Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja met with senior officials of Saudi Telecom Company in Riyadh on 3 October 2025 to explore business and investment opportunities. The meeting focused on facilitating collaboration that can support Pakistan’s digital transformation while recognising STC’s role as the largest telecom operator in Saudi Arabia and the GCC and its contribution to the Vision 2030 digital agenda.
Discussions considered a potential STC partnership under the Connect Pakistan 2030 policy framework, with emphasis on expanding Pakistan’s fibre network, cloud services and cybersecurity capabilities. Officials noted that Pakistan’s IT exports of about $3.8 billion and a mobile market serving roughly 200 million users make the country an attractive destination for strategic telecom and digital investment.
Delegates also exchanged ideas on fintech cooperation, including low‑cost cross‑border payment solutions that could ease remittances and trade flows. Strengthening Pakistan’s position as a regional transit hub to connect the GCC, Asia and Africa featured prominently in the talks, with both sides flagging opportunities in submarine cables and wider digital connectivity projects.
Officials agreed to continue dialogue to flesh out investment proposals and technical cooperation, and to examine pilot projects and partnership models that align with Pakistan’s Connect Pakistan 2030 priorities. The meeting set the stage for further follow‑up between relevant agencies and STC to advance practical steps toward collaboration.
