Foreign investors to get visas in 24 hours: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the recommendation of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), ordered the issuance of visas within 24 hours for foreign businesspersons seeking services from Pakistan IT companies.

During a meeting focused on the IT sector, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction with the ongoing efforts to boost Information Technology (IT) exports, setting a target of $25 billion over the next five years. He directed the concerned authorities to improve IT infrastructure to meet this target.

The Prime Minister highlighted the need to simplify existing Right of Way regulations to support the expansion of broadband networks, especially through fiber optics, across the country. He also stressed the importance of equipping the youth with internationally competitive IT training to enhance their employment prospects globally.

To attract foreign investment into Pakistan’s IT sector, the Prime Minister instructed that visa procedures be facilitated for business people interested in investing in the sector. He further called for the formulation of a strategy to promote Pakistan’s IT industry on the international platform.

During the briefing, the Prime Minister was updated on initiatives aimed at boosting IT exports, which include efforts to extend broadband services to underserved areas, improve internet speeds, and ensure broader access to smartphones.

The briefing also revealed plans to increase the number of freelancers in Pakistan from 1.4 million to 2 million within the next two years. Additionally, the DigiSkills program is set to train over 300000 individuals by June 2025, with plans to extend this to 900000 in the following two years.

These efforts are part of a larger national strategy to enhance Pakistan’s IT sector and increase its contribution to the global digital economy.