Islamabad (TDI): In a major leap forward for its digital economy, Pakistan inaugurated the first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum 2025 in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The event was officially opened by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, signaling the government’s strong commitment to positioning the country as a global hub for digital investment.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to becoming the next major tech destination in light of $700 million pledged in foreign investment in the IT sector at the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) conference in Islamabad.
Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), the landmark forum drew participation from over 30 ministers of DCO member countries, 75 global investors, and more than 100 Pakistani IT companies, setting the stage for robust international partnerships and investment.
Read More: Pakistan Launches World’s First Digital Foreign Direct Investment Initiative
One of the highlights of the forum was the presence of DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya as the Guest of Honor, reinforcing the significance of Pakistan’s growing digital footprint in the global tech landscape.
The event served as a platform for strategic dialogue and investment facilitation across digital infrastructure, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
On its opening day alone, the forum witnessed digital investment announcements worth $700 million, a strong indicator of international confidence in Pakistan’s ICT sector. The Federal Minister for IT, in her address, stated, “Pakistan’s ICT exports have grown by over 25% in the past nine months, reflecting the accelerating momentum of our digital economy.”
She further highlighted that the country had improved its position by 14 places in the UN E-Government Development Index from 2022 to 2024, showcasing tangible progress in digital governance and service delivery.
Read More: Pakistan’s Economy Shows Signs of Stabilization: WB
Emphasizing openness to international collaboration, the minister declared Pakistan’s tech sector “ready for global partnerships and innovation-led growth.”
Throughout the day, the Federal IT Minister and DCO Secretary-General met with over 40 Pakistani startups and companies, celebrating their innovation and potential to attract global investment.
The event concluded with a resounding message: Islamabad is emerging as the “Davos of Digital Investment.”
The DFDI Forum 2025 marks a defining moment in Pakistan’s digital journey—one that promises economic revitalization through technology, international cooperation, and forward-thinking leadership.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
