ISLAMABAD, Monday, July 7, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday invited the UAE-based Etisalat Group to enhance its investments across various sectors of Pakistan’s economy, assuring the delegation of the government’s full support and facilitation.

He made the remarks during a meeting with a five-member Etisalat Group delegation, led by CEO Hatem Dowidar, at the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments.

The prime minister underscored the historic and deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, noting that the bilateral relationship is built on shared cultural, religious, and fraternal values. He appreciated the UAE’s longstanding investments in Pakistan and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing a business-friendly environment for international investors, including Emirati companies.

Shehbaz Sharif said the government is focused on creating new investment opportunities and facilitating foreign companies in key sectors, particularly information and communication technology (ICT), energy, and infrastructure.

Etisalat Group CEO Hatem Dowidar lauded the government’s pro-investment policies, saying they had created a conducive business climate in Pakistan. He noted that Etisalat had been successfully operating in the country for the past 19 years and employs over 10,000 Pakistanis. Dowidar reaffirmed the group’s long-term commitment to Pakistan and expressed keen interest in expanding operations, particularly in the country’s growing digital and telecom sectors.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar also received the Etisalat delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting focused on Etisalat’s plans to scale up its investments in Pakistan’s ICT and telecom industries.

Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, National Coordinator of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), and secretaries from the ministries of IT, Commerce, and Privatization also attended.

Senator Dar highlighted Pakistan’s rapidly expanding digital economy and reiterated the government’s resolve to support global tech firms through policy stability, regulatory ease, and infrastructure development.

CEO Dowidar, in response, expressed appreciation for the government’s consistent support and reiterated Etisalat Group’s ambition to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s digital growth and connectivity goals.