KSA to headhunt Pakistan’s IT talent

ISLAMABAD:

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, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told his cabinet members on Monday.

Shehbaz, who recently returned from trips to Riyadh and Doha, briefed his ministers on the outcomes of his visits, stating that both Gulf states expressed strong interest in collaborating with Pakistan on workforce and IT development.

The prime minister said he held productive discussions with the leadership of Saudi Arabia and Qatar on potential partnerships in solar energy, mining, minerals, and the IT sector.

During a meeting, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the high demand for IT professionals in the kingdom and requested Pakistan to send skilled personnel to meet this need.
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 he held productive talks 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.