Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, held a strategic meeting with Saudi Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha, to enhance bilateral cooperation in digital technologies and infrastructure development. The meeting reflected mutual interest in deepening collaboration across emerging fields, particularly artificial intelligence, computing technologies, and semiconductor innovation. Both countries reiterated their commitment to a long-term technological partnership that aligns with their respective digital transformation goals.
During the meeting, the ministers explored the concept of a Pakistan Digital Corridor that connects to China and Central Asia, aiming to boost regional and global connectivity. The Saudi Minister extended his support for Pakistan’s digital vision and shared well wishes for continued development under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Discussions focused on mutual alignment in digital policies and investment opportunities that would benefit both countries’ tech ecosystems.
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced the approval of a Rs. 4.8 billion project under the Public Sector Development Programme to train more than 7,000 Pakistani youth in semiconductor technologies. She emphasized that this initiative is designed to align Pakistan’s human capital with global trends in electronics manufacturing and chip design. The minister also voiced strong support for Saudi Arabia’s National Semiconductor Hub, acknowledging the Kingdom’s position as a regional technology leader.
The agenda included potential collaborations under Saudi Arabia’s National Technology Development Program, which seeks to accelerate innovation through partnerships and investment. Both ministers discussed ways to link Pakistani startups and enterprises with Saudi tech firms to expand bilateral business opportunities. The conversation extended to areas like cybersecurity, where Minister Shaza outlined Pakistan’s recent achievements, noting the contributions made by Pakistan’s armed forces in safeguarding national digital assets amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
The ministers agreed to promote cross-border innovation and facilitate cooperation in high-tech sectors, ensuring that initiatives such as training, infrastructure development, and digital integration continue to move forward. The partnership also aims to position both countries as influential players in the global technology landscape. Minister Shaza reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s tech ambitions, expressing confidence in the impact of shared projects and knowledge exchange.
This engagement highlights the growing importance of strategic tech diplomacy between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Both sides underscored that such partnerships are essential to building resilient digital economies, with a focus on talent development, technological advancement, and collaborative innovation across borders.
