Dar says Pakistan poised to become regional digital, innovation hub

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said Pakistan was well positioned to emerge as a regional hub for digital innovation, the Foreign Office said.

Addressing the launch ceremony of IBI Pakistan Digital Economy Headquarters in Islamabad, Dar highlighted the country’s growing IT sector, youthful talent and expanding opportunities under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0).

Dar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif envisioned transforming Pakistan into a regional centre for digital economy and innovation.

He said Pakistan’s digital economy was expanding rapidly and offered immense opportunities for investment, technology partnerships and innovation-led growth.

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The deputy prime minister said CPEC 2.0 marked a transition from physical infrastructure development towards intelligent infrastructure, digital connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), information and communication technology (ICT), and innovation ecosystems.

Highlighting Pakistan-China relations, Dar reaffirmed the strength of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, describing it as a time-tested and trusted relationship entering a new phase of digital and economic cooperation.

He said the establishment of IBI Pakistan Digital Economy Headquarters represented another milestone in Pakistan-China friendship and reflected growing international confidence in Pakistan’s future as a platform for technology, investment and digital transformation.

Dar also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in emerging technologies and digital innovation to support sustainable economic growth and regional connectivity.