Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen their partnership in emerging technologies. The focus will be on artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor development, and expanding digital infrastructure. This decision came after high-level talks between IT ministers of both countries.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, met with Saudi Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha. They discussed enhancing bilateral digital cooperation and aligning priorities around connectivity and computing technologies. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Pakistan Digital Corridor project, which aims to link China and Central Asia through a network of data centers and fiber-optic connectivity.
Minister Shaza Fatima revealed that Pakistan has approved a Rs4.8 billion project under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). This initiative will train over 7,000 youth in semiconductor technologies, reflecting Pakistan’s goal to join the global chip supply chain. She also praised Saudi Arabia’s National Semiconductor Hub as a key platform for regional innovation.
The meeting further explored collaboration under Saudi Arabia’s National Technology Development Program. Both countries agreed to encourage business-to-business partnerships between their tech firms. This cooperation aims to promote innovation, investment, and job creation in both nations.
Shaza Fatima briefed the Saudi delegation on Pakistan’s recent cybersecurity progress and highlighted the role of the armed forces in maintaining digital and national security. Saudi Minister Al-Swaha expressed strong support for Pakistan’s digital growth under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and emphasized Riyadh’s interest in expanding cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.