s young demographic to lead in digital innovation.
The conference, attended by global tech leaders, investors, and innovators, marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation strategy. The Prime Minister assured that every possible facility would be provided to investors in the IT sector, welcoming representatives from 11 countries to the event.
Sharif also underscored the role of Pakistan’s new generation, particularly those skilled in artificial intelligence, in transforming key sectors like agriculture and exports. “Sixty percent of our population is young and full of talent,” he noted, adding that Pakistan’s digital potential is already making an impact both domestically and internationally. In March 2025, overseas Pakistanis sent a record-breaking $4.1 billion in remittances, further reflecting the country’s growing economic connectivity through digital channels.
A key highlight of the conference was Pakistan’s collaboration with Chinese tech giant Huawei, which trains 200,000 students annually in advanced technologies. Sharif encouraged global investors, including those from North America, to engage with Pakistan’s rapidly expanding IT sector.
Reflecting on past achievements, Sharif mentioned distributing 400,000 laptops to students during his tenure as Punjab’s chief minister and noted the ongoing digitization of Pakistan’s rural economy with support from the World Bank. He pointed to projects such as Safe City surveillance, IT parks, and AI training hubs as examples of Pakistan’s progress in the digital space.
In addition to the $700 million in pledges, Sharif acknowledged a $500 million investment from a Pakistani entrepreneur in collaboration with a Russian partner. “We’re not just building a digital economy – we’re creating a digital Pakistan,” Sharif stated, urging global investors to join this transformative journey.
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, praised Pakistan’s efforts, calling the country’s digital transformation a “revolution.” She highlighted Pakistan’s 142 million broadband users, 65% smartphone penetration, and projected IT exports exceeding $4 billion as clear evidence of the country’s growing influence in the digital sector.
Sharif reaffirmed his personal commitment to realizing these technological ambitions, promising that through sustained effort, Pakistan will solidify its place as a leading force in the global IT landscape.
