Saudi crown prince seeks millions of Pakistani IT workers: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed on Monday that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested millions of skilled workers from Pakistan’s Information Technology sector to support the kingdom’s expanding technological infrastructure.

Speaking to his cabinet, PM Shehbaz shared outcomes from his recent diplomatic trips to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where both nations expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan on workforce and IT development.

During talks with the Saudi crown prince, PM Shehbaz reported that Saudi Arabia anticipates an increased need for IT professionals in the near future, Express News reported.

Saudi delegations also explored opportunities in solar energy, mining, agriculture, and IT, with a Pakistani team scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia soon for further discussions.

In Qatar, PM Shehbaz said productive talks were held with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who reiterated Qatar’s commitment to economic cooperation.

Qatar plans to fast-track a previously pledged $3 billion investment, with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) preparing to send a team to Pakistan this month to explore projects in IT and mineral sectors. The Qatari emir also announced plans for an IT park in Pakistan, further cementing bilateral tech ties.

PM secures $3b Qatari investment pledges

Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said on Friday that Qatar would make an investment of $3 billion in diverse sectors, which would have a significant impact on the national economy and ultimately benefit the masses.

A delegation from Qatar would soon visit Pakistan to materialise the investment pledges, the minister said, while addressing a news conference which mainly highlighted the substantive economic gains, achieved by Pakistan with the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.