Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to Boost Tech Ties Through Pakistan Digital Corridor

In a significant step toward regional tech transformation, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are strengthening their partnership by advancing collaboration in emerging technologies, particularly under the vision of the Pakistan Digital Corridor. This ambitious initiative aims to create a seamless digital bridge connecting Pakistan with China and Central Asia, reinforcing the region’s role in global connectivity.

High-Level Talks to Strengthen Digital Infrastructure

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, recently met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Engineer Abdullah Al-Swaha. Their discussions centered on deepening cooperation in fields like artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and digital infrastructure development—highlighting the mutual vision of a digitally empowered region.

Establishing the Pakistan Digital Corridor

One of the meeting’s core discussions was the creation of the Pakistan Digital Corridor. This strategic project will link Pakistan digitally with China and Central Asia, facilitating smoother cross-border connectivity for data, innovation, and business ecosystems. It’s not just a pipeline for information exchange, but a gateway to unlock regional innovation, tech growth, and digital entrepreneurship.

Training the Youth: Semiconductor Focus

Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized Pakistan’s investment in human capital, announcing a Rs4.8 billion initiative under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). This project will train over 7,000 Pakistani youth in semiconductor technologies—an essential area for future tech competitiveness. The training will help bridge the skill gap and position Pakistan as a capable contributor to the global semiconductor supply chain.

Strategic Alignment with Saudi Arabia

Pakistan has shown keen interest in collaborating with Saudi Arabia’s National Semiconductor Hub. With the kingdom taking a bold lead in technological innovation, Pakistan’s endorsement reflects a strategic alignment to nurture regional synergy. Shaza Fatima praised the Saudi government’s forward-thinking approach and emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to work alongside the kingdom for mutual growth.

Public-Private Tech Partnerships on the Rise

The dialogue also included the potential for enhanced public-private collaboration between Saudi and Pakistani firms. These partnerships aim to accelerate innovation through joint ventures and shared digital infrastructure, while also exploring collaborative opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s National Technology Development Programme.

Cybersecurity and Regional Stability

Pakistan also presented its cybersecurity milestones, highlighting how its armed forces have played a critical role in ensuring digital resilience amidst evolving geopolitical challenges. This showcased Pakistan’s maturity in handling digital threats and its preparedness to support broader digital ambitions of the region.

A Shared Vision for Digital Leadership

The bilateral meeting not only underscored both countries’ technological aspirations but also reaffirmed their strategic alliance for a connected, secure, and innovation-driven future. With Pakistan and Saudi Arabia working together on initiatives like the Pakistan Digital Corridor, the groundwork is being laid for a stronger, smarter, and more integrated digital future.