Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended a formal invitation to Etisalat Group to explore further investment opportunities across various sectors of Pakistan’s economy. During a meeting with a five-member delegation from the Emirati telecommunications firm, led by CEO Hatem Dowidar, the prime minister assured full facilitation from the government to support their business expansion initiatives.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, describing it as one rooted in shared cultural, religious, and fraternal values. He acknowledged the consistent contribution of UAE-based companies to Pakistan’s economy and highlighted the government’s commitment to maintaining a favorable business climate. He noted that fostering investment and creating new opportunities for international firms, particularly from partner countries like the UAE, remains a core policy objective.
Hatem Dowidar appreciated the steps taken by the current administration to improve the investment landscape. He commended the government’s business-friendly approach, which he said had enhanced confidence among international companies. Dowidar highlighted that Etisalat Group has had a successful investment presence in Pakistan for over 19 years and expressed strong interest in expanding operations in the country. He also mentioned that more than 10,000 Pakistani professionals are currently employed across the Etisalat Group, playing an important role in its regional and global operations.
He reiterated the group’s commitment to long-term investment in Pakistan, expressing optimism about future prospects in the country’s evolving digital and telecom sectors. The visit underscores the company’s focus on deepening its engagement in key areas, including telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and associated services.
The meeting was also attended by key government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Senior representatives from relevant departments and institutions were also present to facilitate discussions and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Etisalat Group’s sustained interest in Pakistan is seen as a positive signal for foreign direct investment, particularly in technology and infrastructure-driven sectors. With the government offering policy continuity and institutional support, the environment is being positioned to attract long-term commitments from global players.
The engagement reflects both strategic and economic dimensions of UAE-Pakistan ties and highlights the role of telecom and digital enterprises in advancing bilateral cooperation. The emphasis on expanding existing operations, along with fresh investment across other sectors, could contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth and employment landscape.
