Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has 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 Center on Saturday, 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 emphasized that over 60% 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 Prime Minister pointed out the government’s achievements in stabilizing 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. Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday stressed the need for agricultural self-sufficiency, calling for modernization of the sector through the combined efforts of skilled professionals and youth engagement. Chairing a high-level consultative meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister said Pakistan’s fertile land, experienced agricultural experts, and hardworking farmers provide a strong foundation for sectoral reform. He emphasized that stakeholder input will be incorporated into a coordinated strategy to enhance productivity and sustainability. Shehbaz highlighted the importance of promoting agro-based cottage industries, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and proper storage infrastructure to strengthen rural economies. He noted the current lack of off-season crop storage and small-scale value addition plants, suggesting that their development could spur entrepreneurship among rural youth and boost exports. Participants of the meeting identified key areas for reform, including the adoption of digital tools and artificial intelligence. Proposals included expanding smartphone and internet access in rural areas, creating a centralized farmer database, and deploying blockchain and QR code systems to improve agricultural input delivery. The discussion also covered soil fertility improvement, the promotion of nutrient-rich crops through scientific methods, and the launch of training initiatives via public-private partnerships. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to engage youth, prioritise research and development, and move toward national self-reliance in agriculture through collaborative action.