Islamabad, August 20, 2024 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued clear directives to relevant authorities to resolve all outstanding issues related to Meta’s operations in Pakistan. These instructions were given during a high-profile meeting with a delegation from Meta, led by Simon Milner, Vice President for Asia Pacific, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the immense potential that Pakistan possesses in the fields of information technology and digital media. He pointed out that the government has made an unprecedented commitment to these sectors by allocating a record budget for the promotion of information technology in the country. This allocation, the Prime Minister highlighted, reflects the government’s strategic focus on transforming Pakistan into a digital economy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed confidence in Meta’s capabilities, particularly in the areas of information technology and artificial intelligence. He emphasized that Meta’s advanced expertise could be instrumental in accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation. “Pakistan is keen to leverage the expertise of global technology leaders like Meta to strengthen our digital infrastructure and create new opportunities for growth,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz.
Prime Minister Shehbaz further assured the Meta delegation that the government is fully committed to creating a conducive environment for foreign investment, particularly in the IT sector. He emphasized that the resolution of any operational challenges faced by Meta in Pakistan is a priority for his administration, and he directed the concerned authorities to ensure that these issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
Simon Milner, in response, acknowledged the positive steps taken by the Pakistani government to foster a more favorable business environment for technology companies. He provided an overview of Meta’s current operations and initiatives in Pakistan and across the Asia Pacific region, highlighting the company’s contributions to the digital ecosystem in the country. Milner also expressed Meta’s commitment to deepening its engagement in Pakistan and supporting the government’s vision of a digitally empowered nation.
The discussion also touched upon the broader implications of Meta’s presence in Pakistan, particularly in terms of job creation, digital literacy, and the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through digital platforms. Both sides agreed that there is a strong potential for collaboration in these areas.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive signals the government’s recognition of the crucial role that global technology partnerships play in driving economic development. The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to working closely together to overcome any challenges and to maximize the benefits of Meta’s continued investment in Pakistan.
