By Tariq Jamal Journalist HD Flash News

ISLAMABAD, April 30, 2025 Pakistan hosted the inaugural Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum from April 29–30, 2025 in Islamabad, marking a pivotal moment in its ambition to become a regional digital powerhouse. The forum was organized by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO).

Global Turnout and Investment Announcements:

The forum attracted over 700 delegates from 45+ countries, including 35 international ministers and official delegations. More than 50 global CEOs and 40+ international firms participated with around $700 million in foreign investment pledged for Pakistan ICT sector reflecting strong international confidence in the country’s digital economy.

Prime Ministerial Vision and National Policies:

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the forum, emphasizing that Pakistan is “not waiting for the future but shaping it.” He announced a new initiative in collaboration with Huawei to train 200,000 youth in digital skills. (Profit by Pakistan Today)

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, outlined key policy initiatives, including the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, the National AI Policy, and the Cybersecurity Policy. She emphasized the development of technology parks and special technology zones, support for a strong startup ecosystem, and the transition to a cashless economy.

Distinguished International Guests and Speakers:

The DFDI Forum 2025 featured a diverse array of international dignitaries, industry leaders and experts who contributed to the event’s success. Notable attendees included:

• H.E. Shehbaz Sharif – Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
• H.E. Ishaq Dar – Deputy Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
• H.E. Deemah AlYahya – Secretary-General, Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)
• H.E. Shaza Fatima Khawaja – Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Government of Pakistan
• H.E. Muhammad Aurangzeb – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Government of Pakistan(dfdi.pk)

International Business Leaders and Experts:

• Tariq Farid: Founder & Chairman Broad Peak Technologies
• Fernando Morillo: Group Head of Retail Banking Mashreq
• Dermot Corry: President & CEO Milliman
• Davide Cichero: Chief of Staff, International Chambers of Commerce
• Michael Kende: Founder Kende Consulting
• Sefa Dogan: CEO and Founder, Exwalt
• Bookie Ghauri: Head of Digital, Technology & Innovation, Etihad
• Abu Bakar: CEO, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB)
• Fatima Asad Said: CEO, Abacus Consulting Technology Limited
• Naeem Mirza: CEO, AI Doctrine
• Shuja Keen: Founding Partner, NYA Labs
• Rao Mehroz Khan: Cross-border Expansion Manager, DCO
• Yasser Bashir: CEO Arbisoft (Pvt) Ltd
• Matthew Stephenson: Head Investment and Services, World Economic Forum
• Misbah Naqvi : Co-Founder & General Partner, I2i Ventures
• Zarrar Hasham: Secretary, Ministry of IT & Telecom
• Muhammad Hamayun Sajjad: CEO, Mashreq Bank Pakistan
• Linda Kessem: Director, PwC
• Carlo Maria Rossotto : Principal Investment Officer, IFC
• Brendan Mckittrick: Manager, The Internet of Aviation
• Samuel Rizk: Resident Representative, UNDP
• Asif Alam: CEO, Compliance.ai
• Ahmet Kayhan: Board Director Dgpays
• Raheel Iqbal: Vice Chairman, P@SHA
• Saleem Zoughbi: Digital Policy Advisor, United Nations University (UNU)
• Alina Timofeeva: Partner / Transformation Expert HorizonX Consulting
• Shahid Khan – Global Head & Partner, Arthur D. Little
• Julian Gorman – Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA
• Ahsan Jamil: Managing Partner, SAi Venture
• Dr. James Zhan: Chair Executive Board of World Investment Conference, WAIPA
• Dennis Hell: Principal Kearney(dfdi.pk, Associated Press of Pakistan)

Additionally, a high-powered UK delegation led by Dr. Samina Zehra Economic Minister at the Pakistan High Commission in London, attended the forum. The delegation included professionals and strategic investors in fields such as AI, quantum technologies, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure. Notable figures included Steve Suarez, Alina Timofeeva, Asim Khwaja and Shahzad Manzoor Khan, with discussions surrounding a potential $100 million investment pipeline. (Business Recorder)

International Media and Investor Engagement:

The event garnered significant international media attention, with coverage from major outlets highlighting Pakistan’s digital initiatives. Delegations from countries such as China, Russia, the United States, Indonesia, and Malaysia participated, reflecting the global interest in Pakistan’s digital economy. Over 75 foreign investors and CEOs of more than 50 global companies attended the event.

Workshops, Exhibitions and Cultural Exchange:

The DFDI Forum 2025 featured a range of activities including:

• Ministerial Roundtable Conference: Engaging high-level delegates from over 30 countries to discuss digital investment frameworks.
• Panel Discussions: Covering topics such as accelerating the digital skills ecosystem, financing for IT and tech, and investment opportunities in AI.
• Workshops and Roundtables: Focusing on digital infrastructure, skilled talent, and innovation strategies for emerging markets.
• B2B Investment Meetups: Facilitating connections between Pakistani startups and global investors, spotlighting fintech, AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
• Innovation Exhibition: Showcasing cutting-edge technologies from DCO member states.
• Cultural Evening: Celebrating Pakistan’s heritage with traditional music, dance, and cuisine to foster global goodwill and cultural exchange. (dfdi.pk)

Pakistan Digital Future:

The successful hosting of the DFDI Forum 2025 underscores Pakistan’s commitment to fostering a robust digital economy. With strategic policy initiatives, international collaborations, and significant investment commitments, Pakistan is poised to become a regional leader in technology and innovation. The forum’s outcomes are expected to catalyze further growth in the country’s IT sector, creating opportunities for economic development and global partnerships.

For further information or inquiries, please contact:

Tariq Jamal
Journalist, HD Flash News
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariq-jamal Email: reportertariqjamal@gmail.com
Phone: +92 308 5781074
Website: www.hfflashnews.com