Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are stepping up their collaboration in digital infrastructure, telecommunications, and emerging technologies following a high-level meeting in Riyadh between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and officials from GO Telecommunications Group and STC.
During the meeting, both sides discussed strategic cooperation in AI, fibre networks, cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, and human capital development. In a major announcement, GO Telecommunications Group revealed the establishment of GO AI Hub Pakistan, a dedicated centre for AI technologies and digital solutions, slated for launch in October 2025. The initiative aims to promote knowledge transfer, co-creation of digital applications, and capacity building between the two nations.
The discussions also covered expanding Pakistan’s role as a regional transit hub through investments in submarine cables and digital connectivity projects, aligning with Pakistan’s Connect Pakistan 2030 policy. STC, the largest telecom operator in Saudi Arabia and the GCC, highlighted Pakistan’s $3.8 billion IT export market and 200 million mobile users as key investment opportunities.
Minister Khawaja underscored the shared vision of a connected, knowledge-driven future, emphasising digital skill development, youth empowerment, and advancing Pakistan-Saudi Arabia collaboration. CEO Yahya bin Saleh Al Mansour highlighted that the partnership would diversify GO Telecommunications’ presence while strengthening ties with Pakistan.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to deepen decades-long ties between the two countries, following agreements signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s 2024 visit to Riyadh, including memoranda of understanding worth $2.8 billion, and a bilateral defence pact signed last month. Both nations are exploring further business, investment, and agricultural collaborations, with additional announcements expected during the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia.
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