Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to enhance tech collaboration
Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja: PHOTO: APP
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja held a high-level meeting with Saudi Minister for Communications and Information Technology Engineer Abdullah Al-Swaha to enhance collaboration in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure.
The two sides discussed the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Corridor to China and Central Asia to strengthen global connectivity.
They emphasised the need for cooperation in AI and computing technologies, reaffirming their commitment to strategic partnerships.
Shaza Fatima highlighted a Rs4.8 billion project approved under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to train over 7,000 Pakistani youth in semiconductor technologies.
She reiterated Pakistan's support for Saudi Arabia's National Semiconductor Hub, expressing confidence in the kingdom's leadership in the tech domain.
Discussions also covered collaboration under Saudi Arabia's National Technology Development Programme and ways to foster partnerships between Pakistani and Saudi companies.
Shaza Fatima outlined Pakistan's cybersecurity successes and the strong role played by its armed forces in recent geopolitical developments.
She reaffirmed that Pakistan remains a committed partner in Saudi Arabia's growth and success.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
Forces eliminate two Indian-backed terrorists in Balochistan
RAWALPINDI: Two Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed and two others arrested in an operation by security forces in Balochistan, the military's media wing said on Sunday. The intelligence-based operation was conducted in Duki district after reports of the presence of terrorists affiliated with 'Fitna-e-Hindustan' (a terror proxy backed by India), according to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). ISPR stated that the hideout of the terrorists was effectively targeted. In the ensuing gun battle, two Indian-backed militants were killed, and two were taken into custody. Weapons, ammunition, and explosive materials were also recovered from the slain terrorists, who were reportedly involved in multiple terrorist activities. The military spokesperson affirmed that security forces remain committed to eradicating Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country, and vowed that such terrorists and their facilitators will be brought to justice. Yesterday, as many as 13 Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom in a suicide.
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Crackdown underway: Pakistan's FIA identifies investors with AED 2m real estate holdings in UAE
ISLAMABAD: The resident Pakistanis who have made a qualifying investment of at least 2.0 million AED in real estate in Dubai/ UAE have been identified from the immigration data maintained by the FIA at the airports, and a major crackdown under the income tax laws and anti-money laundering regulations is under way. As per sources, thousands of Pakistani residents are holding 10-year golden visas (Residence/ Iqama) of the UAE issued due to investment of at least AED 2.0 million. These Pakistanis use the Golden Residence card at the Pakistan immigration counters while travelling to the UAE, which is scanned and saved in the FIA Immigration portal. The residence card (Iqama) contains the following information: Pakistani passport number and name; Profession – Property owner; Sponsor – Self Sponsor; and Issue date/ Expiry date – 10 years. 'Dubai Unlocked': Pakistanis own properties worth $11bn in emirate city, report says From the above data, the property investor can easily be identified and it can be ascertained whether investment in UAE property has been declared in their wealth statement or not. As per sources, the majority of resident Pakistanis have neither declared this investment in UAE properties in their wealth statements nor the rental income/ capital gain in shown in the return of total income. Similarly, CVT on foreign assets is also not paid. When contacted for comments, Shahid Jami, tax consultant, explained that though there is a tax treaty between Pakistan and UAE, which includes an Article for exchange of information but UAE has reportedly not provided information to Pakistani tax authorities. Similarly, under the Automatic Exchange of Information treaty, financial data is not provided as bank accounts are opened in UAE by using the residence permit as an identity document instead of a Pakistani passport. Jami added that due to the aforementioned factors, there is a tendency not to declare the investment made. Similarly, for investment, the use of informal remittances is also available easily at an affordable cost. He stated that, therefore, those taxpayers who declared foreign assets under the amnesty scheme now feel that they have made a mistake, as those who did not declare are outside the radar without any fear of being caught. Jami explained that tax laws have become very stringent, and in respect of foreign assets, the erstwhile limitation of five years is not applicable. He advised the taxpayers not to suppress foreign assets and not to violate foreign exchange regulations. When asked how to make lawful foreign investment and legitimate tax-free earnings, he stated that tax planning schemes within the framework of law are available, and very few compliant taxpayers are already availing those. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Trade with Uzbekistan: FCCI says issues related to banks can be resolved on priority basis
FAISALABAD: Banks related issues could be resolved on top priority basis to give a quantum jump to the bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, said Rehan Naseem Bharara, President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI). In a meeting with Sarvar Abdirakhimov, Second Secretary Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, they discussed diverse issues relating to agriculture, textile, towel, hosiery, surgical goods and cutlery etc. President FCCI said that Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Tukhtayev was kind enough to allow the issuance of visas to the local businessmen on the recommendation of FCCI on his personal request while Uzbek Airways was also operating three weekly flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He said that middle men were exploiting the current situation due to the non-availability of proper and direct banking channels between the two countries. He said that the governments of two countries must remove these hurdles to streamline and enhance the direct trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Rehan Naseem said that he has extended an invitation to Alisher Tukhtayev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to visit FCCI at a time and date convenient to him. Sarvar Abdirakhimov said that his government was offering excellent opportunities and incentives to the potential investors. He said that land would be provided particularly to the potato growers in Uzbekistan. He said that his country was also interested in enhancing cooperation with Pakistani investors in the fields of leather and meat processing etc. He said that the Uzbek President is also expected to visit Pakistan which would help in resolving the current issues at the top level. He said that a 'Made in Pakistan Expo' was held in June last year and this practice could be repeated to showcase and introduce Pakistani products in the Uzbek markets. Qaisar Shams Gucha, SVP offered vote of thanks while President Rehan Naseem Bharara decorated Sarvar Abdirakhimov with a special 'Pin' to mark the 50 Year Golden Jubilee Celebrations of FCCI. He also presented him FCCI shield and gifts. Sarvar Abdirakhimov also reciprocated by presenting a traditional dagger of his country to the President FCCI. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
