Pakistan has firmly established its position as a frontrunner in the digital economy by successfully hosting the inaugural Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum 2025 (DFDI) in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). The landmark event, held in Islamabad from April 29-30, 2025, convened over 700 global leaders, including Heads of State, government ministers, international investors, policymakers, and technology innovators from DCO member states and beyond. The forum served as a crucial platform for exploring innovative approaches to digital investment frameworks and unlocking significant opportunities within the burgeoning digital landscape.
A key highlight of the DFDI was the official launch of the “Digital FDI Pakistan Insight Report.” This comprehensive document outlines Pakistan’s pioneering strategy in digital development, built upon the DCO’s Digital FDI Initiative. Notably, Pakistan has become the first nation to fully implement the initiative across its four core pillars, identifying six strategic priority actions designed to attract sustained digital investment. The nation has already witnessed significant traction, securing over $700 million in digital investment to date.
Prime Minister of Pakistan, His Excellency Shahbaz Sharif, underscored the nation’s commitment to digital transformation, stating, “Pakistan is proud to lead the way in digital transformation, and the success of DFDI is a testament to our commitment to fostering a thriving, investment-friendly digitally enabled economy through a multistakeholder approach. With the support of DCO, fellow DCO Member States and partners, we are creating a blueprint for sustainable development that will benefit not only Pakistan and our digital ecosystem, but all nations undergoing a digital transformation.”
At the forum, Prime Minister Sharif personally acknowledged the pivotal role of DCO Secretary-General, Her Excellency Deemah AlYahya, and the DCO in advancing Pakistan’s digital foreign investment ecosystem. The event witnessed robust international participation, with representatives from over 45 countries, more than 40 international companies and startups showcasing their innovations, approximately 35 ministers and official delegations, over 30 global thought leaders, and more than 50 CEOs from leading IT enterprises.
Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication, Her Excellency Shaza Fatima Khawaja, highlighted Pakistan’s rapid strides in digital governance and infrastructure development. “In just one year, under the leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister, we’ve delivered resoundingly across digital governance, exports, infrastructure, and skills,” she affirmed. “Our IT exports have grown by 25% from last year, 146 departments have been digitally transformed, and Pakistan has risen 14 places in the UN’s e-government development index. This is the foundation for a truly investment-ready digital economy.”
Her Excellency Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, expressed her profound appreciation for Pakistan’s leadership. “On behalf of the Digital Cooperation Organization, I wish to express our deep appreciation to the Government of Pakistan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their stellar efforts in enabling the success of the first DFDI,” she stated. “The DFDI Forum has demonstrated the transformative power of investment in bridging digital divides and accelerating sustainable growth. More than just an event, it is a declaration that Pakistan is ready to lead in the global digital economy. Pakistan is not waiting for the future to happen; it is actively shaping it on its own terms, driven by its ambition and vision.”
The DCO remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a global investment environment where all nations can leverage digital innovation for inclusive and sustainable growth. As a founding member of the DCO, established in November 2020, and with its upcoming 2026 presidency, Pakistan is strategically positioning itself as a key driver of global digital economy conversations, partnerships, and innovations, poised to significantly influence the future of digital investment.
