The Pakistan Economy was a key focus of Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with delegations from the US-based Business Council for International Understanding and the US-Pakistan Business Council in New York. Business representatives from information technology, artificial intelligence, finance, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, beverages and other sectors attended the meeting. The prime minister briefed them on government policies aimed at encouraging business and investment in Pakistan. Shehbaz said the two US-based business councils served as important links between Pakistan and the United States. He also said bilateral relations had improved significantly over the past year. The prime minister described the Gulf crisis as a difficult phase for Pakistan. He said Islamabad was playing its role in efforts to promote peace in the region. He said lasting regional peace was important for business and investment. According to the prime minister, Pakistan was also pursuing structural and policy reforms to support economic growth. Shehbaz highlighted the government’s plans to accelerate economic digitalisation and expand technology and e-governance. He pointed to agriculture as an area with significant investment potential, particularly through artificial intelligence, modern machinery and improved farming techniques. Mir Raza Case Commission orders cyber probe into campaign against police surgeon He also identified mining and minerals, ports and shipping as sectors offering investment opportunities. Pakistan has substantial mineral resources, he said, while modern equipment could help improve agricultural productivity and reduce costs. The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s young population and government programmes focused on professional training and skills development. He said information technology and artificial intelligence remained among the government’s priorities. On privatisation, Shehbaz said the government was seeking greater private-sector participation. He said the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines had been completed and that new owners would work to improve the airline. The government was also moving towards the privatisation of power distribution companies, he added. The meeting was held during Shehbaz’s visit to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The prime minister is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 25, with regional security, diplomacy and economic issues among Pakistan’s key priorities. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Special Assistants Tariq Fatemi and Bilal Bin Saqib, Pakistan’s UN ambassador Asim Iftikhar and Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Ahmed Sheikh also attended the meeting. Post navigation Mir Raza Case Commission orders cyber probe into campaign against police surgeon
