PM Reaffirms Support for Foreign Tech Investors

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated the government’s commitment to facilitating foreign investors and strengthening partnerships with global technology leaders.

During a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House with a delegation from Ericsson, the prime minister welcomed the company’s leadership and appreciated Ericsson’s longstanding presence in Pakistan, spanning over six decades. He acknowledged the firm’s role in supporting the development and modernisation of Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.

The Ericsson delegation was led by Patrick Johansson, President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Discussions focused on the importance of next-generation digital connectivity in driving economic growth, enhancing productivity, and improving public service delivery. The prime minister emphasised Pakistan’s interest in benefiting from Ericsson’s global expertise in advanced network technologies, including 5G, while ensuring the development of secure, resilient, and nationally aligned digital infrastructure.

The meeting also explored cooperation in digital skills development, financial inclusion initiatives, the expansion of cashless payment systems, and the application of technology to strengthen disaster preparedness and institutional resilience.

The Ericsson delegation commended the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to upgrade the country’s IT and telecommunications infrastructure, including progress toward the 5G spectrum auction.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatma Khawaja, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and senior government officials were also present at the meeting.

Meanwhile, an official at the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will depart for Switzerland on January 19 to attend the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.