Pakistan has reaffirmed its focus on supporting foreign investors and strategic technology partners while emphasizing the role of next-generation digital connectivity in driving economic growth, productivity, and improved public services. During a meeting with a delegation from Ericsson at the Prime Minister’s House, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif underscored the importance of leveraging global expertise to develop advanced networks, including 5G, while ensuring that infrastructure remains secure, resilient, and aligned with national priorities. The discussions highlighted the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for technological collaboration and digital innovation.
The delegation from Ericsson was led by Patrick Johansson, President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and engaged with government officials on multiple fronts including digital skills development, financial inclusion, and the expansion of cashless payment systems. They also explored ways to use technology to strengthen disaster preparedness and institutional resilience. According to APP, the Ericsson team praised Pakistan’s efforts to upgrade IT infrastructure, particularly recognizing initiatives such as the 5G spectrum auction as steps that position the country to benefit from next-generation connectivity solutions.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for IT Shaza Fatma Khawaja, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials participated in the discussions, reflecting the government’s emphasis on integrating public policy, regulatory oversight, and private-sector expertise. The meeting emphasized that partnerships with global technology companies like Ericsson can help accelerate digital transformation in Pakistan while maintaining local security and resilience standards. Officials discussed creating a framework for collaboration that can support innovation, drive investment, and improve access to digital services across both urban and rural areas.
The engagement between Pakistan and Ericsson signals an ongoing effort to strengthen the country’s technology ecosystem through international collaboration. By combining global expertise with local initiatives, the government aims to promote digital skills, improve connectivity, and support emerging sectors that rely on advanced network infrastructure. The discussions also reinforced Pakistan’s intent to ensure that investments in digital technologies not only enhance public service delivery but also contribute to economic growth and inclusion, positioning the country to benefit from future technological advancements while safeguarding national priorities.
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