RIYADH (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasised the significance of a knowledge-driven economy, powered by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), education, and healthcare.
Addressing the 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh on Tuesday, the prime minister stressed that collective global collaboration and partnerships are essential to tackling modern challenges, as no single country can address them alone.
"Pakistan is ready to partner with those who envision a promising future. We invite investors to bring their expertise and creativity to Pakistan as we work toward a resilient and prosperous future," the prime minister stated during his address.
The FII, themed "Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow," gathers global leaders to discuss and promote investment in areas including AI, robotics, education, energy, healthcare, finance, and sustainability. Participating nations focus on solutions to global issues and promoting economic strength, while addressing sustainable development and innovation.
PM Shehbaz noted Pakistan’s commitment to a transformative journey focused on resilience, stability, and growth. He outlined Pakistan’s strategy to establish a knowledge-based economy centered on innovation in AI, education, and healthcare and expressed a desire to develop partnerships that will advance these goals.
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Highlighting the importance of AI, he remarked, "AI is a transformative force impacting economies, societies, and industries globally. Pakistan is not only embracing AI; we are committed to excelling in it."
He outlined a clear mission, emphasizing the encouragement of young minds to push the boundaries of AI, training skilled engineers and data scientists, and enabling the workforce to utilise AI across various sectors.
The prime minister envisioned AI as a force for positive change, free from biases, and emphasized that Pakistan, along with partners like Saudi Arabia, views AI as a tool for empowerment. Since taking office in March, he explained that his government has focused on the well-being of its people, with notable progress toward macroeconomic stability, enabling a period of sustained growth.
"This journey isn’t solely ours; it’s a global call to our friends. Together, we can build a future marked by innovation and prosperity," he said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. He noted Pakistan’s large and vibrant youth population, describing it as "our promise for tomorrow," and expressed confidence in their ability to confront emerging challenges.
Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the prime minister said Pakistan shares a similar mission of investing in its youth to shape the future. He underscored the commitment to empower young people through quality education, digital inclusivity, and essential skills that enable them to thrive in a dynamic world.
Beyond AI, he spoke about Pakistan’s commitment to agricultural innovation, climate resilience, and the fight against misinformation, aiming to leverage AI not just for competition, but for empowerment and improvement.
"Our ambitions in AI are anchored in a strong educational foundation. Through reforms, vocational training, and digital literacy, we aspire to develop a skilled, tech-savvy generation," he added.
He highlighted initiatives like the Daanish Schools and the Education Endowment Fund, which have made quality education accessible to previously underserved communities.
"These graduates are the doctors, engineers, and innovators of tomorrow, lifting their communities and driving progress, proving that education is a true equalizer," he said.
On healthcare, he described it as a cornerstone of human advancement, noting that Pakistan’s healthcare sector includes over 275,000 doctors, with many young professionals pioneering new health-tech solutions. He envisioned cross-border collaborations in areas like genome sequencing and personalized medicine, which could redefine healthcare systems.
Institutions like King Edward Medical College, NUST, and Aga Khan University hold potential for breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatment, and disease prevention, he added. The Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute & Research Centre (PKLI) also plays a crucial role in providing advanced healthcare services, helping to build a healthier society.
"As we explore these infinite horizons, one truth is evident: the future of human advancement lies in collaboration," he remarked. He expressed optimism about Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s growing partnership, which he hopes will serve as a beacon of inspiration.
PM Shehbaz also emphasised that global progress requires peace and stability, stressing the importance of stopping the bloodshed in Gaza for meaningful advancement.
He expressed heartfelt appreciation for King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their visionary leadership in bringing together world leaders and experts to discuss future-shaping issues.
He was particularly inspired by Riyadh’s transformation from a desert oasis to a global metropolis, describing it as a symbol of "limitless possibilities" and a vision for a better tomorrow.
"We are inspired to dream big, make choices today, and set a course for a future that resonates beyond borders," he concluded, inviting global leaders to share in this vision.