Pakistan invites UAE telecom giant Etisalat to expand investment across key sectors

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended a formal invitation to UAE-based telecom conglomerate Etisalat Group to scale up its investments in Pakistan’s economy, pledging full government support and a business-friendly environment.

The offer came during a high-level meeting in Islamabad with Etisalat’s Group CEO Hatem Dowidar, as both sides reaffirmed their longstanding economic and strategic partnership.

“The government is committed to providing all necessary facilities to foreign investors,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that creating a business-friendly environment and expanding investment opportunities for UAE-based and other international firms remains a top priority for Pakistan.

Highlighting the longstanding ties between Pakistan and the UAE, the prime minister said the relationship is rooted in shared cultural, religious, and fraternal values. “UAE companies have been investing in Pakistan’s economy for many years,” he noted.

Etisalat Group CEO Hatem Dowidar commended the government’s recent investor-friendly policies, describing them as instrumental in improving the business climate for global companies operating in Pakistan.

Dowidar said Etisalat has had a successful investment presence in Pakistan for the past 19 years and is eager to expand its business operations further. “We are committed to long-term and successful investment in Pakistan’s future,” he said.

He added that over 10,000 Pakistanis are currently serving in various capacities within the Etisalat Group, contributing significantly to the company’s operations.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and senior officials from relevant departments.