| Shehbaz Sharif says reduction in inflation, interest rate, electricity prices, and rise of stock market hallmark of gov’s efforts  | Invites friendly countries to invest in Pakistan | Vows agricultural revival through innovation, scientific reforms.

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD  -  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that Pakistan offers a highly conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investment, with vast potential for economic growth and employment generation through the use of modern technology. Speaking at the Health Engineering and Minerals Show at the Expo Centre in Lahore, the prime minister highlighted the government’s commitment to creating investment opportunities across various sectors, including mining, information technology, and artificial intelligence. “Pakistan is rich in talent, especially in IT and AI sectors. We are extending investment opportunities to friendly nations and inviting them to initiate joint ventures, particularly in the mining and minerals sector,” he said.

The event was attended by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Chief Executive of TDAP Faiz Ahmed, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, business leaders, foreign delegates, and economic experts.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that over 60 percent of Pakistan’s population comprises youths, who are intelligent, capable and equipping themselves with modern skills and professional training. “Our young generation is our asset, and with the right direction and innovation, they can drive Pakistan’s economic success,” he added.

The PM pointed out the government’s achievements in stabilising the economy. “Inflation has dropped from 38% to single digits, and the policy interest rate has been reduced from 22.5% to 12%. The stock market is performing strongly, and electricity prices have been reduced to lower industrial production costs and prices of essential goods,” he stated.

He also announced that Pakistan’s exports are increasing due to the government’s consistent efforts and progressive policies. “We have successfully reduced reliance on imported goods by increasing local production,” he noted.

Shehbaz Sharif lauded the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, calling their contributions vital for economic development. He also congratulated the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant departments for organizing a successful event.

The exhibition featured a range of high-tech stalls showcasing agricultural machinery, precious stones, pharmaceuticals, and surgical instruments. Dignitaries and delegates from China, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the United States, Turkey, and other countries participated, with a total of 860 foreign delegates in attendance.

On this occasion, several bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, marking new milestones in Pakistan’s trade and investment outreach. The Prime Minister concluded by inviting international investors to engage in Pakistan’s promising sectors without hesitation, assuring them of a secure and business-friendly environment.

Also, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reiterated his government’s commitment to revitalise Pakistan’s agricultural sector through innovation, sustainable development, and active participation of young experts and stakeholders.

“Pakistan has fertile land, capable agricultural engineers, and hardworking farmers. Other than climate challenges, we have all the ingredients for success. Real growth and progress in this sector can only come through science-led strategies,” the prime minister said chairing a high-level consultative meeting on agriculture sector here.

The meeting was attended by a diverse group of young agricultural scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and exporters, along with key federal ministers, to explore a forward-looking roadmap for agricultural reform in the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz called for tapping into the talent of young professionals and researchers, while leveraging the wisdom of experienced experts to guide the process.

He said that cotton production had fallen so low that Pakistan had become an importer, while neighboring countries like India and China had progressed in crop yields.

Referring to 65% of Pakistan’s rural population, the prime minister stressed the need to provide meaningful opportunities to rural youth, particularly in agri-tech and entrepreneurship.

He noted the absence of patronage for local agri-machinery manufacturers and service companies supporting small farmers, urging that these be brought into a systematic framework.

“Today’s meeting is a turning point. We must learn from past neglect and embrace a comprehensive, inclusive strategy to move forward,” the prime minister stated, lamenting the lack of off-season storage facilities and value addition plants that could create jobs and reduce food wastage. Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the formation of working committees on five critical sectors identified during the meeting to submit actionable recommendations within two weeks.

“This is our chance to revive Pakistan’s agri-economy with the help of our young minds, scientific knowledge, and collective commitment. Let’s not waste any more time,” the prime minister said.

The participants agreed on several priority areas requiring urgent attention mainly technological integration as proposals were floated to improve digital access in rural areas through better smartphone and internet availability, creating a central database for farmers and incorporating blockchain and QR code systems for input delivery to boost transparency and efficiency.

They also emphasized on improving soil fertility and encouraging research to promote nutritious, high-yield crop production. Public-private training programs were proposed to enhance farmers’ skills, whereas the participants stressed upgrading existing agricultural markets, developing new infrastructure, and ensuring widespread availability of modern equipment to enhance productivity.

The meeting highlighted the need to increase both domestic and foreign investment in the agri-sector, while also strengthening the role of financial institutions and facilitating agricultural loans.

The participants called for a transparent regulatory framework with increased involvement of experts, farmers, and relevant stakeholders in policymaking processes to ensure long-term success.

The experts highlighted that Pakistan’s per-acre agricultural yield especially for wheat, sugarcane, and cotton lagged behind global benchmarks due to poor seed quality, inefficient water use, and substandard agricultural practices.

Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik, IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also attended the meeting.